Vince Lombardi Trophy in Canton

The NFL's Kickoff Weekend started the road to Super Bowl XLV. By season's end just one of the 32 NFL clubs will hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Until that time, however, thousands of football fans can see the prize that the teams are chasing as the trophy is now on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

{GALLERY}For the second straight year, the NFL agreed to allow the Hall of Fame to serve as the temporary home of the coveted trophy until it is awarded next February at Super Bowl XLV in North Texas.

Hall of Fame receiver Lynn Swann was given the honor Monday night of placing the Vince Lombardi Trophy into a secured display case featured in the Hall of Fame's Lamar Hunt Super Bowl Gallery. Swann, the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl X, was flanked by more than 25 fellow Hall of Famers who were in town for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's annual Golf Classic charity tournament. He was also joined by Dave Peppard, a tournament participant, who won the honor at last year's tournament dinner auction.

Although a new Vince Lombardi Trophy is created each year, until last year it was kept under wraps until shortly before the Super Bowl. With the new tradition, fans visiting the Pro Football Hall of Fame will see the trophy they hope their team will win.

"Fans revel in the chance to see this spectacular trophy that represents such greatness," commented Pro Football Hall of Fame President/Executive Director Steve Perry. "We are pleased to be able to showcase throughout the season the actual Vince Lombardi Trophy that will be handed to this year's champion."

The Vince Lombardi Trophy is a regulation-size silver football mounted in a kicking position on a pyramid-like stand of three concave sides. The trophy stands 21 inches tall, weighs 7 pounds, and is valued in excess of $25,000. The words Vince Lombardi Trophy and Super Bowl XLV are engraved on the base along with the NFL shield.