Jim Thorpe's legacy beyond the 1920s was amazing. In 1920, he played a part in helping organize the National Football League (NFL). He served as the organizations first president, he also played for teams like Canton, New York, and St. Petersburg. After he finished playing football, he officially retired in 1929. he paved the way for athletes like Babe Ruth, Jessee Owens, and Bo Jackson, who actually played in the NFL and the MLB.