Falcons owner to sponsor Tagliabue fellowship – KIRO 7 News Seattle

CANTON, Ohio – (AP) – The latest on Saturday’s Pro Football Hall of Fame induction:

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The Atlanta Falcons owner is taking advantage of former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame to sponsor a scholarship for a recent college graduate of a Historically Black College and University.

Blank, who has a foundation in his name, set up the foundation for two years in honor of Tagliabue through the James Harris-Doug Williams Fellowship. Honored work in the hall in different departments.

Tagliabue pushed for career advancement and diversity in football during his time as commissioner. The NFL passed the Rooney Rule, named after former Pittsburgh Steelers and Hall of Famer Dan Rooney, under the supervision of Tagliabue, and he was a driving force behind the passage of the rule that requires teams to hire at least one head coach Interviewing minority candidates.

The rule has since been expanded to include general manager and executive positions across the league.

“His impact on the game during his tenure as commissioner is immeasurable,” said Blank. “Simply put, the NFL wouldn’t be what it is today without him.”

Akil Blount, son of the Hall of Famer Ml Blount, was the first James Harris-Doug Williams Fellow in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Today he is a member of the hall’s marketing team.

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Lynyrd Skynyrd has retired from the Pro Football Hall of Fame concert after band member Rickey Medlocke tested positive for COVID-19.

The band was supposed to conduct the concert on Monday evening with country artist Brad Paisley, with Jimmie Allen opening the show. But Medlocke’s positive test forced the group to withdraw.

In a statement from his publicist, Lynyrd Skynyrd said, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, Lynyrd Skynyrd will not be able to do the next four shows. Long-time band member Rickey Medlocke tested positive for COVID-19. Rickey is resting at home and responding well to treatment. “

Allen expanded his setlist to open the show. He also performs a duet with Paisley on the current hit song “Freedom Was A Highway”.

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Former Pittsburgh Steelers security star Troy Polamalu has recovered from a battle with COVID-19 and will attend the induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Polamalu, a member of Class of 2020, has been home since late last month and his status for the dedication ceremony has been in question. But he was medically cleared for the trip to Canton and attended the Hall of Fame parade that morning. He missed the Gold Jacket Dinner on Friday night when other members of the 2020 and 2021 classes received their indoor jackets.

Polamalu, a four-time all-pro who won Super Bowls twice, had to wait an additional year to be accepted due to the pandemic.

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