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Pro Football Hall of Fame to launch ‘Western PA Proud!’ Exhibit on Nov. 20

By: Pro Football Hall of Fame
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Individuals, communities, teams that helped plant sport’s roots in region to be featured; Tony Dorsett to cut ribbon 

Western Pennsylvania’s long and deep connection with the sport of football will be explored over the next five months as the Pro Football Hall of Fame launches a new exhibit spotlighting the region.

“Western PA Proud! powered by Constellation” will examine individuals, communities and teams that have played meaningful roles in the sport from the high school level to universities and into the professional ranks going back to the late 1800s.

A ribbon-cutting formally opening the exhibit is scheduled for 11 a.m. Nov. 20. TONY DORSETT, who grew up in Hopewell Township, northwest of Pittsburgh, and later attended the University of Pittsburgh, will be on hand for that ceremony.

“We are thrilled Tony will join us in opening the ‘Western PA Proud!’ exhibit. He epitomizes the kind of athlete – and individuals of character – who were born and raised there and have contributed so much to the sport of football at all levels,” said Jim Porter, president & CEO of the Hall of Fame. “This exhibit encompasses so much about the game, its history and the people who shaped it, there will be something of interest for every football fan.”

image: WesternPA_1080x1080

Western Pennsylvania high schools produced 23 individuals who have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, one of the highest concentrations in the country. Included in that total are six former quarterbacks recognized as among the best to play in the NFL: GEORGE BLANDA, JIM KELLY, DAN MARINO, JOE MONTANA, JOE NAMATH and JOHNNY UNITAS.

Other elements the "Western PA Proud!" exhibit will explore:

  • The origins of professional football in towns around Pittsburgh during the 1890s and early 1900s.
  • Latrobe’s early Hall of Fame bid.
  • Aliquippa High School, which boasts more Pro Football Hall of Famers than any other high school in the country: MIKE DITKA, TY LAW and DARRELLE REVIS.
  • The ROONEY family, which includes Hall of Famers ART ROONEY and DAN ROONEY, and the enduring legacy of the Pittsburgh Steelers. 
  • The University of Pittsburgh’s 11 Pro Football Hall of Famers, eight of whom were born and raised in Western Pennsylvania. The Heisman Trophy and national championship ring Dorsett won while at Pitt will be among the many items displayed.

"Western PA Proud!" is scheduled to run through April 5, 2027. Viewing all of the elements in the exhibit is included with a regular admission ticket. The Hall of Fame is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day (9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays) except for Thanksgiving Day (closed), Christmas Day (closed) and Christmas Eve (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.). For more visitor information, go to ProFootballHOF.com/visit.

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