Renacci and Portman Introduce Pro Football Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act Ahead of Super Bowl

Press Release

Rep. Jim Renacci (OH-16) and Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) today introduced the Pro Football Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act, legislation that authorizes the U.S. Department of Treasury to issue commemorative coins in recognition and celebration 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 centennial season in 2019 and the 100th anniversary of the league's birth. The NFL was founded in downtown Canton on September 17, 1920.

The Hall's mission is to honor the heroes of the game, preserve its history, and promote its values and celebrate excellence everywhere. The Pro Football Hall of Fame first opened its doors in Canton in 1963. To date, 287 men are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and 24 of those football legends were born in Ohio.

"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."

"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," 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."

"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 that are facilitated through the Hall of Fame each year 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."

If signed into law, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act authorizes the 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 Hall is honored that Senator Portman and Congressmen Renacci and Gibbs are joining in the effort to make this Commemorative Coin part of the national celebration of the birth of the NFL," stated Hall of Fame President David Baker. "The funds from the coin program will be used by the Hall to promote the values of the game, commitment, integrity, courage, respect and excellence which has made pro football America's passion and helped make our country great!"

Renacci and Portman added, "This Sunday, one day after the Hall of Fame elects a new class of enshrines, more than 100 million Americans are expected to tune in to watch the Seattle Seahawks face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX. Football is not just a favorite pastime of millions of Americans; it is part of our country's heritage. At no expense to taxpayers, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act will help the Pro Football Hall of Fame preserve the storied history of America's most popular sport, honor the achievements of some of its most iconic players, and build upon its educational and philanthropic programs."

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