CLEVELAND — There are still nearly two months to go until the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton inducts its latest class.
But fans looking to celebrate the Hall's Class of 2023 can already do so.
On Friday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced that it has opened a new exhibit, commemorating the members of this year's class. The exhibit includes memorabilia from each inductee in the 2023 class, including Cleveland Browns legendary left tackle Joe Thomas, who was selected in his first year of eligibility.
Joining Thomas in this year's class are Ronde Barber, Chuck Howley, Joe Klecko, Darrelle Revis, Ken Riley, Zach Thomas and DeMarcus Ware. According to a release, the exhibit includes.
- Children’s books Barber wrote with his twin brother, Tiki, and a jersey Rondé wore in his final season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when he finished his career as the only player in league history with at least 45 interceptions (47) and 25 sacks (28).
- Notes Coryell used when he presented DAN FOUTS and JOE GIBBS for enshrinement and a trophy he received from the Pro Football Writers of America as NFC Coach of the Year in 1974.
- A trophy Howley received as a member of the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor and a football from Super Bowl VI, a game in which he intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble as the Cowboys beat the Miami Dolphins 24-3.
- A hat fans delivered to Canton in 2019 campaigning for Klecko’s election to the Hall of Fame and figurines representing the “New York Sack Exchange.”
- Shoes Revis wore with the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl XLIX victory over the Seattle Seahawks and a helmet from his playing days at Aliquippa (Pa.) High School.
- A helmet Riley wore as the Bengals transitioned from the “Bengals” block lettering to the tiger stripes and a letter from former Bengals coach and future Hall of Famer DICK LeBEAU expressing appreciation for Riley’s play.
- Shoes that commemorate Joe Thomas’ NFL-record 10,363 consecutive snaps played and a guitar neck linked to his role as “Dawg Pound” captain for a game in 2022.
- The helmet Zach Thomas wore at Texas Tech University and game notes he used in preparation for a game against the Dallas Cowboys in 2007.
- Ware’s draft card as a first-round pick in 2005 and the shoes he wore Sept. 11, 2011, in remembrance of those who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Also included in the exhibit are larger-than-life images of each class member and a video screen that will play footage from when each received a coveted “knock on the door” informing him of his election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Class of 2023 will be at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium at 12 p.m. on Aug. 5.
Information on the exhibit and the August enshrinement week can be found on the Hall of Fame's website.