2015 NFL Rookies Roam Hall of Fame

History Published on : 6/25/2015

Updated 6/27/2015


The 2015 NFC Draft Class made their way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, June 27, 2015 as the NFL's Rookie Symposium concluded. The class had a similiar experience to the AFC rookies during their visit on Wednesday (read below).

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston couldn't get enough of the history that is preserved at the Hall.

“I’ve been able to just sit back and see all of this history and see all of the things that happened before my time. [It] has just been amazing, said Winston.

 Winston poses with Jim Plunkett's Hesiman Trophy.

The NFC rookies' tour was capped with a powerful message from Gold Jacket and Class of 2012 Enshinree Curtis Martin. The speech touched on his five main life themes that included focus, discipline, investment, sacrifice and perseverance. The Jets and Patriots star also shared personal stories from his own life.



The 2015 AFC Draft Class headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton on Wednesday morning as part of the NFL's Rookie Symposium. The rookies learned about the heroes of the game, the values and lessons the game can teach, how the game has grown over the years, and the significance of recognizing those players that paved the way before them.



The AFC rookies toured the museum and were greeted by the music of a marching band and a “gauntlet” of cheerleaders, dignitaries and staff.




Having the rookies experience the Hall of Fame has become an important part of the annual Rookie Symposium.



The Rookie Symposium focuses on educating drafted players in many areas of life in the NFL including: player health and safety, decision making, mental health, substance abuse, finance, and other important aspects of overall well-being. 


Pro Football Hall of Fame President David Baker kicked off the visit with a motivating speech welcoming the drafted rookies. Baker educated them on the importance of the Hall of Fame, and the reasons why the Hall is the number 1 tourist attraction in Ohio.

Hall of Fame staff then led the rookies on a guided private tour of the Hall of Fame and taught them about the history and the values of the game.


Tennessee Titans defensive players Angelo Blackson and Deiontrez Mount pose in front of the bust of their defensive coordinator and Gold Jacket Dick LeBeau.


Danny Shelton, the Cleveland Browns Nose Tackle, drafted from the University of Washington was honored to see the bronze busts on display in the Hall of Fame Gallery saying, “You really want to be like these guys. You really look up to these guys. These guys are the fathers and guys who built the game for us. There is nothing but respect that belongs in this room.”





Baltimore Ravens wide receiver, Breshad Perriman, from the University of Central Florida had a surreal visit to the Hall stating, “I’ve never really pictured myself being at the Hall of Fame. It’s really like a dream come true for me.”



This year’s AFC rookie’s tour concluded with an impactful message from Gold Jacket Anthony Muñoz. The former offensive lineman spoke to the young men about the challenges of playing in the NFL, importance of having strong relationships outside of the football community, and having a financial plan for the future. Muñoz played 13 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and was enshrined with the class of 1998.

 
 

Chargers  LB Kyle Emanuel thanks Muñoz for the advice he gave to the AFC rookies.



Check out more videos below of some of the rookies talking about what lessons the game of football taught them, how their visit was to the Hall and more!

Amari Cooper, Oakland Raiders




Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans



Ronald Darby, Buffalo Bills


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