The Haggar Gold Jacket Report - Volume 2, Issue 1

The Haggar Gold Jacket Report is a weekly update on recent news surrounding the very select group of men who’ve earned a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Hall of Famers Birthdays

Aug. 19 - Anthony Muñoz (1958) Aug. 21 - Willie Lanier (1945) Aug. 22 - *Mel Hein (1909) Aug. 23 - Sonny Jurgensen (1934) Aug. 23 - Rayfield Wright (1945) Aug. 23 - Cortez Kennedy (1968) *Deceased

Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback WILLIE BROWN has spent more than 40 years with the Oakland Raiders organization – from a player, to a coach and now as a team ambassador. The Class of 1984 enshrinee has received many awards throughout his career. Last week he added another to his ever-growing trophy case.

Brown was presented with the key to the city of Napa, Calif. by Mayor Jill Techel at the Kiwanis Club of Napa luncheon meeting at the Elks Lodge of Napa. He was the Kiwanis program’s guest speaker as the Raiders opened their 17th training camp in the city.

“You make sure that you keep the interest of the Raiders out there in front of the public,” Brown said of his new front-office job. “I love the Raiders. I love doing whatever I can to help.”

Brown also spoke to Kiwanis members and guests about confidence, attitude, accountability, trust and work habits and explained that, “All those things tie in together to be successful.”

Willie then concluded with. “Think positive, have confidence, and a good attitude.”


Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end KELLEN WINSLOW SR. was introduced on Thursday, Aug. 16, by Lakeland College President Michael A. Grandillo as the school’s Director of Athletics. Winslow will also lead development of a college-wide focus on wellness designed to help all students understand how lifestyle choices they make in college impact their personal health and their ability to get a job after college.

“This role at Lakeland fulfills two things I’ve been looking for – a place where I can continue to be involved in athletics and to implement a comprehensive student wellness plan,” said Winslow, who becomes the 11th person to lead Lakeland athletics since intercollegiate athletics were organized in 1932.

“President Grandillo shares my vision and is giving me his support in making the vision a reality. Athletics is a major portion of campus life and community engagement.”

Winslow and Grandillo met approximately four years ago. Grandillo started as Lakeland president in July. And both are firm believers that academics and athletics go hand in hand.

“Kellen’s accomplishments on the football field speak for themself, and we’re obviously excited to have such an accomplished athlete leading our athletic department,” Grandillo said. “But that’s not why we hired him. In the four years we have known each other, we’ve had a number of discussions about ways to ensure that college students – especially first generation college students – have success.

“I share the vision of the wellness plan that Kellen will implement at Lakeland, and I believe our shared vision is fully in sync with Lakeland’s mission. It will help make Lakeland distinctive by bringing healthy lifestyles to the forefront for all our students, not just our student-athletes.”

West Virginia University has designated Sept. 15, 2012 as “SAM HUFF Day.” The Hall of Fame linebacker will be honored as the Mountaineers take on James Madison University at FedEx Field, the Washington Redskins home field.

“It’s a wonderful affair, and it should be at FedEx Field, because people from West Virginia can drive to the game,” Huff told the Redskins in an online interview this week. “I think they’re going to sell it out. FedEx Field is not that far from Morgantown.

“We’re going to have all the Mountaineers there, and they’ll wear their (WVU apparel). Hopefully they don’t bring their muskets with them. It’s a special time for me to have all of these people coming from my home state. It’s really enjoyable, and I’ve never had anything like this.”

Huff will be recognized as an honorary captain and he’ll also be acknowledged at a halftime ceremony. There will also be special video messages for Huff on the FedEx Field scoreboard throughout the game.

“Sam Huff is one of the all-time great Mountaineers, and this will certainly be a special day playing in the home of the Washington Redskins and honoring one of the NFL’s greatest legends,” said WVU Athletic Director Oliver Luck. “We have a great fan base in the D.C. area, and we are certainly looking forward to honoring Sam for his major contributions to the game of football as a Mountaineer and a Redskin.”

 

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Links Related to this story:

HOF Bios: Willie Brown | Sam Huff | Kellen Winslow
More: A recording Winslow’s hiring | Hall of Famers by college
 

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Volume 1 (Jan. 20-July 20, 2012)