Returning enshrinees kick off weekend

The 2003 Enshrinement weekend officially began in Canton Friday and Saturday with several fan-friendly events. Hall of Famers from days gone by were in town early to see fans and sign autographs before attending Sunday's induction ceremony. At that time, Marcus Allen, James Lofton, Elvin Bethea, Hank Stram and Joe DeLamielleure will officially be enshrined in the Hall.

In addition to the NFL.com autograph sessions, the First Play 2003 event took place Friday morning, starting in downtown Canton. The event featured a three-mile long chain of over 1,500 youngsters (aged 6 to 16) leading from the Frank T. Bow Building to the Hall itself.

This particular chain gang acted as the official kickoff of the 2003 NFL preseason, as they passed an official league football all the way from the Bow Building to the Hall.

Make sure you check out the photo gallery from the First Play 2003 event.