HOF Artifact of the Week

This mouthpiece was used by Hall of Fame RB Walter Payton when he broke Jim Brown’s record for most career rushing yards in NFL history on October 7, 1984 against the New Orleans Saints. Jim Brown’s previous record of 12,312 career rushing yards stood for 19 years.

In 2002, Emmitt Smith broke Walther Payton’s career total of 16,726 yards. Emmitt Smith finished his career with 18,355 yards. Frank Gore is the NFL’s active leading rusher with 14,026 yards.

We also have mouthpieces from J.J. Watt, Joey Browner, Marshawn Lynch, Terrell Davis and Curtis Martin in our archives. Only Payton’s, Watt’s and Browner’s mouthpieces are unattached from their helmets.

Our weekly artifacts and other unique items are featured daily in our docent presentations for visitors of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Plan your visit to the Hall to learn more about the collection in our archives.