Hall of Fame celebrates baby born on 60th anniversary

As part of its multi-day celebration surrounding the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 60th anniversary (Sept. 7, 1963), the Hall this week presented several gifts to Autumn and Ryan Rasmussen and their newborn son, Jaxon.

Jaxon, born at Aultman Hospital in Canton, on Thursday received a lifetime pass for entrance into the Hall of Fame for his family, along with a Hall of Fame care package.

On Friday, a representative of the Hall of Fame reached out to the family to tell them a $5,000 scholarship would be awarded to Jaxon to start a secondary education savings fund.

The gifts to the family helped the Hall of Fame kick off its anniversary celebration that includes events through Sept. 11.

“The Rasmussen family's significant day coincided with one of the Hall's most revered occasions,” Hall of Fame President Jim Porter said. “During this special celebration of the Hall, it’s important we remember the great community that has supported us for the past 60 years.”

Jaxon joins six siblings in the family — three other boys and three girls ranging in age from 15 years old to 15 months. Autumn and Ryan described the family as big football fans and indicated it won't be long before the family uses its admission pass for the first time. With one Chiefs fan as the exception, all list the Cleveland Browns as their favorite team.

The National Football League awarded the site for the Pro Football Hall of Fame to Canton in 1961. Groundbreaking for the original construction took place Aug. 11, 1962, and the Hall opened its doors for the first time Sept. 7, 1963. 

A full schedule of events for the anniversary celebration can be found here.