About Us

Our Story

How it started:

It all started when members of the Kentucky Chapter of the NFL Players Association began organizing events to raise funds for children’s charities throughout the state. What began as a local effort to bring former players together soon sparked a bigger idea—one that would recognize Kentucky’s football greats. In a state known for its passion for basketball, why not create something that honored the individuals who made their mark on the gridiron—not only in Kentucky’s high schools and colleges, but also in the National Football League? Thus, the vision for the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame was born.

The inaugural Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame Dinner was held in 2003 at the historic Campbell House in Lexington, Kentucky. The first class featured five distinguished inductees, including future NFL Hall of Famer Dermontti Dawson, the most decorated NFL player ever to emerge from Lexington. Local businesses sponsored tables. To further engage fans and alumni, a golf scramble was added to the weekend’s festivities, helping to build excitement and grow the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame’s presence across the state.

By 2007, the organization expanded its reach and mission with the creation of the Blanton Collier Award for Integrity On and Off the Field. Named in honor of the legendary University of Kentucky and Cleveland Browns’ coach, the award recognizes a professional player or coach who used their platform to positively impact the world. The inaugural recipient was longtime NFL and college coach, Rich Brooks.

As the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame continued to grow, the need for a formal leadership structure became clear. Dr. Steve Parker—a University of Kentucky professor, one of the school’s first African American football players, a former NFL player, and a trailblazing high school coach—was elected to chair the Board of Directors. Joining him in a leadership role was Frank Minnifield, former Cleveland Browns standout and a driving force behind the creation of the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame, who was named Executive Director.

With their vision and the support of a dedicated board, the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame evolved from a traditional banquet into a high-energy, Academy Awards-style celebration. These signature ceremonies found their home in prestigious venues such as the Lexington Opera House, Louisville’s Brown Theater, and the Downtown Hilton Ballroom in Lexington—raising the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame’s profile and creating a memorable experience for honorees and fans alike.

The Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame broadened its impact with the launch of the Collegiate All-Commonwealth Team in 2013, created to honor student-athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom. Selected by their head coaches, these standout players represent each of the 17 Kentucky colleges and universities with football programs.

What began as a new initiative quickly became a cherished tradition—shining a spotlight on emerging student-athlete leaders from across the state, from Pikeville to Paducah. Each year, these exceptional athletes are celebrated during a special ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort, recognizing their achievements and their role in shaping Kentucky’s football future.

To commemorate its 10th anniversary, the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame Diamond Ring was introduced—a striking symbol of excellence and achievement. A decade later, in celebration of its 20th anniversary, the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame unveiled its most prestigious honor yet: the purple jacket, representing the highest level of recognition by recognizing “football royalty” in Kentucky football. The inaugural jackets were presented by the Mayor of Lexington, marking a proud and memorable milestone in the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame’s mission to celebrate the Commonwealth’s rich football legacy.

The future of the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame is shining brighter than ever, as football fans across the Commonwealth—and beyond—continue to discover and support its mission. Looking ahead, plans are underway to establish a living history museum, where fans can experience the rich legacy of Kentucky football firsthand. This dedicated space will showcase memorabilia from our esteemed Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees and serve as a lasting tribute to the athletes, coaches, and contributors who have shaped the game in Kentucky and in professional football.

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Randy Burke, Raymond Smith, Dwayne Woodruff, and Derrick Ramsey from the Kentucky Chapter of the NFL Players Association, the forerunner of the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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Lexington and the University of Kentucky’s own Dermontti Dawson was inducted into NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio in 2012.

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Frank Minnifield presents former University of Kentucky Head Coach Rich Brooks with the first “Blanton Collier Award for Integrity On and Off the Field” in 2007.

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Dr. Steve Parker was the first Chairman of the Board for the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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NFL Hall of Fame Legends Jim Brown and Paul Hornung together at the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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For the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 20th Anniversary, the prestigious purple jacket was introduced.

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Executive Director Frank Minnifield and Board Chair Dr. Kay Collier McLaughlin are pictured with Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton.

Charitable Giving

Check to Foster Care

The Foster Care Council’s Cassie Slone and Lindy Hester accept a $10,000 check from the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame on WKYT-TV’s “Everyday Kentucky” in 2024.

Since our founding, we’ve raised more than

$1,000,000

for youth organizations.

Since 2003, the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame has proudly carried out its mission: “Honoring Kentucky’s Pro Football legends to support Kentucky’s children and young people.”

Through the years, we’ve raised over $1,000,000 for children’s and youth charities across the state.

Our current charitable partner is the Foster Care Council of Kentucky.

About the Foster Care Council:
The Foster Care Council provides clothing, academic support, enrichment activities, and mentorship opportunities for Kentucky’s foster children—those who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect. We invite you to join us in helping these children grow into strong, confident adults by offering the support and love they deserve.

Their Programs Include:

Individualized Tutoring Program – Personalized tutoring to help foster children succeed academically.
Enrichment Program – Funding for foster youth to explore passions like sports, music, karate, arts, or summer camps.
Studio Thrifty For the Kids – A boutique-style store where foster families can shop for clothing and necessities at no cost.
Teen Mentoring Program – Ongoing guidance and support for teens transitioning into adulthood.
My Vibe Program – Providing essentials for young adults (18 and over) committed to building their future through the program.

Induction Criteria

For Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Famers

Since the Kentucky Pro Football’s Hall of Fame beginnings in 2003, we have increased the categories in which Kentuckians, by birth, education, vocation, residency – have been involved in professional football leagues.

Kentucky Residency Requirement

RR.00: Born in Kentucky supersedes all other residency requirements.
RR.01: Player: 1 year or 1 season on roster of Kentucky college/university team or 5 years as resident of Kentucky.
RR.02: Head Coach: 1 year as a head coach of Kentucky college/university team or 5 years as resident of Kentucky.
RR.03: Assistant Coach: 5 years as assistant coach of Kentucky college/university team or 5 years as resident of Kentucky.
RR.04: Referee, Owner, General Manager, Executive, Media: 5 years as resident of Kentucky.

Pro Football League Participation Requirement

PR.01: Player: 5 years on Pro Football Team (with accreditation by the team).
PR.02: Head Coach: 5 years as Pro Football Head Coach or Pro Football Championship (i.e. Super Bowl or Grey Cup) winner.
PR.03: Assistant Coach: 10 years as Pro Football Assistant Coach or Pro Football Championship (i.e. Super Bowl or Grey Cup) winner.
PR.04: Referee, Owner, General Manager, Executive, Media:
Worked 10 years in the industry and made a significant contribution to Pro Football.

Esteemed Distinction

ED.01: NFL Induction: Any Player, Coach, Referee, Owner, General Manager, Executive or Media etc. that meets resident and participation and is inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame is automatically a member of the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame.
ED.02: Board Consideration:
It is the prerogative of the Selection Committee or the Board of Directors to nominate an individual who meets the residency requirements and has made such rare and extraordinary contribution to professional football that they deserve consideration for induction in the KY Pro Football Hall of Fame at the discretion of the Board of Directors through an in- depth vetting process by the Board.

View Inducted Hall of Famers