Adrian Allison Accepts Newly Created Role of Chief Relationship Officer at Hall of Fame

Adrian Allison has accepted a newly created position at the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Chief Relationship Officer.

Among Allison’s several leadership responsibilities in this post, he will direct the Hall of Fame’s implementation of the long-term agreement between the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Black College Football Hall of Fame signed in 2020. He becomes the first executive-level employee at the Hall tasked specifically with developing and growing this important relationship.

Functions of Allison’s role related to the Black College Football Hall of Fame will include:

Shaping the Black College Football Hall of Fame Museum in Canton. The agreement includes plans to enhance the Black College Football Hall of Fame inside the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton that celebrates the rich tradition and history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the legendary Players, Coaches and Contributors who have been inducted into the BCFHOF.

Creating educational and community events, programming and outreach. Allison will oversee various initiatives related to the Black College Football Hall of Fame, including the expansion of the BCFHOF Classic Weekend held over the Labor Day weekend in Canton.   

Partnering with the BCFHOF Board of Trustees. Together they will work on such initiatives as the HBCU Legacy Bowl, the annual Induction Ceremony and a scholarship program.

Collaborating with the NFL on its HBCU initiatives. Allison will engage with the NFL in its initiatives to promote HBCUs.

Administering the James “Shack” Harris/Doug Williams Fellowship. This program provides an HBCU graduate with a one-year, paid leadership fellowship at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“The men inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame are more than great football players, coaches and contributors. They are historical, American trailblazers who are exemplars in leadership, integrity, courage and grit,” said Allison, who joined the Hall team in 2019. “I am honored to have the opportunity to work beside them to develop the Black College Hall of Fame Museum, the Classic and other events in Canton so that everyone will have the chance to learn and be inspired by their stories.

“Thank you to President Jim Porter and the Board of Trustees for having the vision to prioritize this initiative,” Allison said.

The Black College Football Hall of Fame will not be the sole focus of Allison’s duties. He also will build and maintain relationships with the members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and their families.

“The Pro Football Hall of Fame is committed to honoring the individuals recognized in the Black College Football Hall of Fame and preserving the history of HBCUs – sharing their stories of perseverance, inspiration and success,” said Jim Porter, President of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “Adrian Allison is the right person to lead our team in carrying out this vital work.”

To learn more about the Black College Football Hall of Fame, go to ProFootballHOF.com/black-college-football-hall-of-fame/