Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau for February 23, 1978
February 22, 1978
February 24, 1978
Transcript:
Duke: Mr. Williams, I hope I'm not being out of line in telling you that I think I understand your problem. Basically, you're hot for the Super Bowl? Man: Can you get me there, Mr. Duke? Duke: With time? Without question, sir! But I'd be remiss if I failed to mention that my talents are in considerable demand now! Man: Well, do you think you could live with $100,000 a year? Duke: Hmm... I'd like to, sir. I really would. But with my mother in the hospital now... Man: Pity. Could you suggest anyone else who... Duke: Oh, the heck with Mom! This is too imporant!
George Allen was actually dismissed after he refused to accept a 4 year contract for $1 million (so $250k/year). They are getting Duke cheap!
Incidentally, the average salary for a player in 1978 was under $62,600. Fran Tarkenton was the highest-paid quarterback at $360,000 and running back O. J. Simpson was the highest paid player, at just under $733,400.