Character

Exhibit on View January 6-December 31, 2025

The centerpiece of the Character exhibit will be a large footprint devoted to the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, the most coveted individual honor in the National Football League. The display will feature an acknowledgement of past winners, several of whom are enshrined in Canton, along with artifacts related to WALTER PAYTON, PEYTON MANNING, JASON TAYLOR and LaDAINIAN TOMLINSON.

On-field character will be reflected in stories and artifacts related to overcoming adversity, with BRYANT YOUNG, Tom Dempsey and Brandon Burlsworth as some examples.

The off-field character of military veterans Rocky Bleier, Pat Tillman and EMLEN TUNNELL, and the heroism of Joe Delaney, will be represented.

Throughout the museum, guests will be provided the opportunity to learn more about 21 special points of interest connecting character to the sport.

Programming and events in 2025 around the Character exhibit will be integrated with the second year of the Hall of Fame’s Residency Program, which is expected to bring nearly 40 enshrinees back to Canton. Several thousand students will experience the exhibit and related educational elements through field trip opportunities.