Pro Football Hall of Fame

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Pro Football Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame for professional American football, located in Canton, Ohio. It was established in 1963 to honor the greatest players, coaches, and contributors in the history of the National Football League (NFL). The Hall of Fame is a major tourist attraction and a significant part of the cultural heritage of American football.

History

The idea for the Pro Football Hall of Fame was first proposed in the early 1960s. Canton, Ohio, was chosen as the site for the Hall of Fame because the city is recognized as the birthplace of the NFL. The league was founded in Canton on September 17, 1920, initially as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) before being renamed the NFL in 1922.

The Hall of Fame officially opened its doors on September 7, 1963, with an initial class of 17 inductees. Since then, the Hall of Fame has grown significantly, both in terms of the number of inductees and the size of the facility.

Induction Process

The selection process for the Pro Football Hall of Fame is rigorous and highly selective. Each year, a Selection Committee, composed of media members from each NFL city, at-large members, and one representative from the Pro Football Writers of America, reviews the candidates. The process includes a preliminary list, a semi-finalist list, and a finalist list before the final vote.

To be eligible for induction, players and coaches must have been retired for at least five years. Contributors, such as team owners and executives, can be considered at any time. The final selection is made by a vote of the Selection Committee, and a candidate must receive at least 80% approval to be inducted.

Exhibits and Features

The Pro Football Hall of Fame features a wide range of exhibits and interactive displays that celebrate the history and achievements of professional football. Key exhibits include:

• The Hall of Fame Gallery, which showcases the bronze busts of all inductees.
• The Lamar Hunt Super Bowl Gallery, which chronicles the history of the Super Bowl.
• The Pro Football Today Gallery, which highlights current NFL stars and recent achievements.
• The "A Game for Life" holographic theater, which features holographic representations of Hall of Famers sharing their stories and experiences.

Annual Enshrinement Ceremony

The Hall of Fame's annual Enshrinement Ceremony is a major event in the NFL calendar. It takes place during the Hall of Fame Weekend, which includes the Hall of Fame Game, a preseason NFL game held at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. The ceremony attracts thousands of fans and is attended by many current and former NFL players, coaches, and executives.

Notable Inductees

Some of the most notable inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame include:

• Jim Brown
• Joe Montana
• Jerry Rice
• Walter Payton
• Lawrence Taylor
• Tom Landry
• Vince Lombardi

Related Pages

• National Football League
• Super Bowl
• American football
• Canton, Ohio
• Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium