| In Canton, Ohio, there is a place packed with
game jerseys, helmets and any other item you can think of from the greatest players ever
to step foot on an NFL field. Many of the items seen there are priceless. This does not
mean free for all the sports memorabilia collectors out there; this means not for sale. "We
try to show football through time in a chronological order," said Joe Horrigan, vice
president of communications for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "We get the items worn
by a player when a record is set or broken and showcase those items — many of which
are priceless. To be honest, I cannot say which is the most valuable item because many are
simply irreplaceable. For instance, we have a document we like to call the ‘birth
certificate’ of an accounting ledger of the first payment to a player for $500 in
1892. That is the earliest document there is professionally and it is truly a
one-of-a-kind item which you cannot put a price on."
Horrigan has been working at the Hall of Fame for more than 25 years. He stumbled upon
the job just by being a fan and developing a relationship with the person who would
eventually be his predecessor. Through mutual friends, word trickled down to Horrigan that
the job was opening up, which tempted Horrigan to submit an application, and as he likes
to say, "I got lucky and got hired."
Before each NFL season, Horrigan and his colleagues at the Hall make sure they are
aware of any record which is likely to be broken. They get in touch with the player and
his team and make them aware that they will be attending the record-breaking game to
collect the game-used items.
"We are beginning to call Emmitt Smith as he nears Walter Payton’s career
rushing record," Horrigan said. "Other times, we have no clue something happens
such as when Corey Dillon broke Payton’s single-game rushing record. Since we have a
good relationship with the NFL and all the teams, we called the Bengals immediately and
flew to their practice facility the day after the game for a presentation of the items
being handed over to us."
The Hall of Fame has yet to come across an item that was difficult to get from a
player. Despite the possible sentimental aspect, players are usually extremely happy their
items will be placed in such a prestigious setting.
"When I visited the Hall (a few months ago) to gain familiarity with the place for
when I am inducted in August, I handed over the largest memorabilia given to the Hall of
Fame at one time," former Bills QB Jim Kelly said. "It was difficult to hand
over so much of my equipment since I am a memorabilia collector but I knew it was in good
hands in the best possible place it could be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame."
Kelly added, "The people there are unbelievable to work with. I wish everyone were
as nice as them. From Joe to every person in the PR department to people making
reservations, they are nothing but gracious and have done a tremendous job with the
place."
It is very common for current and former players to visit the Hall from time to time.
Not only are football players seen there, but players from other sports as well. Sometimes
they give the Hall proper notice and sometimes they don’t. One day, Hall of Fame QB
Y.A. Tittle was seen throwing the ball around with his grandson in one of the passing
cages.
"I am ashamed to say that I am not a frequent visitor," Tittle said.
"Living in California, I am off the beaten path of Canton. It is a trip. If you go to
Canton you go there for the purpose of going to the Hall. When I make it back there, I
love it. The people have done a remarkable job."
Tittle added, "The way they have it set up is terrific. When I was there the last
time I came with my 11-year-old grandson. He had heard people talk of me before, but
bringing him there brought it more to life by seeing films and my picture, jersey and beat
up shoulder pads. It brought it closer to home for him."
With so many exhibits, the Hall of Fame would be a collector’s paradise if items
were for sale.
"People have asked to buy something but we have never sold and will never sell
anything," Horrigan said. "We are a museum and we live up to those standards. We
have never sold or purchased anything. When we accept something, we are giving our word
that we are preserving the item." |
