Celebrate Excellence EVERYWHERE: Edition 5

History Published on : 10/17/2014
The mission of the Pro Football Hall of Fame is to Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values, Celebrate Excellence EVERYWHERE. Each Friday, ProFootballHOF.com features stories from the football world and beyond that illustrate the celebration of excellence!

Archived Editions: 4 | 3 | 2 | 1

Breast Cancer Awareness Continues

The NFL, its clubs, players, the NFL Players Association and the American Cancer Society continue with the "A Crucial Catch" campaign during the month of October. The Campaign’s aim is to remind women 40 and older about the importance of having an annual mammogram.

It is important to note, however, that breast cancer is a disease that also affects men. Here is a story about former Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl running back Ernie Green who has courageously battled breast cancer.


Browns legend Ernie Green, breast cancer survivor, plays for pink>>>


Honoring Harold “Red” Grange

The University of Illinois will honor Hall of Famer Red Grange during their homecoming game against Minnesota on Oct. 25. The team will wear special gray uniforms to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Grange's performance versus the Michigan Wolverines on Oct. 18, 1924, in which he tallied four touchdowns in the first 12 minutes of the contest and accounted for six touchdowns overall.


After that game, famed sportswriter Grantland Rice called Grange a "gray ghost," which inspired the name of the uniforms.

Grange is arguably the greatest player to come out of the Illini program. So important is Grange to the history of the University that a larger-than-life statue of the legendary back serves as a centerpiece at the main entrance of Illinois’ Memorial Stadium.



A Whole Watt of Love

It’s evident that Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt has a love and passion for the game of football. We see it not only on Sundays through his spectacular plays but also through his involvement in the community.

Watt was recently driving home and noticed kids playing football so he stopped and checked it out.

“I saw some football going on so I always like to stop out and see the game being played especially at a young age. It’s in its purest form,” said Watt.


He spoke to the youth football team about loving the game of football and gave them advice on how to succeed in both football and life. Check out the video below to hear his motivational speech.


More Accolades for Willie Roaf

Louisiana Tech and The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Football Hall of Fame will jointly honor Willie Roaf with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute, presented by Fidelity Investments, on Oct. 18 in Ruston, LA. during Louisiana Tech’s matchup with the University of Texas at San Antonio.


The dominant lineman, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012, earned All-American recognition during his senior season in 1992. He was Louisiana Tech's first All-American offensive lineman since 1946.

Willie Roaf Set for Oct. 18 NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute>>>

Cleveland Browns Players Giving Back to their Community

Kudos to the Cleveland Browns players who recently read to students at The Centers for Families and Children in support of the foundation’s 2000 Days Pledge.


The 2,000 Days Pledge is an educational promise between teachers and parents that emphasizes the importance of a shared partnership and approach for putting children on the right path to high school graduation and beyond.

Gold Jackets Team Up to Support Disabled Veterans

Gold Jackets Bobby Bell, Joe DeLamielleure and Paul Krause as well as NFL legend Jim McMahon teamed up with Arizona Representative Steve Smith to support disabled veterans and their desire to lead as productive of a life as possible following their separation from service.

“The HOF Players are indebted to what these men and women [veterans] have sacrificed on behalf of all U.S. citizens,” said Krause.

“We are honored to lend our support...and look forward to having veterans beside us at every event.



Rep. Smith will sponsor legislation next session encouraging the federal government to take action that will make easier for companies to hire veterans.

Buckeyes Playing With Purpose

The Ohio State University Football team has been playing with a purpose this year. It’s more than a Big Ten Title or national championship; it’s for Jacob Jarvis and Noah Studebaker, brothers who were both diagnosed with muscular dystrophy or MD.

The Buckeyes surprised Jarvis after their victory against the Cincinnati Bearcats. See how the team honored him.

Buckeyes give game ball to emotional, tearful young man>>>