Heart of a Hall of Famer

Former New England Patriots linebacker and Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2008 enshrinee Andre Tippett talked with students Friday about character development. He linked in with students from across the country for two sessions as part of the Hall’s Educational Outreach Program series called Heart of a Hall of Famer.

Tippett shared stories such as how he had to rebound and persevere in making his dream come true after he was cut from his high school football team during his freshman year. He connected with more than 1,000 students from 18 schools across 10 states and St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands during videoconferencing broadcasts at 10 a.m. and 12:00 noon ET. He joined the Hall of Fame’s videoconferencing studio through a connection at Boston College High School.

The broadcasts, which are moderated by the Hall’s Education Coordinator Jerry Csaki, give students the opportunity to learn and interact with football greats such as Tippett so they can learn about what characteristics beyond physical talents helps one achieve great success on and off the football field.

The Heart of a Hall of Famer series kicked off this week when Hall of Fame safety Ken Houston broadcast to students from Kingwood Middle School in Texas on Tuesday. The Hall’s newest education initiative also includes a four-session series titled, Be A Hall of Famer Every Day. Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Mundy spoke with students via a connection through the Hall of Famer’s interactive videoconferencing technology earlier in the week. On Monday, May 10, Steelers center Justin Hartwig will appear.

Other members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame scheduled to take part in the Heart of a Hall of Famer series in the future include Mike Haynes, Alan Page, Joe DeLamielleure, Randall McDaniel, and Mike Munchak.

More on the Heart of a Hall of Famer>>>
The Hall’s Educational Outreach Program>>>
Free e-newsletter for Teachers>>>