Pro Football
Hall of Fame
Honor excellence. Celebrate greatness. The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio represents the pinnacle of achievement in professional football, enshrining the game's greatest players, coaches, and contributors.
Selection Process
Step 1: Eligibility
Players become eligible five years after retirement. Coaches, contributors, and other personnel can be considered immediately upon retirement or after sufficient career accomplishment.
Step 2: Nomination
A screening committee reviews approximately 130 modern-era nominees and reduces the list to 25 semifinalists. These are announced in November.
Step 3: Finalists
The committee further narrows the field to 15 finalists in January. These are the players, coaches, and contributors who will be voted on for induction.
Step 4: Selection
The 50-person Selection Committee votes on Super Bowl Saturday. Candidates need at least 80% approval (40 votes) for enshrinement. Between four and eight new members are typically elected each year.
The Class: Modern-era players, senior candidates, coaches, and contributors can all be inducted in the same class.
Enshrinement Weekend
Every August, Canton, Ohio becomes the center of the football universe as the new Hall of Fame class is enshrined. Enshrinement Weekend is a multi-day celebration featuring special events, the Hall of Fame Game, and the legendary induction ceremony.
- • Hall of Fame Game
- • Concert for Legends
- • Civic Dinner
- • Gold Jacket Ceremony
- • Enshrinement Ceremony
- • Prime-time coverage
Why Canton?
Canton, Ohio holds a special place in football history as the birthplace of the National Football League. On September 17, 1920, representatives from four Ohio cities met in Canton's Hupmobile showroom and founded what would become the NFL.
Canton was also home to the Canton Bulldogs, one of the pre-NFL era's most successful teams, featuring legendary player Jim Thorpe. The city's rich football heritage made it the natural choice when the Pro Football Hall of Fame was established in 1963.
Visiting the Hall
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is open year-round to fans who want to experience football history. The museum features exhibits, artifacts, interactive displays, and the iconic enshrinement gallery where busts of all inductees are displayed.
Location: 2121 George Halas Drive NW, Canton, OH 44708
Hall of Fame Coverage
Follow the latest Hall of Fame news, finalist announcements, and enshrinement ceremony coverage.