Five small groups of NFL “behind the scenes” club employees will be recognized this week at the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence ceremonies.
The fourth edition of the Hall’s prestigious program kicks off Wednesday night (June 25) with a high-profile reception followed by an awards luncheon Thursday (June 26) with Hall of Famer Dan Fouts as celebrity emcee.
The 15 honorees are listed in five key staffing categories: Assistant Coaches, Public Relations Directors, Athletic Trainers, Equipment Managers, and Film-Video Directors.
NFL Alumni CEO Brad Edwards expressed the sentiments of a large group of our former players when he recently said: “These professionals helped so many of us when we were on the field during the practice week and on game day. They helped develop and promote us to lengthen our NFL careers. Many of our Alumni brothers continue to consider these individuals as close friends and colleagues. We are pleased they are being recognized in Canton.”
The 15 Award of Excellence honorees who forever will have their names listed in the Hall of Fame are:
ASSISTANT COACHES
- Dick Hoak (Steelers)
- *Elijah Pitts (Rams, Bills, Oilers)
- Jim McNally ( Bengals, Panthers, Giants, Bills, Jets)
PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTORS
- Peter Abitante (NFL office)
- *Jason Jenkins (Dolphins, 49ers)
- Bill Keenist (Lions, Redskins)
ATHLETIC TRAINERS
- *Ed Block (Colts)
- Pepper Burruss (Jets and Packers)
- John Norwig (Steelers)
EQUIPMENT MANAGERS
- *Tom Gray (Bengals)
- Dennis Ryan (Vikings)
- *George Luongo (Patriots)
FILM-VIDEO DIRECTORS
- Larry Clerico (Rams)
- Jon Dube (Browns and Ravens)
- David Hack (Dolphins)
*Deceased
The lights will be on late at the Pro Football Hall of Fame this week in recognition of this deserving group of NFL contributors and their families!
