2015 PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME ENSHRINEMENT … · 2015. 8. 3. · NFL SEASON TO KICK OFF IN CANTON...

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COMMITMENT INTEGRITY COURAGE RESPECT EXCELLENCE Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values & Celebrate Excellence EVERYWHERE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE @ProFootballHOF 08/03/15 #PFHOF15 Contact: Pete Fierle, Vice President of Communications & Special Assistant to the President [email protected]; 330-588-3622 2015 PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME ENSHRINEMENT WEEKEND, AUG. 6-9 NFL SEASON TO KICK OFF IN CANTON WHERE LEAGUE WAS BORN IN 1920 Attention Media - The following information is being provided to present a complete picture of the major events and personalities that will be involved at the Pro Football Hall of Fame during the 2015 Enshrinement Weekend from Thursday, Aug. 6 to Sunday, Aug. 9. NOTE: Media covering the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend in Canton are strongly encouraged to reference the Hall’s media site that will be continually updated throughout the week and weekend including the media schedule. ProFootballHOF.com/media (log-in: canton) CLASS OF 2015 With the addition of the Class of 2015, there are now 295 members in the most exclusive club in all of sports, the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jerome Bettis Running Back • 5’11” 243 • Notre Dame • 1993-1995 Los Angeles/ St. Louis Rams, 1996- 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers 13 seasons, 192 games • Selected by Rams in 1st round (10th player overall) of 1993 NFL Draft • Finished second in the NFL in rushing during his rookie season after gaining 1,429 yards, including his career-high 212-yard game • Earned Rookie of the Year honors • Leading rusher for Rams three seasons, and Steelers eight times • Eight 1,000-plus yard seasons tied for third-best in NFL history at retirement • Scored 91 rushing touchdowns, eclipsed the 100-yard mark in 64 games, and had 1,449 yards on 200 receptions and 3 touchdowns • Named NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year, 1996 when gaining 1,431 yards on 320 carries along with 11 Touchdowns • In Super Bowl XL his rushing touchdown contributed in the Steelers victory over the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 • Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2001) • Six-time Pro Bowler, and three-time All-Pro selection (1993, 1996, 2nd team 1997), All-NFC (1993) and All-AFC (1996, 1997) • At the time of his retirement, Bettis ranked fifth all-time in rushing with 13,662 yards on 3,479 career carries • Born February 16, 1972 in Detroit, Michigan. Year of Eligibility: 5 Year as Finalist: 5

Transcript of 2015 PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME ENSHRINEMENT … · 2015. 8. 3. · NFL SEASON TO KICK OFF IN CANTON...

Page 1: 2015 PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME ENSHRINEMENT … · 2015. 8. 3. · NFL SEASON TO KICK OFF IN CANTON WHERE LEAGUE WAS BORN IN 1920 Attention Media - The following information is being

COMMITMENT • INTEGRITY • COURAGE • RESPECT • EXCELLENCE

Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values & Celebrate Excellence EVERYWHERE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE @ProFootballHOF 08/03/15 #PFHOF15 Contact: Pete Fierle, Vice President of Communications & Special Assistant to the President [email protected]; 330-588-3622

2015 PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME ENSHRINEMENT WEEKEND, AUG. 6-9

NFL SEASON TO KICK OFF IN CANTON WHERE LEAGUE WAS BORN IN 1920

Attention Media - The following information is being provided to present a complete picture of the major events and personalities that will be involved at the Pro Football Hall of Fame during the 2015 Enshrinement Weekend from Thursday, Aug. 6 to Sunday, Aug. 9. NOTE: Media covering the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend in Canton are strongly encouraged to reference the Hall’s media site that will be continually updated throughout the week and weekend including the media schedule. ProFootballHOF.com/media (log-in: canton)

CLASS OF 2015 With the addition of the Class of 2015, there are now 295 members in the most exclusive club in all of sports, the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jerome Bettis Running Back • 5’11” 243 • Notre Dame • 1993-1995 Los Angeles/ St. Louis Rams, 1996-2005 Pittsburgh Steelers 13 seasons, 192 games • Selected by Rams in 1st round (10th player overall) of 1993 NFL Draft • Finished second in the NFL in rushing during his rookie season after gaining 1,429 yards, including his career-high 212-yard game • Earned Rookie of the Year honors • Leading rusher for Rams three seasons, and Steelers eight times • Eight 1,000-plus yard seasons tied for third-best in NFL history at retirement • Scored 91 rushing touchdowns, eclipsed the 100-yard mark in 64 games, and had 1,449 yards on 200 receptions and 3 touchdowns • Named NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year, 1996 when gaining 1,431 yards on 320 carries along with 11 Touchdowns • In Super Bowl XL his rushing touchdown contributed in the Steelers victory over the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 • Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2001) • Six-time Pro Bowler, and three-time All-Pro selection (1993, 1996, 2nd team 1997), All-NFC (1993) and All-AFC (1996, 1997) • At the time of his retirement, Bettis ranked fifth all-time in rushing with 13,662 yards on 3,479 career carries • Born February 16, 1972 in Detroit, Michigan.

• Year of Eligibility: 5 • Year as Finalist: 5

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• Steelers in the Hall of Fame: (21) –JEROME BETTIS, Mel Blount, Terry Bradshaw, Jack Butler, Dermontti Dawson, Bill Dudley, Joe Greene, Jack Ham, Franco Harris, John Henry Johnson, Walt Kiesling, Jack Lambert, Bobby Layne, Chuck Noll, Art Rooney, Dan Rooney, John Stallworth, Ernie Stautner, Lynn Swann, Mike Webster, Rod Woodson. Other Hall of Famers who spent time with Steelers for minor portion of career (5) – Bert Bell, Len Dawson, John “Blood” McNally, Marion Motley, Cal Hubbard.

• Modern-Era Running Backs in the Hall of Fame: (30) – Marcus Allen, JEROME BETTIS, Jim Brown, Earl Campbell, Larry Csonka, Eric Dickerson, Tony Dorsett, Marshall Faulk, Frank Gifford, Franco Harris, Paul Hornung, John Henry Johnson, Leroy Kelly, Floyd Little, Curtis Martin, Ollie Matson, Hugh McElhenny, Lenny Moore, Marion Motley, Walter Payton, Joe Perry, John Riggins, Barry Sanders, Gale Sayers, O. J. Simpson, Emmitt Smith, Jim Taylor, Thurman Thomas, Charley Trippi, Doak Walker

Tim Brown Wide Receiver/Kick Returner/Punt Returner • 6’0” 195 • Notre Dame • 1988-2003 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, 2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17 seasons, 155 games • Heisman Trophy Winner selected in first round of draft, picked by Raiders (6th player overall), 1988 • Hauled in 43 receptions and scored 5 touchdowns as a rookie • Starting in 1993, he recorded nine straight 1,000-yard seasons, and 10 consecutive years with 75 or more catches • In 1997 had 104 catches for 1,408 yards to win the NFL receiving title, set a team record with seven 100-yard games, and tied an NFL mark with five games with 150-plus yards receiving • Scored on three punt returns and one kick return during 17-year career • Led NFL in kickoff returns (41 for 1,098 yards, 26.8 average • All-Pro in (1988, 2nd team 1997), All-AFC (1988, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 2nd team (1994, 1996) • All-AFC seven times • Voted to Pro Bowl nine times • Named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s • At time of retirement his 14,934 receiving yards were second-highest total in NFL history; 1,094 receptions were 3rd; and 100 touchdown catches were tied for 3rd • Total of 19,682 combined net yards, 5th all-time at retirement • Set Raiders franchise records for receptions, receiving yards, and punt return yards • Born July 22, 1966, in Dallas, Texas.

• Year of Eligibility: 6 • Year as Finalist: 6 • Raiders in the Hall of Fame: (15) – Marcus Allen, Fred Biletnikoff, George Blanda,

TIM BROWN, Willie Brown, Dave Casper, Al Davis, Ray Guy, Mike Haynes, Ted Hendricks, Howie Long, John Madden, Jim Otto, Art Shell, Gene Upshaw. Other Hall of Famers who spent time with Raiders for minor portion of career (8) – Bob Brown, Eric Dickerson, James Lofton, Ronnie Lott, Ron Mix, Jerry Rice, Warren Sapp, Rod Woodson.

• Wide Receivers in the Hall of Fame: (24) – Lance Alworth, Raymond Berry, Fred Biletnikoff, TIM BROWN, Cris Carter, Tom Fears, Bob Hayes, Elroy Hirsch (also HB), Michael Irvin, Charlie Joiner, Steve Largent, Dante Lavelli, James Lofton, Don Maynard, Tommy McDonald, Bobby Mitchell (also HB), Art Monk, Pete Pihos, Andre Reed, Jerry Rice, John Stallworth, Lynn Swann, Charley Taylor (also HB), Paul Warfield.

Charles Haley Defensive End/Linebacker • 6’5” 242 • James Madison • 1986-1991, 1999 San Francisco 49ers, 1992-1996 Dallas Cowboys 12 seasons, 169 games • 49ers’ fourth-round pick (96th player overall) in 1986 draft • Developed into one of the NFL’s most devastating pass rushers during a career split between the 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys • Recorded four double-digit sack totals with the 49ers including 12 sacks as a rookie and a career-high and NFC-leading 16 sacks in 1990 • Twice named NFC Defensive Player of the Year and NFL All-Pro, (1990, 1994) • Selected to play in five Pro Bowls • Led San Francisco in sacks (1986-1991) and Dallas Cowboys in

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(1994-1995) • Recorded five tackles, one sack and one forced fumble in the Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl XXlV win • Only played on team with losing record once during his final season; prior to that the fewest number of wins in a season for any 49ers and Cowboys team with Haley playing was 10 • Recorded six double-digit sack totals; career total of 100.5 • Member of 10 division championship teams • Only player to play on five winning Super Bowl teams • Born January 6, 1964 in Gladys, Virginia.

• Year of Eligibility: 11 • Year as Finalist: 6 • 49ers in the Hall of Fame: (14) – Fred Dean, CHARLES HALEY, Jimmy Johnson,

Ronnie Lott, Hugh Mcelhenny, Joe Montana, Leo Nomellini, Joe Perry, Jerry Rice, Bob St. Clair, Y.A. Tittle, Bill Walsh, Dave Wilcox, Steve Young. Other Hall of Famers who spent time with 49ers for minor portion of career (9) – Larry Allen, Richard Dent, Chris Doleman, Bob Hayes, Rickey Jackson, John Henry Johnson, Deion Sanders, O.J. Simpson, Rod Woodson.

• Defensive Ends in the Hall of Fame: (22) – Doug Atkins, Bobby Bell (also LB), Elvin Bethea, Willie Davis, Fred Dean, Richard Dent, Chris Doleman (also LB), Carl Eller, Len Ford, CHARLES HALEY, Dan Hampton (also DT), Claude Humphrey, Rickey Jackson (also LB), David “Deacon” Jones, Howie Long, Gino Marchetti, Andy Robustelli (DE), Lee Roy Selmon, Bruce Smith, Michael Strahan, Reggie White, Jack Youngblood.

Bill Polian Contributor • New York University • 1978-1982 Kansas City Chiefs, 1984-1992 Buffalo Bills, 1993-1994 National Football League, 1995-1997 Carolina Panthers, 1998-2011 Indianapolis Colts 32 seasons • Began in the NFL as a scout for Kansas City Chiefs in 1978 • In 1984 he took over as the general manager of the Bills • He built Buffalo into a powerhouse and led the team to four straight AFC Eastern Division titles from 1988-1991 including back-to-back 13-3 records in 1990 and 1991 • During his time with Bills the went to three straight Super Bowls from 1990-1992 • In 1995 Polian took on General Manager duties of the expansion Carolina Panthers • Under his leadership, Carolina won the NFC Western Division in 1996 with a 12-4 record and beat the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game • Served as President/General Manager of the Indianapolis Colts from 1998-2011 • During that time the Colts won eight division crowns and two Super Bowl appearances • Under his guidance the Colts won Super Bowl XLl • Not counting start-up seasons and his final year, Polian’s teams combined for a .625 regular season winning percentage • During his tenure the Colts advanced to the postseason 11 times during a 12-season span and posted 10 or more wins in each of those playoff years Named NFL Executive of the Year by The Sporting News six times

• Year as Finalist: 1 • Bills in the Hall of Fame: (10) – Joe DeLamielleure, Jim Kelly, Mavy Levy, BILL

POLIAN, Andre Reed, Billy Shaw, O.J. Simpson, Bruce Smith, Thurman Thomas, Ralph Wilson, Jr. Other Hall of Famers who spent time with Bills for minor portion of career (1) – James Lofton

• Colts in the Hall of Fame: (12) – Raymond Berry, Eric Dickerson, Art Donovan, Weeb Ewbank, Marshall Faulk, Ted Hendricks, John Mackey, Gino Marchetti, Lenny Moore, Jim Parker, BILL POLIAN, Johnny Unitas. Other Hall of Famers who spent time with Colts for minor portion of career (3) – Richard Dent, Joe Perry, Don Shula.

• Contributors in the Hall of Fame: (21) – Bert Bell, Charles W. Bidwill Sr, Joe Carr, Al Davis, Jim Finks, George Halas, Lamar Hunt, Earl “Curly” Lambeau, Tim Mara, Wellington Mara, George Preston Marshall, BILL POLIAN, Hugh “Shorty” Ray, Dan Reeves, Art Rooney, Dan Rooney, Pete Rozelle, Ed Sabol, Tex Schramm, Ralph Wilson Jr., Ron Wolf.

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Junior Seau Linebacker • 6’3” 250 • Southern California • 1990-2002 San Diego Chargers, 2003-2005 Miami Dolphins, 2006-2009 New England Patriots 20 seasons, 268 games • Selected by San Diego in 1st round (5th player overall) of 1990 NFL Draft • Recorded 56.5 career sacks, and 18 interceptions • In 1994 Seau registered 10 or more tackles in a game 10 times (eight in regular season and two in postseason) • Recorded 10 or more tackles in a game 64 times • NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1992 • Exemplified perseverance, leadership, and a level of excellence that made him one of finest linebackers to have ever played in NFL • Played in 268 career games over 20-year career • Recorded 10 or more tackles in a regular season game 64 times • Led Chargers in sacks two years, and was the team’s top tackler eight times • Chargers Most Valuable Player six times • Named to 12 Pro Bowls, and eight time All-Pro selection • In 1994 helped lead Chargers to teams first Super Bowl • Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team of 1990s • Born January 19, 1969 in San Diego, California. • Died May 2, 2012, at the age of 43.

• Year of Eligibility: 1 • Year as Finalist: 1 • Chargers in the Hall of Fame: (8) – Lance Alworth, Fred Dean, Dan Fouts, Sid

Gillman, Charlie Joiner, Ron Mix, JUNIOR SEAU, Kellen Winslow. Other Hall of Famers who spent time with Chargers for minor portion of career (4) – Deacon Jones, Larry Little, John Mackey, Johnny Unitas.

• Linebackers in the Hall of Fame: (25) – Chuck Bednarik (also C), Bobby Bell (also DE), Derrick Brooks, Nick Buoniconti, Dick Butkus, Harry Carson, George Connor, Bill George, Jack Ham, Chris Hanburger, Ted Hendricks, Sam Huff, Rickey Jackson (also DE), Jack Lambert, Willie Lanier, Ray Nitschke, Les Richter, Dave Robinson, Joe Schmidt, JUNIOR SEAU, Mike Singletary, Lawrence Taylor, Derrick Thomas, Andre Tippett, Dave Wilcox.

Will Shields Guard • 6’3” 320 • Nebraska • 1993-2006 Kansas City Chiefs 14 seasons, 224 games • Selected in 3rd round (74th player overall) in 1993 draft • Inserted into lineup in first NFL game, and never missed a game in career • Franchise record 223 starts • Helped Chiefs in rookie year win first division title in over 20 years • Chiefs won four division titles and made the playoffs six times with the help of Shields • Selected to play in 12 straight Pro Bowl’s starting in 1995 • All-Pro in (1999, 2002 and 2003) • Shields was the anchor of an offensive line that helped the Chiefs field potent offenses • Five of the Chiefs best seasons for most net yards came during Shields tenure • Integral part of offensive line that helped Chiefs lead NFL in total yards gained in (2004 and 2005) • In 1994, he and his linemates established a franchise record by allowing a mere 19 sacks • Fourth player in Kansas City history to earn the Walter Payton Man of the Year trophy (2003) • In last four years of career, Shields had 0 false start penalties • Member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2000s • Born September 15, 1971 in Fort Riley, Kansas.

• Year of Eligibility: 4 • Year as Finalist: 4 • Chiefs in the Hall of Fame: (11) – Bobby Bell, Junious “Buck” Buchanan, Curley

Culp, Len Dawson, Lamar Hunt, Willie Lanier, WILL SHIELDS, Jan Stenerud, Hank Stram, Emmitt Thomas, Derrick Thomas. Other Hall of Famers who spent time with Chiefs for minor portion of career (7) – Marcus Allen, Marv Levy, Joe Montana, Warren Moon, Bill Polian, Willie Roaf, Mike Webster

• Modern-era Guards in the Hall of Fame: (17) – Larry Allen (also T), Lou Creekmur (also T), Joe DeLamielleure, Forrest Gregg (also T), Russ Grimm, John Hannah, Gene Hickerson, Stan Jones (also T and DT), Larry Little, Tom Mack, Bruce Matthews (also T and C), Randall McDaniel, Mike Munchak, Jim Parker (also T), Billy Shaw, WILL SHIELDS, Gene Upshaw.

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Mick Tingelhoff Center • 6’2” 237 • Nebraska • 1962-1978 Minnesota Vikings 17 seasons, 240 games • (Undrafted) signed as free agent by Vikings after 1962 NFL Draft • Moved from linebacker to starting center in rookie camp • Never missed a game during entire 17-season career • Opened holes for four different Vikings Pro Bowl running backs • Key component of Vikings teams that claimed 10 division titles • Starter in four Super Bowls • Named All-Pro/NFL seven straight seasons, 1964-1970 • Voted to six consecutive Pro Bowls • Played in 19 playoff games during his NFL career • Tingelhoff helped Minnesota record 10 or more wins seven times in an eight-year span • Protected Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton allowing him to throw for more than 2,500 yards nine times • Blocked for running back Chuck Foreman who strung together three straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons (1975-77) • Responsible for blocking toughest middle linebackers in NFL, and most notably three Hall of Famers in division (Joe Schmidt, Ray Nitschke, and Dick Butkus) • In 1969, he was named to the 1,000-yard club as the NFL’s top blocker • Inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor in 2001 • Born May 22, 1940 in Lexington, Nebraska.

• Year of Eligibility: 32 • Year as Finalist: 1 • Vikings in the Hall of Fame: (13) – Cris Carter, Chris Doleman, Carl Eller, Jim

Finks, Bud Grant, Paul Krause, Randall McDaniel, Alan Page, John Randle, Fran Tarkenton, MICK TINGELHOFF, Ron Yary, Gary Zimmerman. Other Hall of Famers who spent time with Vikings for minor portion of career (5) – Dave Casper, Jim Langer, Hugh McElhenny, Warren Moon, Jan Stenerud.

• Modern-era Centers in the Hall of Fame: (10) – Chuck Bednarik (also LB), Dermontti Dawson, Frank Gatski, Jim Langer, Bruce Matthews (also G and T), Jim Otto, Jim Ringo, Dwight Stephenson, MICK TINGELHOFF, Mike Webster.

Ron Wolf Contributor • Maryville College, Oklahoma • 1963-1974, 1979-1989 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, 1976-1978 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1990-1991 New York Jets, 1991-2001 Green Bay Packers 38 seasons • Recognized as one of finest personnel men in pro football • Began career as a scout for the Oakland Raiders in 1963 • Helped build a Raiders franchise that won nine division, played in eight AFL/AFC championship games and three Super Bowls • GM of expansion Buccaneers, built foundation of team that reached NFC championship in fourth season • Turned Packers into dominant NFL Franchise, claiming three straight NFC Central Division titles and back-to-back Super Bowl appearances including Super Bowl XXXl victory • Executive Vice President/GM of the Green Bay Packers • In the 23 seasons Wolf was with Raiders, the team reached three Super Bowls including victories in Super Bowls XV and XVlll • Responsible for acquiring record breaking quarterback Brett Favre in a trade with Atlanta, and signing Hall of Fame defensive end Reggie White in free agency • Helped to construct 1996 Packers team that posted the first 16-win season in franchise history • Born December 30, 1938 in New Freedom, Pennsylvania.

• Year as Finalist: 1 • Raiders in the Hall of Fame: (15) – Marcus Allen, Fred Biletnikoff, George Blanda,

TIM BROWN, Willie Brown, Dave Casper, Al Davis, Ray Guy, Mike Haynes, Ted Hendricks, Howie Long, John Madden, Jim Otto, Art Shell, Gene Upshaw. Other Hall of Famers who spent time with Raiders for minor portion of career (8) – Bob Brown, Eric Dickerson, James Lofton, Ronnie Lott, Ron Mix, Jerry Rice, Warren Sapp, Rod Woodson.

• Packers in the Hall of Fame: (23) – Herb Adderley, Tony Canadeo, Willie Davis, Forrest Gregg, Arnie Herber, Clarke Hinkle, Paul Hornung, Cal Hubbard, Don Hutson, Henry Jordan, Earl “Curly” Lambeau, James Lofton, Vince Lombardi, John “Blood” McNally, Mike Michalske, Ray Nitschke, Jim Ringo, Dave Robinson, Bart Starr, Jim Taylor, Reggie White, RON WOLF, Willie Wood. Other Hall of Famers who spent time

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with Packers for minor portion of career (5) – Len Ford, Ted Hendricks, Walt Kieseling, Jan Stenerud, Emlen Tunnell.

• Contributors in the Hall of Fame: (21) – Bert Bell, Charles W. Bidwill Sr, Joe Carr, Al Davis, Jim Finks, George Halas, Lamar Hunt, Earl (Curly) Lambeau, Tim Mara, Wellington Mara, George Preston Marshall, Bill Polian, Hugh (Shorty) Ray, Dan Reeves, Art Rooney, Dan Rooney, Pete Rozelle, Ed Sabol, Tex Schramm, Ralph Wilson Jr, RON WOLF.

PRESENTERS FOR CLASS OF 2015 The presenters for this year’s class include two brothers, a son, daughter, owner, coach, teammate, and longtime friend.

• Jerome Bettis – John Bettis lll, Jerome’s brother • Tim Brown – Donald Kelly, Tim’s brother • Charles Haley – Edward DeBartolo, Jr., Former San Francisco 49ers owner • Bill Polian – Marv Levy, Hall of Fame coach • Junior Seau – Sydney Seau, Junior’s daughter • Will Shields – Adrian Lunsford, friend • Mick Tingelhoff – Fran Tarkenton, Mick’s teammate & Hall of Fame quarterback • Ron Wolf – Eliot Wolf, Ron’s son Quotable: "It will be my pleasure … I’m going back for the first time in a lot of years. I want to be there. Nobody knows him better." – Fran Tarkenton (Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1986) “I’m so honored and complimented that he asked me to be his presenter. He’s not just a former co-worker of mine; we are great friends as well,” Levy shared about Polian. “His contributions to the game have been magnificent and I savor the opportunity to be his presenter.” – Marv Levy (Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2001)

Notable: • All-time list of presenters: ProFootballHOF.com/hof/Presenters.aspx

MEDIA AVAILABILITY DURING HOF WEEKEND The members from the Class of 2015 will be available for media interviews on Friday, Aug. 7 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. The media availability will take place near the main lobby of McKinley High School inside the Media Center. ANY ENSHRINEMENT WEEKEND CREDENTIAL MAY BE USED TO GAIN ENTRANCE TO THIS PRESS CONFERENCE. Several returning Hall of Famers will also be made available to the media from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. in the same general area. Please refer to the Hall of Fame’s media website for the most current listing. www.ProFootballHOF.com/media (Log-in: canton).

100-PLUS GOLD JACKETS One of the great traditions in sports is the gathering of the greatest football legends in Canton for the celebration of the annual Enshrinement Weekend. The list of who’s who attending the 2015 is updated on the Hall’s website at: ProFootballHOF.com/hof/2015/7/12/greatest-heroes-of-the-game-to-converge-on-canton/

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Group Photo on Hall’s Front Steps Fans on the Hall of Fame campus to celebrate the 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival will experience a special treat when all of the Gold Jackets pose for a group photo on the Hall’s front steps. The photo will be taken on Friday, Aug. 7 at 9:30 a.m. EDT. The public is welcomed and encouraged to attend and capture the spectacular moment at no charge. A reserved section for media will be in place for the photo. Any credential issue for the weekend will allow for access to this area.

NFL LEGENDS COMMUNITY The annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend draws many fans and celebrities from across the country. Also traveling to the birthplace of the NFL to celebrate the 2015 Enshrinement Ceremony are many active players and members of the NFL Legends Community. A sampling of current and past NFL players and coaches on hand for the Enshrinement Weekend include: Todd Blackledge, Dallas Clark, Tony Dungy, Alan Faneca, Eddie George, Trent Green, James Harrison, Mike Holmgren, Monte Kiffin, Leon Lett, Scott Norwood, Willie Parker, Ben Roethlisberger, Bobby Ross, Steve Tasker, and Eric Wright.

THE ELEVEN On Friday, Aug. 7 at 4:00 p.m., the second sculpture of a citywide, multi-year art project featuring the 11 Greatest Moments in NFL History as identified in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 50th Anniversary Book: Where Greatness Lives will be unveiled. The unveiling of the piece, “The Draft: 1936” takes place in downtown Canton on the corner of Cleveland Avenue NW and Fourth Street NW. This is a photo/video opportunity only. Attending the unveiling will be Hall of Fame President David Baker, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and artist Gail Folwell from Boulder, Colo.

2015 PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME ENSHRINEMENT The enshrinement of the eight members of the Class of 2015 brings the total number of Hall of Fame members to 295. The spectacular Enshrinement Ceremony takes place at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. EDT. TELEVISION COVERAGE The Enshrinement Ceremony will aired live on two television networks. NFL Network begins airing the pre-show to the 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at 4 p.m. EDT with host Rich Eisen along with analysts and Gold Jackets Marshall Faulk and Michael Irvin. Eisen, Faulk, and Irvin will be joined by NFL Media’s Michael Silver, Steve Wyche and a host of guests, including several Gold Jackets, to discuss a variety of topics in relation to the Hall of Fame. NFL Network will go live from Canton for the 2015 Enshrinement Ceremony at 7 p.m. EDT. ESPN will televise the Enshrinement Ceremony for the 21st consecutive year. Trey Wingo will anchor the coverage from Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on ESPN (and WatchESPN) along with senior NFL Insider Chris Mortensen, national correspondent and member of the Hall’s selection committee Sal Paolantonio and NFL analyst and 2015 Pete Rozelle Award winner Tom Jackson.

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Notable: • Westwood One Radio will carry the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony for the

21st consecutive year. • ESPN has televised the Enshrinement Ceremony since 1995. • ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown host Chris Berman will emcee the Enshrinement

Ceremony for the 16th time. Quotable: “It’s always great to get back to Canton to visit with many legends of the game, welcome in a new Hall of Fame class and of course, celebrate the start of the preseason. It should be a truly special season, culminating in Super Bowl 50.” – Rich Eisen, NFL Network “ESPN has proudly presented the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony for more than two decades. It’s a wonderful event that celebrates the game, honors the true legends of the sport and unofficially marks the start of the coming season. Hall of Fame Weekend is even more special when we are able to celebrate the football accomplishments of our ESPN analysts, and this year we could not be happier for our colleagues and teammates Jerome Bettis and Bill Polian, who will be enshrined with the Class of 2015, and Tom Jackson, the Pete Rozelle Radio-TV Award recipient.” – Seth Markman, ESPN senior coordinating producer of NFL studio shows.

GOLD JACKET LEM BARNEY TO SING NATIONAL ANTHEM AT ENSHRINEMENT Hall of Fame cornerback Lem Barney of the Detroit Lions will sing the National Anthem at the Enshrinement Ceremony. His singing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” from the stage in Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium won’t be Barney’s first go-around with singing. Barney actually sang background vocals for the Motown classic “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye for which he received a Golden Record.

SPECIAL AWARDS PRESENTATIONS Three special awards are presented annually during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award: TOM JACKSON, ESPN The Rozelle Award is presented by the Pro Football Hall of Fame that recognizes “long-time exceptional contributions to radio and television in professional football. Jackson will receive his award during the Enshrinement.

Quotable: “For almost three decades, Tom has brought the same enthusiasm to our studio shows as he did to Denver’s ‘Orange Crush’ defense. He has strong relationships with players and coaches throughout the league and he has demonstrated the ability to connect with fans on a very personal level. He is highly deserving of this honor.” -John Wildhack, ESPN’s executive vice president of programming and production Notable: • Jackson, a Cleveland, Ohio native is regarded as one of the NFL’s leading pro

football analysts and in 2009 was awarded the Sports Emmy in the Outstanding Studio Analyst category.

• Full story: http://www.profootballhof.com/enshrinement/2015/7/7/tom-jackson-named-winner-of-prestigious-pete-rozelle-radio-tv-award/

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Dick McCann Award: DAVE GOLDBERG, Associated Press The McCann Award is presented by the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) for long and distinguished contribution to pro football through print media coverage: The late Dave Goldberg will be honored and presented by his brother Len Goldberg during the Enshrinement.

Notable: • Goldberg spent 41 years at the Associated Press including 25 as the AP’s lead

NFL writer from 1984-2009. He joined the AP’s sports desk in 1982, and before becoming the lead football writer, he covered a variety of other sports. He moved to the NFL beat in 1984. He was a longtime member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee.

• Full story: http://www.profootballhof.com/enshrinement/2015/6/17/dave-goldberg-selected-as-pfwa%E2%80%99s-2015-dick-mccann-award-winner/

Quotable: “Dave's integrity, passion, and sense of fairness enabled him to maintain excellent working relationships with team owners, coaches, players, and commissioners. He was a real pro who served NFL fans exceptionally well with his coverage of the league for many years." – Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner

Dave Boss Award of Excellence: TOM PENNINGTON, Getty Images The Dave Boss Award of Excellence is awarded to the winner of the Hall of Fame’s prestigious annual photo contest. Pennington of Dallas, Texas will be honored during the Enshrinees GameDay Roundtable on Sunday, Aug. 9.

Notable: • Pennington’s “Take That” was selected by a panel of judges as the Photograph of

the Year for the 2014 National Football League Season. • Images of winning shots and audio of photographers describing winning at:

http://www.profootballhof.com/hall/photo-contest.aspx

GOLD JACKETS JOIN LOCAL YOUTH IN CEREMONIAL KICKOFF EVENT The National Football League, Pro Football Hall of Fame and Gold Jackets Elvin Bethea, Joe DeLamielleure, James Lofton, and Lynn Swann will celebrate the kickoff to the 2015 Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend and the road to Super Bowl 50 on Thursday, Aug. 6 from 10 to 11:30 am. For the past 15 years, Hall of Fame Weekend has started with an event called “First Play” as 2,000 children form a human chain and pass a football along a three-mile route from the location in downtown Canton where the NFL was founded to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. To commemorate the year-long celebration of Super Bowl 50, this year’s event is taking on the name “First Ball.” The special event will surround the celebration of Super Bowl 50 with the first Super Bowl High School Honor Roll Wilson Golden Football handed out. The Super Bowl High School Honor Roll recognizes the high schools and communities that have contributed to Super Bowl history. This season, the high schools of every head coach or player to have appeared in a Super Bowl will receive a commemorative golden football produced by Wilson.

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GOLD JACKET AMBASSADORS Each year, a huge number of Gold Jackets give back to the Canton community during the Enshrinement Weekend. The football legends serve as Hall of Fame Ambassadors with visits to a variety of local charities or community groups. Please refer to the media site for the most-up-date schedule of Gold Jacket appearances. ProFootballHOF.com/media (Log-in: canton).

THE NFL/HALL OF FAME GAME: Steelers vs. Vikings The National Football League’s 96th season kicks off at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium as the Minnesota Vikings (home) face the Pittsburgh Steelers (visitor) in the NFL/Hall of Fame Game on Sunday, Aug. 9 at 8 pm. VIKINGS, STEELERS TO WEAR DECALS HONORING BETTIS & TINGELHOFF

Both teams will take the field with special decals affixed to their helmets to honor two of the franchise’s greatest legends being enshrined as part of the Hall’s Class of 2015.

Jerome Bettis spent 10 of his 13 NFL seasons with the Steelers from 1996-2005 and remains the franchise’s all-time leader in games with 100 or more yards rushing. Mick Tingelhoff played his entire 17-season career with Minnesota and played on all four of the Vikings Super Bowl teams. The decals will include the Hall of Fame’s logo, the enshrinee’s last name and their jersey number (Tingelhoff – 53; Bettis – 36). STEELERS, VIKINGS RESULTS IN NFL/HALL OF FAME GAME The Steelers will make their sixth appearance in the Hall of Fame Game. Sept. 8, 1963 – vs. Cleveland Browns (W, 16-7) Sept. 6, 1964 – vs. Baltimore Colts (L, 17-48) July 30, 1983 – vs. New Orleans Saints (W, 27-14) Aug. 1, 1998 – vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (L, 6-30) Aug. 5, 2007 – vs. New Orleans Saints (W, 20-7) Minnesota travels to Canton for the fourth time. Aug. 8, 1970 – vs. New Orleans Saints (L, 13-14) Aug. 7, 1982 – vs. Baltimore Colts (W, 30-14) July 26, 1997 – vs. Seattle Seahawks (W, 28-26)

Notable: • Many notable players have made their NFL debuts in the annual Hall of Fame

Game including three future Hall of Famers – Chis Hanburger (1965), Jack Youngblood (1971) and John Hannah (1973). A sampling of prominent players who debuted in Canton include: Jeff Van Note (Falcons, 1969), Joe Klecko (Jets, 1977), Steve Tasker and Mike Golic (Oilers, 1985), Mark Bavaro (Giants, 1985), Christian Okoye (Chiefs, 1987), Willie “Flipper” Anderson (Ramns, 1988), Herman Moore (Lions, 1991), Marvin Harrson, (Colts, 1996), Hines Ward (Steelers, 1998), and Tom Brady (Patriots, 2000).

• The Vikings own the record for most yards gained in Hall of Fame Game totaling 531 yards (1982).

• The record for most rushes in the Hall of Fame Game (48) belongs to the 1983 Pittsburgh Steelers team that defeated the New Orleans Saints.

• The game features a rematch of Super Bowl IX in which the Steelers won their first Super Bowl championship with a 16-6 win over the Vikings.

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NATIONAL BROADCAST NBC’s Sunday Night Football broadcast team will call the game from Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

Play-by-Play: Al Michaels Analyst: Cris Collinsworth Sideline Reporter: Paul Burmeister

Westwood One Radio will broadcast the NFL/Hall of Fame Game to more than 250 radio stations nationwide. The broadcast will be heard on more than 250 radio stations nationwide, including locally on WRQK-FM (Canton), WARF-AM (Akron), and WKRK-FM (Cleveland). In addition, Westwood One’s broadcast can be heard on SiriusXM Channel 88 and online at NFL.com.

Play-by-Play: Scott Graham Analyst: James Lofton (Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2003)

ENTERTAINMENT National Anthem: A quartet from the Canton Symphony Orchestra. Game Ball: The U.S. Army Golden Knights will parachute to midfield of Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium to deliver the game ball. Coin Toss: Two recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor Donald “Doc” Ballard and Leroy A. Petry, US Army-Pro Football Hall of Fame Award for Excellence Winner Courtney Cecere and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army Marketing and Research Group Mark Davis. Halftime: The marching band from Jackson High School (Massillon, OH) will perform a tribute to Super Bowl 50.

Quotable

“We are taking our team through the Hall of Fame the night before the game because I think it is important for the team to have a sense of the history of pro football. It is an honor to have the Vikings play in the Hall of Fame game.” – Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings head coach

“It’s a special place. It’s a neat game to be a part of as well. We are happy to be involved with all that goes into Hall of Fame weekend. And this year, Jerome Bettis, becomes a Hall of Famer. It was an honor to be a teammate of his. I couldn’t be happier for him.” – Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers tight end

“Hall of Fame Weekend in Canton is always very special because it’s the perfect blend of the past and the present.” – NBC’s Al Michaels, who will call his 27th Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 9. “I’ve had the honor of producing the Pro Football Hall of Fame game at two networks and while televising an NFL game in a high school stadium brings challenges, there’s something about the simplicity of the environment that feels right. However, it would be nice not to have to deal with three sets of hash marks!” – Fred Gaudelli, NBC Sports coordinating producer

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ENSHRINEMENT HEADQUARTERS ON HALL’S WEBSITE

A full guide to the 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend including details full biographies on the Class of 2015, award winners, museum hours, parking, shuttle service, tickets, the HOF Experience, stadium entry rules, and other information can be found at ProFootballHOF.com/enshrinement.

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