[OLD HEAD]

No. 421 Now On Display In Canton

10/04/2007


Brett Favre’s record 421st touchdown pass, a 16-yard completion to Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings, actually travelled 800-plus miles. The historic football made its way from the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, where it is displayed in a specially prepared exhibit case. The record football ball is now prominently featured in the Hall of Fame’s Pro Football Today exhibit gallery.

“We are pleased that Brett agreed to allow us to display the record-breaking ball,” stated Steve Perry, the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s President/Executive Director. “Historically significant game artifacts like this football, allow us to better tell the inspiring stories related to an individual’s accomplishments, while at the same time recognizing that individual as an example of excellence who will undoubtedly inspire others.”

The well-traveled football was retrieved from the field of play by the Packers equipment manager Gordon “Red” Batty, who ran it to the sidelines where he passed it off to team representative Aaron Popkey. It was then returned to Favre who eventually handed it off to Joe Horrigan, the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s vice president-communications/exhibits.

“Although Brett was clearly focused on the game, he and his teammates couldn’t help but to enjoy the moment,” reflected Horrigan. “It was as loud an ovation as I’ve ever heard for someone, which is indicative of the kind of respect Favre has throughout the pro football community. It was truly an exciting moment.”

Also displayed with the football is the jersey Favre wore on November 7, 1999 when he started his 117th straight game to establish an NFL record for consecutive starts by a quarterback.


Good Luck!