1963 | Pro Football Hall of Fame Opens in Canton, Ohio | Today in History USA On September 7, 1963, America’s love for football found its temple. In Canton, Ohio, the Pro Football Hall of Fame opened its doors, honoring the game’s greatest pioneers. The first 17 inductees included legends such as Jim Thorpe, the powerhouse athlete whose dominance spanned multiple sports, and George Halas, the visionary coach who helped shape the modern NFL. This moment enshrined football not just as a sport, but