A SPECIAL TIME!!! 2021 PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME RECAP!!

 ~Canton, Ohio~

  If you would have told me ten years ago that I would have been sitting in the press box at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium covering the 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony, I would have told you " you're crazy"! Fast forward to 2021 our company the 216 Sports Network was approved for media credentials to cover the induction ceremony. To say we were overjoyed is an understatement.

I have lived in Cleveland, Ohio all my life. Never had I been inside the stadium, but Sunday night I took it all in as I arrived at the hall of fame. From other media crews to the fans and even the kind staff members. This was an experience that EVERY football fan should have on their bucket list. To answer the question, Yes I was in the press box. That still didn't take away the beautiful view of the stadium and stage as fans filled every seat. 

Fans from all over the country and even the world came together for one weekend and celebrated the inductions of their favorite players. The special part about this is that even during a Covid year we as people were still able to come together and enjoy life. More importantly, football is back!! As I sat and listened to all members of the induction class, the common theme in I noticed in their speeches was simple... Faith, Family, Football!! In that order. The best part of the induction ceremony was hearing Tom Brady receive a chorus of boos' even though Peyton Manning had referred to him as his good friend.

The most memorable part of the entire show for me was the text exchange between my mom and I reminding me that it was my grandfather's birthday. He passed away in 2000 and was an avid football fan. I could remember times of being over his house and watching football together. Although he never got to see me play, I wish he could have been there with me to see it. My all-time favorite player Charles Woodson paid tribute to his mother who was his biggest fan. Not only did she introduce him, but he also sang a part of the song "mama" by Boyz to Men. I love my mother dearly, and as much as my mother drives me crazy sometimes, I felt his sentiment. His faith in god, his family, and football were what helped propel him to the Hall of Fame, and it was well deserved.

If you ever get the chance, I encourage you all to visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the events on Hall of Fame weekend. It's a once in a lifetime experience we all need to enjoy. We here at the 216 Sports Network would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Mr. Rich Desrosiers, Ms. Rachel Gutting, and the rest of the staff at the Pro Football Hall of Fame for providing us the opportunity to cover such an beautiful event.

( all photos provided by 216 Sports Network photography and the Pro Football Hall of Fame)