Kerry visits HOF

Senator John Kerry points to Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri's Super Bowl XXXVIII shoes in the Hall's Super Bowl Experience Exhibit

Massachusetts Senator John Kerry took time to visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Friday, June 25.  The Democratic Presidential hopeful was on the campaign trail and made a stop in Canton.

Senator Kerry’s first visit in the Stark County area was at Massillon Perry High School for a town hall meeting which was followed by a rally for the general public in the school’s main gymnasium.  Attendance at the rally was estimated at around 5,000 people.

Kerry then quickly traveled to the Hall where he was greeted by Hall of Fame Board of Trustees Chairman John Muhlbach and John Bankert, the Hall of Fame's president.  Bankert presented Kerry with a crystal paper weight emblazoned with the Hall’s logo.

Followed by press corps of approximately 35, Kerry was given a brief tour of the Hall of Fame. The Senator took particular interest in the Hall’s Super Bowl Experience exhibit where New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s Super Bowl XXXVIII jersey and kicker Adam Vinatieri's shoes are displayed.  Brady was named MVP of the game as he led the Patriots to a 32-29 win over the Carolina Panthers while Vinatieri kicked the game-winning field goal with nine seconds remaining in the game.   Kerry recalled how he watched his home state team win the championship game while in Fargo, North Dakota.

All the while during his visit, Kerry took time to say hello and shake hands to surprised Hall of Fame visitors.