Pro Football Hall of Fame - #HuddleUpAmerica
Updated 3/26/20
In a symbolic gesture, the Hall of Fame’s campus was decorated this morning with 500 American flags, provided through the generous support of Flags of Freedom, as a sign of unity to bring all Americans together especially during this time. Additionally, Vincent Lighting Systems has kindly provided lights to illuminate the Hall’s dome in red, white and blue, as well as, installing two search lights to enhance the display.
The Hall of Fame and its important Mission to “Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values and Celebrate Excellence EVERYWHERE” serves as the foundation to #HuddleUpAmerica. The Hall of Fame launched the #HuddleUpAmerica campaign in 2017 as a way to encourage an open dialog and honest discussion around the values learned from the Game such as commitment, integrity, courage, respect and excellence.
Past Efforts
For more than a year, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has been working on programming for #HuddleUpAmerica to impact people’s lives. The Hall of Fame, in collaboration with RISE (Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the unifying power of sports to improve race relations and drive social progress, is planning community forums hosted by Hall of Famers across the country. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has also developed The Inspiration Project that supports coaches, officials and parents in the positive character development of students and players.
In an open letter to all football fans, Pro Football Hall of Fame President & CEO David Baker shared the following:
The Mission of the Pro Football Hall of Fame is “To Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values & Celebrate Excellence EVERYWHERE.”
It’s time to stand together! It’s time to #HuddleUpAmerica.
Our great game teaches us the concept of “TEAM” (Together Everyone Achieves More). In the sanctity of the huddle, we learn, that despite our differences, there isn’t anything WE can’t work through together if we “huddle up” with respect for each other, listen to each other and talk it through together.
The huddle is a magical and special place of trust:
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has, for some time, been developing a campaign called #HuddleUpAmerica to unite people and work through issues that are important to our families, communities and country. To stand for our flag. To stand for “free speech.” To “hear” and help those crying out. To honor those who fought for our flag AND our freedoms. To teach our children love and respect for each other. We are all one team. We are, together, Team America.
Rather than divide, we can unite. Instead of tearing people down, we will build them up. Instead of spreading fear, anger and hate; we can, and will, inspire hope, trust and love.
The Hall of Fame and our Hall of Famers promote the many values learned from the Game like commitment, integrity, courage, respect and excellence. These values not only make someone a great football player but are also the same values that make someone a great businessperson, or, a great cellist in the symphony, first responder or soldier, or a great parent. These are values and virtues that yield a great community, and, ultimately, a great country.
Together, we can make our neighborhoods safer. We can help law enforcement get closer to the communities they serve. We can support our troops and veterans. We can honor our elderly. We can heal those victimized by social injustice. We can educate our children. We can do anything when we #HuddleUpAmerica.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame and our Hall of Famers look forward to making a difference in the lives of others and invite everyone to #HuddleUpAmerica and live a “Hall of Fame Life.”