Ken Houston and Doug Williams at Hall's Black History Month event

Two NFL legends will appear at the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Thursday, February 12 as part of the museum’s celebration of Black History Month. Hall of Fame safety Ken Houston will be joined by former NFL quarterback Doug Williams for a special program in the Hall’s NFL Films Theater at 6:00 p.m.

Houston starred for the Houston Oilers from 1967 to 1972 before he was traded to the Washington Redskins in exchange for five players. He continued with great success in Washington where he played until his retirement following the 1980 season. Houston was named to two AFL All-Star Games and 10 Pro Bowls and is a member of the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team selected in 1994. In all, he picked off 49 passes which he returned for 898 yards and 9 touchdowns. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.

Williams played quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1978 to 1982 before spending two seasons in the United States Football League. He returned to the NFL and joined the Redskins for whom he played from 1986 to 1989. Williams became the first African American quarterback to start a Super Bowl. His memorable MVP performance in Super Bowl XXII was highlighted by his four touchdown throws in the second quarter of Washington’s 42-10 win over the Denver Broncos. He set then Super Bowl records for passing yards (340) and longest TD pass (80 yards).

Houston and Williams, who will also take part in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s annual Black History Month education seminar while in Canton, will speak about their lives on and off the football field. A brief question-and-answer session will follow the duo’s presentation.

The cost for the special program is $10 and includes admission to the museum after 5:00 p.m. The Hall will stay open until 9:00 p.m. on Thursday evening to allow guests time to tour. Tickets may be purchased at the Hall of Fame Box Office on the day of the program. Visitors who purchase their admission at the regular admission rate during normal business hours, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., will not be charged an additional price for the evening program.

Guests touring the Hall of Fame can enjoy the African American Experience in the Pro Football exhibit and view special featured artifacts on display from black stars in the NFL. The exhibit includes artifacts such as Doug Williams’ helmet from his rookie season with the Buccaneers. Other pieces of memorabilia on dispay include the jersey worn by Hall of Fame tight end Ozzie Newsome, who later became the NFL’s first black general manager; and the contracts of Bill Willis and Marion Motley, who in 1946 helped permanently break pro football’s color barrier.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Store will also have extended hours for the event. The Hall of Fame store includes a wide variety of products ranging from merchandise from all 32 NFL clubs including a special Redskins’ fan package offered at a discounted price of $20 during the special event. The package includes a Redskins/Hall of Fame Limited Edition Collectible Coin and a commemorative Redskins Fan Guide that highlights the team’s Hall of Fame members including Houston.

More from Profootballhof.com
Hall of Fame Bio: Ken Houston
Doug Williams, the first black QB to start in Super Bowl
African-American pioneers in pro football
Team Histories: Buccaneers | Titans (Oilers) | Redskins
Pro Football Hall of Fame Event Calendar