2011 NFL Season Official as Roger Goodell, DeMaurice Smith Sign New CBA

The 2011 NFL season is official!  Commissioner Goodell and NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith signed the new Collective Bargaining Agreement today on the steps of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

The event was a last minute addition to a jam-packed day at Pro Football's shrine. 

Prior to the signing, many past and current enshrinee's were in attendance, commemorating a two-year expansion project that will upgrade the fan experience at the Hall of Fame.

Class of 2011 inductees Marshall Faulk and Richard Dent were also present.

Here are the first photos of many more to come.  Enjoy!

Old Timers Celebrate

In attendance for the Hall of Fame expansion groundbreaking ceremony included Jim Taylor, Bobby Mitchell, and Anthony Munoz.

Taylor was the ground and pound running back from Louisiana who ran the famous Packer sweep for Vince Lombardi in Green Bay.  Taylor rushed for over 1,000 yards long before a 16 game season. 

Taylor is one of many Hall of Famers from the Green Bay Packers dynasty of the 1960's.  Those include Paul Hornung, Bart Starr, Herb Adderley, Willie Davis and of course Vince Lombardi.

Bobby Mitchell was a prolific pass catcher for the Washington Redskins.  He was infamously traded  from the Browns for Ernie Davis who was portrayed in the Hollywood film "The Express". 

Mitchell was the first African-American to play for the Redskins who were the last NFL team to integrate.  In Cleveland, Mitchell was used as a halfback to complement Jim Brown. 

It wasn't until Washington moved him to flanker that he flourished catching passes from fellow Hall of Famer Sonny Jurgensen.

Anthony Munoz of course was a dominant Tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals during the 1980's and early 90's.  He excelled at a position which is considered the most important when it comes to protecting the quarterback. 

The O'Jays

The ceremony began with splendid rendition of our National Anthem by the O'Jays.  They also happened to be friends with Hall of Fame president Steve Perry and live in Ohio.

Canton Natives

Dan Dierdorf spoke on behalf of the town of Canton.  He grew up just a few miles down the street from where the Hall sits. 

Interestingly enough another Hall of Famer is from Canton.  The great Alan Page not only grew up here, but he even helped build the museum, literally.  In his pre-NFL days, Page was a construction worker on the project. 

Go figure!

In the background you can see Steelers great Lynn Swann.

Groundbreaking

The official groundbreaking ceremony included Roger Goodell and Steve Perry.  The Hall of Famers donning gold jackets are Canton native Dan Dierdorf and Kansas City Chiefs great Willie Lanier.

Marshall Faulk

This year's first ballot Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk looks on as the O'Jays sing the national anthem.

Richard Dent

Autograph hounds attack 2011 inductee Richard Dent.

The Commish

Roger Goodell speaks as semi-trucks honk their horns as they drive by.  Lynn Swann and Mike Haynes look on from the front row.

Scary Raider Guy

Sweet dreams!