Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values & Celebrate Excellence EVERYWHERE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 07/24/2018

HALL OF FAME DONATES CUSTOM CHOPPER TO HALL OF FAME MOTORCYCLE CREATED BY KNIEVEL CUSTOM CYCLES PLACED ON EXHIBIT

CANTON, OHIO – The Pro Football Hall of Fame is home to the world’s largest and most significant collection related to the game. Among the thousands of artifacts are many personal mementos from football’s greatest legends. A unique addition to the Hall’s vast collection was received as the custom- made motorcycle owned by Hall of Fame quarterback JIM KELLY arrived at the museum on Monday afternoon and placed on exhibit as featured on the Hall’s Instagram.

Kelly had approached the Hall of Fame in recent months to inquire about the Museum’s interest in receiving the 2008 custom chopper. The one-of-a-kind motorcycle was created and designed by Knievel Custom Cycles. The motorcycle includes a special Jim Kelly Hall of Fame logo and autographs from legendary daredevil and stunt performers Evel Knievel and his son Robbie Knievel.

COMMITMENT • INTEGRITY • COURAGE • RESPECT • EXCELLENCE

The chopper was delivered to Kelly in 2008 at that year’s annual Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Classic, an annual benefit for Kelly for Kids (www.kellyforkids.com/) and Hunter’s Hope Foundation (www.huntershope.org/). Prior to its arrival in Canton yesterday, Kelly was often seen riding the 710- pound motorcycle alongside fellow Bills’ teammates at rallies.

“This is a donation unlike anything the Hall of Fame has ever received. It is fitting considering that Jim Kelly is one-of-a-kind,” Hall of Fame President David Baker shared. “There is nothing ordinary about Jim from the way he played the game to the manner in which he has battled his bouts with cancer. We hope fans are inspired by seeing the motorcycle and knowing it reflects the character of one of the greatest Hall of Famers ever, Jim Kelly.”

The chopper is not the first artifact from the career and life of Kelly that has found its way to Canton. The following items from Kelly are either exhibited or preserved in the Hall of Fame’s Ralph Wilson, Jr. Pro Football Research & Preservation Center and archives:

• jersey worn by Kelly during the 1993 season when the Bills won the AFC East Championship. • Kelly’s Buffalo Bills game worn helmet, circa 1994. • Game ball awarded to Jim Kelly after the 1990 AFC Championship Game victory that earned the Bills’ their first Super Bowl berth. Also in the Hall’s collection is Kelly’s game plan and playbook from the game. • Football League (USFL) game ball football that was awarded to Kelly of the Gamblers for his performance in the 1984 season. • Kelly’s Buffalo Bills game plan and itinerary for Super Bowl XXVIII. • Kelly's Houston Gamblers (USFL) jersey from 1984. • Kelly's Houston Gamblers (USFL) helmet. • Kelly's East Brady High School jersey • Timmie Award by Touchdown Club of Washington D.C. given to him for being the 1990 NFL Player of the Year in the AFC • USFL game-used football awarded to Jim Kelly for a 574-yard passing performance with the Gamblers on Feb. 24, 1985 versus the Los Angeles Express

PLAN A VISIT TO HALL OF FAME The Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum is open seven days a week. Summer hours through Labor Day are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Special hours will be in effect during the 2018 Enshrinement Week Powered by Johnson Controls (Aug. 1-5):

Wednesday, Aug. 1 – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4 – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2 – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5 – 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3 – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Fans can plan a visit by going to www.ProFootballHOF.com/visit/

COMMITMENT • INTEGRITY • COURAGE • RESPECT • EXCELLENCE

ENSHRINEMENT WEEK POWERED BY JOHNSON CONTROLS The NFL’s 99th season kicks off in Canton with the Enshrinement Week Powered by Johnson Controls. A full schedule of events and information regarding the spectacular celebration can be found on www.ProFootballHOF.com/enshrinement/

The Hall of Fame Game (Baltimore Ravens vs. ) on Thursday, Aug. 2 and the Concert for Legends (Maroon 5 and Lee Brice) on Sunday, Aug. 5 are approaching sellouts, but a limited number of tickets remain including a special VIP field combo package for the Concert for Legends that includes a $30 concession card. The Class of 2018 Enshrinement is sold out, but obstructed view seats are available for $19. Full ticket information can be found at www.ProFootballHOF.com/tickets

###

#PFHOF18

CONTACTS: Pete Fierle, Chief of Staff & Vice President of Communications [email protected]; 330-588-3622

Rachel Gutting, Communications Coordinator [email protected]; 330-588-3671

ABOUT THE PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME Located in Canton, Ohio, the birthplace of the , the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit institution with the Mission to Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values, & Celebrate Excellence EVERYWHERE.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. AAM accreditation is national recognition for the museum’s commitment to excellence and the highest professional standards of museum operation and public service.

Hundreds of thousands of fans from across the globe travel to Canton annually to experience “The Most Inspiring Place on Earth!” that chronicles America’s most popular sport. The Pro Football Hall of Fame, also voted Top Tourist Attraction in Ohio, was named the Best Attraction for Sports Fans in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest.

Construction on Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village, an $899 million development project that includes 10 main components, is under way in Canton to transform the Hall of Fame’s campus.

@ProFootballHOF

COMMITMENT • INTEGRITY • COURAGE • RESPECT • EXCELLENCE