Editor’s Note: The video above is about the Cleveland Browns’ best seasons.
CANTON, OHIO (WJW) – The highly anticipated Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week is here, and football fans from across the nation have gathered in Canton for celebrations, ceremonies, and unforgettable moments.
The annual event runs through August 6 and promises to be a memorable experience for both fans and football legends alike.
This year has a special meaning for local fans, as the Browns are playing in the Hall of Fame game, and former Cleveland Browns player Joe Thomas will be enshrined.
Who’s being enshrined?
The class of 2023 was announced in February.
In addition to Joe Thomas, the illustrious group includes cornerback/safety Rondé Barber, coach Don Coryell, linebacker Chuck Howley, defensive lineman Joe Klecko, cornerback Darrelle Revis, cornerback Ken Riley, linebacker Zach Thomas, and linebacker/defensive end DeMarcus Ware.
All about Joe
Retired Browns LT Joe Thomas was the first announced during the 12th annual NFL Honors in February.
During his 11-year career with the Cleveland Browns from 2007 to 2017, Joe Thomas showcased unparalleled talent and consistency. His remarkable streak of starting 10,363 consecutive snaps is a testament to his durability and unwavering commitment to the game.
LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 19: Offensive tackle, Joe Thomas #73 of the Cleveland Browns sits on the field at the 2007 NFL Players Rookie Premiere on May 19, 2007 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) 
DENVER – AUGUST 25: Offensive lineman Joe Thomas #73 of the Cleveland Browns warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos on August 25, 2007 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) 
CLEVELAND – 2008: Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns poses for his 2008 NFL headshot at photo day in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Getty Images) 
CLEVELAND – MAY 28: Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns of the Cleveland Cavaliers of the Orlando Magic in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 28, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) 
BEREA, OH – CIRCA 2011: In this handout image provided by the NFL, Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns poses for his NFL headshot circa 2011 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by NFL via Getty Images) 
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 18: Offensive tackle Joe Thomas #73 of the Cleveland Browns during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 18, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Browns 20-17 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) 
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 27: Tackle Joe Thomas #73 of the Cleveland Browns looks on from the sidelines against the Baltimore Ravens during the NFL Game at M&T Bank Stadium on September 27, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) 
NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 01: Finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns speaks during a press conference for Super Bowl XLVII at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on February 1, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) 
NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 01: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (2ndR) pose with the finalists for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award; Larry Fitzgerald (2ndL) of the Arizona Cardinals, Joe Thomas (R) of the Cleveland Browns and Jason Witten (L) of the Dallas Cowboys during a press conference for Super Bowl XLVII at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on February 1, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) 
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 24: Joe Thomas #73 of the Cleveland Browns shakes hands with Kaleb Eulls #71 of the San Diego Chargers in the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) 
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 17: Offensive tackle Joe Thomas #73 of the Cleveland Browns on the field against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) 
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 22: Joe Thomas #73 of the Cleveland Browns leaves the field after an injure against the Tennessee Titans at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) 
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 10: Joe Thomas #73 of the Cleveland Browns looks on from the sidelines durning the game against the Green Bay Packers at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) 
CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 20: Former Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joe Thomas talks with the NFL Network prior to the game between the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 20, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) 
CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 04: Former Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joe Thomas looks on during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Thomas, a 6-time First-Team All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowl selection, consistently dominated the field, earning the respect and admiration of teammates, opponents, and fans alike. His technique, athleticism, and football IQ made him a force to be reckoned with, providing invaluable protection for his quarterbacks and opening lanes for the running game.
Off the field, Joe Thomas was widely regarded as a consummate professional, known for his humility, leadership, and philanthropy. He was not only a role model for aspiring football players but also an inspiration for all, showcasing the true spirit of the game.
Schedule of events
- Aug. 3: Autograph session
- Aug. 3: Hall of Fame Game
- Aug. 4: Gold Jacket Dinner
- Aug. 5: The Canton Repository Grand Parade
- Aug. 5: Class of 2023 Enshrinement
- Aug. 5: Concert for Legends, featuring Zac Brown Band
- Aug. 6: Enshrinees’ Roundtable
Hall of Fame Game
The Cleveland Browns faced the New York Jets for this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, Aug. 3, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The Browns beat the Jets, 21-16.
The game was a sellout, the Hall of Fame tells FOX 8, with about 18,000 fans.
It’s the Browns’ sixth Hall of Fame Game. The most recent was in 1999.
Autograph session
The Class of 2023 participated in an autograph session during the upcoming Enshrinement Week.
The autograph session took place on Thursday, Aug. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. with Joe Thomas, Zach Thomas, DeMarcus Ware, Joe Klecko, Darrelle Revis and Ronde Barber.
More details here.
Hall of Famer Walk
The second annual Hall of Famer walk was held on Friday, Aug. 4, at 10:30 a.m. Attendance to the walk is free. No autographs are permitted.
This year, the Class of 2023, joined by approximately 100 returning Hall of Famers, will walk north on Market Avenue to Centennial Plaza in downtown Canton. The walk begins at the intersection of Market Avenue and Third Street S.
Which Hall of Famers will be there for the walk? Troy Aikman, Peyton Manning and Dan Marino are among the stars on the list.
Check out the list here.
Fashion Show Luncheon
Fashion meets Pro Football at the Fashion Show Luncheon.
It took place Friday, August 4 at 11 a.m. at the Canton Civic Center.
There will be mimosas, pop-up shops and entertainment.
Gold Jacket Dinner and Ceremony
The Gold Jacket Dinner is the moment the new class members get the Gold Jacket by Haggar. The Pro Football Hall of Fame says for many recipients the most emotional moment of the week.
The Enshrinees Dinner honors the Class of 2023, a group of football luminaries whose contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark.
Hall of Famers will welcome the new class as they receive their gold jacket.
The event is on Friday, August 4 at 5 p.m. The Gold Jacket Ceremony begins at 7:15 p.m.
Canton Repository Grand Parade
If going to the Hall of Fame isn’t your style, you can celebrate these NFL stars with a parade.
The Grand Parade will attract about 250,000 people, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
According to the Hall, it’s one of the largest parades in the country AND the largest free event in Canton.
“Imagine the delight of huge helium balloons, marching bands, colorful floats, world-renowned dance troupes, and outrageously costumed football fans,” the Pro Football Hall of Fame says on its website.
The parade travels down Cleveland Ave. in Canton and steps off at 8 a.m. Saturday, August 5.
More details here.
Class of 2023 Enshrinement Ceremony
The Hall of Fame expects the enshrinement to also pull in a record crowd.
Tickets for this year’s ceremony at Canton’s Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium are still for sale.
The ceremony takes place on Saturday, August 5 at 12 p.m.
This is the event when the players’ bronze busts will be unveiled.
Concert for Legends
Tickets are still available for the 2023 Concert for Legends, featuring Zac Brown band.
They perform Saturday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 5 at 8 p.m.
Enshrinees’ roundtable
Pro tip: This is one of the can’t-miss events, according to people who work at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Members of the newly elected Class of 2023 Pro Football Hall of Famers will be there, but here’s what makes it really special.
It takes place after all the ceremonies so everyone is more relaxed, and you have a chance to get up close and personal.
It takes place at noon Sunday, August 6 at the Canton Civic Center.
