SPECIAL EXHIBITS: GRIDIRON GLORY

January 26 – May 5, 2013
On view in the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion
Organized by the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame presents a panoramic view of the story of professional football — from its humble beginnings in the late 19th century to the cultural phenomenon it is today — and brings together an extraordinary collection of artifacts, while creating an unforgettable interactive experience. The Hall of Fame has partnered with NFL Films in creating the audio and video for this exhibit.

The exhibition — a cornerstone event in the multi-year celebration of the Hall of Fame’s 50th anniversary — is the most extensive and comprehensive exhibition featuring America’s most popular sport ever to tour.

In addition to WWII-related NFL artifacts, this exhibition of Gridiron Glory will also include historic items related to the New Orleans Saints.

Find out more on the Museum Blog.

Images:

A Career Interrupted
Tony Canadeo was a versatile halfback for the Green Bay Packers. When he arrived in Green Bay in 1941, he served mainly as an understudy to veteran quarterback Cecil lsbell. That changed in 1943 when he became the Packers' No. 1 passer. His performance that year earned him All-NFL honors. In 1945, he left to serve in an Army tank unit in Europe. He resumed his football career in 1946 as a heavy-duty running back. In 1949 he became only the third player to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season. On display is Canadeo’s helmet from his rookie season. Hometown Heroes
Jersey worn by New Orleans Saint Drew Brees in 2008 when he became only the second person in NFL history to pass for 5,000 yards in a season. Hometown Heroes
Kicking shoe worn by Tom Dempsey of the New Orleans Saints, 1970. Dempsey set an NFL record with the longest field goal ever kicked at 63 yards. Country First for Van Brocklin
Norm Van Brocklin was one of the best passers ever to don a uniform in the National Football League. Nicknamed the “Dutchman,” Van Brocklin won three passing titles and two NFL championships during his 12-year career with the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles. But before he embarked on his football career, Van Brocklin served in the Pacific during WWII. In fact, as a 17-year old just out of high school, he insisted on his parents signing Navy papers for him in 1943. On display is the jersey he wore as he guided the Eagles to the NFL title in 1960. Playing Field to Battlefield
Art Donovan's jersey and uniform jacket. A World at War — The National Football League on Pearl Harbor Day
Three scheduled NFL games were under way when the Japanese first attacked Pearl Harbor on Sunday, December 7, 1941.

In the Polo Grounds, where New York Giants fans were celebrating “Tuffy Leeman’s Day” in honor of their star running back, the public address announcer interrupted his commentary to tell all servicemen to report to their units. A World at War — The National Football League on Pearl Harbor Day
A similar announcement was made at Chicago’s Comiskey Park. At Washington’s Griffith Stadium, the announcer paged high-ranking government and military personnel who were in attendance, but did not mention the attack. Newspaper reporters in attendance were instructed to check with their offices.

On Monday, December 8, America officially entered World War II.