The Haggar Gold Jacket Report - Issue 12

The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2010 had great appeal considering the fact that the group of football greats featured not only the NFL’s all-time leading receiver in JERRY RICE but the game’s all-time rushing leader in EMMITT SMITH. Adding to the greatness of the class were RUSS GRIMM of the famed Washington Redskins “Hogs” offensive line; RICKEY JACKSON, the first long-time New Orleans Saints player to earn election to the Hall of Fame; DICK LeBEAU, one of the game’s finest cornerbacks; FLOYD LITTLE, the exciting runner who “was” the Denver Broncos franchise during his career from 1967-1975; and the dominating defensive tackle of the Minnesota Vikings JOHN RANDLE.

Realizing the draw of the spectacular group, Stephen Schott of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Board of Trustees, graciously donated a football that included the authentic signatures of seven members of the 2010 class to a silent auction held on March 22 in the Miami, Fla. area. The exclusive football fetched an incredible $10,000 at the fundraiser co-hosted by Bal Harbour Village and the “One” Bal Harbour Resort and Spa to benefit the American Cancer Society.

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Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback TERRY BRADSHAW has worked as a NFL studio host for many years since he retired in 1983. Since 2010 Bradshaw has also been hosting a show called “Today in America.” The national television show has no direct affiliation with the networks on which it airs. It can be seen on CNN Headline News, ION, Regional News Networks, ESPN2, Fox Sports Net, BNN and NBC Sports Network.

Per the show’s website it is far from being exclusive to any one field, “Today in America” successfully blends business news stories, lifestyle features and in-depth interviews with doctors, scientists, inventors, business owners, philanthropists and newsmakers from a variety of industries. The program is the first show of its genre that’s geared towards the educated, affluent viewer. Based on viewer feedback, the show has spawned interest, inquiries and practical applications.

“Viewers will be excited to see that we’ve gone beyond the typical news stories. From the moment we launched the series, we knew that we were telling stories that would get noticed” said Vice President of Production, Jim Nicholas. “These are stories about experts who have the ability to share first-hand insights with our viewers.”

Even though Bradshaw is the host he is also a fan. “I’m learning so much myself! I love how each story is so informative. You literally learn something new with each episode.”

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Speaking of television shows; Hall of Fame cornerback DEION SANDERS is starring in a reality TV series on the Veria Living channel about overly competitive parents called “Sports Dads.” The series focuses on youth sports and parents who are sometimes too involved and cross the line pushing their children too hard.

“This really hurts the kids. Sports should be fun,” says Sanders, who comes to the rescue playing host and counselor to sports-obsessed families.

At the end of the day Deion’s message in “Sports Dads” is simple; with a healthy balance student-athletes can thrive but at the end of the day the family needs to come first.

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The Pro Football Hall of Fame and Allstate Insurance Company had a big week honoring three Hall of Famers in their hometown communities as part of the Hometown Hall of Famers™ initiative. The national program honors the hometown roots of the pro football’s greatest with special ceremonies and plaque dedication events in local communities.

"Honoring the hometowns that helped create the foundation for Hall of Famers' pathway to the Hall will be truly special as these plaques will live forever in their hometown communities," said George Veras, Pro Football Hall of Fame Enterprises president/CEO. "The Hall of Fame is pleased that Allstate has recognized the significance of this program and given all of us - the players, their communities and the Pro Football Hall of Fame - a chance to celebrate the hometown stories of these legendary professional football players."

This past Tuesday, defensive back MEL RENFRO was honored in Portland, Ore. He described the experience as similar to his enshrinement ceremony.

“I remember my induction ceremony into the Hall of Fame in 1996 very well,” shared the former Dallas Cowboys great. “This, today, feels just like that. It’s as if I’m being inducted into the Hall of Fame again and this plaque is for you Jefferson High School.”

Yesterday, former New York Giants linebacker HARRY CARSON’s plaque dedication ceremony took place in Florence, S.C. Today, the program extends to North Charleston, S.C., where former Oakland Raiders tackle ART SHELL will be honored.

Links Related to this story:
 

HOF Bios: Terry Bradshaw | Harry Carson | Russ Grimm | Rickey Jackson | Dick LeBeau | Floyd Little | John Randle | Mel Renfro | Jerry Rice | Deion Sanders | Art Shell | Emmitt Smith
More: Hometown Hall of Famers™ | 2010 enshrinement ceremony

Archived:

Issue 11 (Mar. 30) | Issue 10 (Mar. 23) | Issue 9 (Mar.16) | Issue 8 (Mar. 9) | Issue 7 (Mar. 2) | Issue 6 (Feb. 24) | Issue 5 (Feb. 17) | Issue 4 (Feb. 10) | Issue 3 (Feb. 3) |  Issue 2 (Jan. 27) | Issue 1 (Jan. 20)