Green Bay completed a September 7, 1928 deal sending guard…
Green Bay completed a September 7, 1928 deal sending guard Ray Marelli to the Chicago Cardinals. Transaction listings describe the consideration as possible cash, while contemporary Packers coverage says no players came back to Green Bay, so the payment should be treated as reported rather than certain. Marelli played only two games with one start for Chicago, leaving little evidence that either side captured a major advantage.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- player Ray Marelli
Green Bay Packers Received
- other reported cash consideration (amount unconfirmed)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Green Bay history says a deal was completed on September 7, 1928 to send Notre Dame lineman Ray Marelli to the Chicago Cardinals and specifically notes that no players were involved in the return. Pro Sports Transactions lists the Packers’ consideration as “cash?” That combination supports a non-player payment, but not a precise amount or absolute certainty about the financial terms.
Chicago Cardinals Return
Green Bay completed a September 7, 1928 deal sending guard Ray Marelli to the Chicago Cardinals. Transaction listings describe the consideration as possible cash, while contemporary Packers coverage says no players came back to Green Bay, so the payment should be treated as reported rather than certain. Marelli played only two games with one start for Chicago, leaving little evidence that either side captured a major advantage.
Green Bay Packers Return
Chicago acquired Ray Marelli from Green Bay just before the 1928 season, while the Packers appear to have received cash or another non-player consideration. Marelli’s Cardinals tenure lasted only two games and one start. Because the surviving record does not firmly establish the payment amount and the player return was so brief, the most defensible outcome is an even trade with conservative grades on both sides.
Value in Hindsight
The measurable football result is two games and one start for Marelli. The measurable Green Bay return is an apparent non-player payment of unknown size. Neither side can demonstrate a substantial long-term benefit from the information that survives, and the uncertainty itself should be reflected in the grade rather than hidden behind a strong verdict.
Final Verdict
Even Trade is the fairest result. C grades recognize a legitimate completed transaction but only minimal realized football value and incomplete financial detail. Chicago got a very short stint from Marelli; Green Bay likely got cash, but not enough is known to claim a clear winner.