“Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame” has opened at downtown Austin’s Bullock Texas State History Museum. The exhibit is said to be one of the most extensive and comprehensive exhibitions ever produced on football and includes 2,300 yards of original artifacts, rare documents, award-winning photographs, and remarkable footage from NFL Films exploring the “cultural and historical significance of America’s football legacy.”
On its only scheduled stop in Texas, the exhibit is in partnership with the Houston Texans and with items from the Texans and the Dallas Cowboys.
Visitors will be able to try on football gear, review film footage in an instant replay booth, and watch some of the best game-winning plays of all time. Some items of note in the exhibit include an iconic Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophy, the Dallas Cowboys’ 1969 offensive playbook, Emmitt Smith’s autographed football from when he set a new career rushing record, a helmet worn by Troy Aikman, and the invoice for the $700-million franchise purchase of the Houston Texans.
Other items include Tom Brady’s 2000 NFL Draft Card, Emmitt Smith’s rushing record play sheet, Houston Oiler/New Orleans Saints kicker Tom Dempsey’s specially-designed kicking shoe, Texan Mean Joe Greene’s jersey, and a 1957 championship game ticket. In addition, the exhibit highlights the careers of the 30 native Texan Hall of Famers, including Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, “Slingin” Sammy Baugh, Eric Dickerson, and Mike Singletary.
“What makes this exhibition so extraordinary is the variety of artifacts and thorough examination of football as a sport, science, and cultural phenomenon,” said Director Dr. Victoria Ramirez. “This is the best football exhibition that has travelled in decades featuring rare artifacts, electrifying footage, and fun interactives.”
For details, visit TheStoryofTexas.com.
Photos courtesy Bullock Texas State History Museum Media Page.