Last week I had the chance to visit the iconic Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio for the first time, ahead of this year’s Enshrinement ceremony. The parking lot / exterior part of the property is currently under construction (and I was told it will be for the next two to three years), as the NFL is looking to transform the space into even more of a big-time destination for football fans.
Inside, the Hall dazzles with its many displays. I sought after as much Philadelphia Eagles memorabilia as possible, finding jerseys (some older, some newer, including Donna Kelce’s Eagles/Chiefs combo Super Bowl one from earlier this year) and the Super Bowl 52 ring.
The 2024 Super Bowl Lombardi Trophy is on display, along with a football signed by Rihanna, who headlined the ’23 Halftime Show. There’s a gigantic records wall for stats fans and a section devoted to Pop Culture, featuring old ABC camera equipment, a DVD of “Brian’s Song” and a special Emmy Award to the creation of NFL Films. There’s also a video montage of TV and film highlights, including “Monday Night Football” and “Invincible”.
The Bust Room is of course a highlight. Had to see some of my favorite Eagles players and entertainment figures, including game show hosts Michael Strahan (“The $100,000 Pyramid”) and Peyton Manning (“College Bowl”). Manning also has his own puppet, which was used in a recent commercial. Also liked seeing the busts of Kurt Warner (the focus of “American Underdog”), Joe Namath (who made a famous appearance on “The Brady Bunch”), Frank Gifford (though, frankly, I don’t think it looks much like him) and the late John Madden.
If you’re a Tom Brady fan, you may be surprised to learn the so-called “Greatest Quarterback of All-Time” and “80 For Brady” & “Ted 2” actor is hardly represented throughout the Hall. The gift shop is filled with shirts, hats and much, much more for all 32 teams. You can even get a board with a player’s large signature on it for $100.
After visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY when I was very young, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, RI in 2015 and 2017, it was great to check the Pro Football Hall of Fame off my sports hall of fame list.