Center of attention

We call them legends. There are 280 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. There is always something extra special about these great football men. Once they put on that Hall of Fame Gold Jacket and have their careers noted by a bronzed bust, their lives are changed forever.

There’s a certain luster that shines on all of these men whenever they make appearances. And whenever they’re included in some type of celebration around the NFL, the occasions seem to carry a higher level of prestige. The memories of greatness come flowing back in an instant.

Such was the case on Sunday at MetLife Stadium when legendary coach Bill Parcells was the first of the seven-man Class of 2013 to receive his Hall of Fame Ring. The New York Giants put on quite the halftime extravaganza as they included five other Hall of Fame greats on stage with Parcells. On hand were quarterback Y.A. Tittle, linebackers Harry Carson, Sam Huff, and Lawrence Taylor; and halfback Frank Gifford. It was a memorable day that allowed the Giants fans to soak in the tradition of this great franchise. In case you missed it, here’s the presentation as Bill becomes a bit choked up with the honor.

Also, in case you missed it, Parcells was the first Hall of Famer to receive the newly designed ring. Check out some of the intricacies of the ring created by our new partner Kay® Jewelers. Hall of Fame Ring>>>

Meanwhile on the other coast, Hall of Fame linebacker Ted Hendricks honored the memory of his late Hall of Fame owner Al Davis. Hendricks lit the ceremonial flame in remembrance of Davis prior to the Raiders’ win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. This tradition precedes the kickoff of each of Oakland’s home games.


Speaking of Hall of Famers, there are about 20 of them gracing us in Canton for our annual Enshrinees’ Golf Classic. The group of football greats teed it up this morning for our 19th annual golf tournament that raises funds to support the Hall’s museum initiatives. A special thanks to these Hall of Famers who “came home” to Canton to support the Hall.

If you’re scoring at home, the Hall of Famers competed in a fun putting contest that landed a few dollars in the pockets of the three of them. Finishing first, second, and third at Glenmoor Country Club’s practice green were Leroy Kelly, Joe DeLamielleure, and Mike Haynes.

Here’s the group of Hall of Famers (front two rows) posing with all of the outing’s participants before the start of the scramble format tournament this morning