January 28, 2015

Manchin, Portman Introduce Legislation Honoring Pro Football Hall of Fame Ahead of Super Bowl

Manchin joins Ohio delegation to renew push for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Rob Portman (R-OH) introduced the Pro Football Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act, legislation to issue commemorative coins in recognition of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The coin would be issued to coincide with the Hall of Fame’s celebration of the National Football League’s (NFL) centennial season in 2019 and the 100th anniversary of the league’s birth.

The bill authorizes the U.S. Department of Treasury to issue up to 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half dollar coins. The coins will be minted for one year beginning on January 1, 2019, the beginning of the 100th anniversary season of the NFL. There is no cost to taxpayers associated with this legislation, as a portion of the proceeds will cover the cost of producing the coins. Proceeds from the sale of the coins will help the Hall acquire artifacts and continue its outreach initiatives.

“The mountains of West Virginia are home to many legendary athletes and champions, including six Pro Football Hall of Famers, two of whom came from my very own hometown of Farmington,” Manchin said. “These Hall of Famers have achieved incredible success on the football field, but more importantly, they have been a great source of inspiration and motivation to kids who dream to follow in their footsteps. Sports can give so much back to our communities, and this coin will help us honor the game, its values, its greatest players, and it will support the legacy that the Hall of Fame preserves at no cost to taxpayers. The Pro Football Hall of Fame truly shows us that if you have a little bit of God-given talent and you have the determination to succeed, you can be anything that you want to be.”

“Canton, Ohio is the birthplace of the National Football League, and anybody who’s visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame knows it’s a remarkable place,” Senator Portman stated. “This bipartisan legislation is a way to recognize the Hall of Fame and the positive economic impact it has in Ohio. It will also help set the Hall of Fame on course into the future – and does so at no cost to taxpayers.”

U.S. Representatives Jim Renacci (R-OH-16) and Bob Gibbs (R-OH-07) introduced a House version of the bill.

“The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the pride of Canton, and appropriately located in the heart of the NFL’s birthplace,” said Renacci. “The Hall and its programs have reached more than 100 million people in over fifty years from across the country and the world to be inspired by the history of the game and its greatest players, coaches, and contributors for which the game stands on their shoulders; men like Vince Lombardi, Paul Brown, Jim Brown and Jerry Rice, who have made outstanding contributions to the game. The Pro Football Hall of Fame not only celebrates their achievements, it has a strong educational outreach component that continues to have a positive impact on youth in Northeast Ohio and around the country.”

“The Pro Football Hall of Fame is a central landmark in my district and I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting the Commemorative Coin Act,” said Gibbs. “Football is not just a game to those who have worked to make the Hall of Fame what it is today. The programs and events help connect football fans from around the world to the birthplace of the game, Canton, Ohio. Every summer, Canton hosts the great football legends we have come to know and love, inspiring young players along the way. The Enshrinees honor the game with the many youth outreach programs facilitated through the Hall of Fame like the ‘Heart of the Hall of Famer Series’ and the ‘Get Fit Training Camp.’ This Commemorative Coin will help fund programs that support the Hall of Fame’s efforts to preserve the memory of the game and the birthplace of the National Football League.”

The Pro Football Hall of Fame first opened its doors in Canton in 1963. It’s mission is to Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values & Celebrate Excellence Everywhere. To date, 287 men are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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