Coach Zauner's Blog...: Coach Zauner Visits Hall of Fame

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Coach Zauner Visits Hall of Fame

My wife Michelle and I have started our trip by first attending PRO Football's Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio on Friday morning.

During my Hall of Fame visit I will post many photos for everyone to view. Unfortunately I will not be able to write long blogs due to time restraints.

Coach Zauner and Michelle at PRO Football Hall of Fame

As we entered the Hall of Fame there was a display of each of the six enshrinees on the entrance wall. Joining Randall McDaniel (Minnesota Vikings) are 'Bullet' Bob Hayes (Dallas Cowboys), Derrick Thomas (Kansas City Chiefs), Bruce Smith (Buffalo Bills), Rod Woodson (Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Oakland), and Ralph Wilson Jr. (Buffalo Bills) who was one of the original owners in the American Football League (AFL) in 1959.

Randall McDaniel Wall Display in PRO Football Hall of Fame

2009 Hall of Fame Enshrinees Display

In 1989 I was hired at Long Beach State as their Special Teams Coach by George Allen. George was inducted into the PRO Football Hall of Fame in 2002. I was invited to the induction ceremony by George's family but was unable to attend because I was the Special Teams Coordinator at that time for the Baltimore Ravens.

In the photo below I'm standing next to the man who started the Nickle Defense. George had a lot of 'firsts' in his coaching career. First Coach to hire a full time special teams coach. First coach to have a return specialist and a long snapper on his roster. George was a pioneer when it came to defense and the kicking game.

"It was a thrill and honor to work for George Allen a Hall of Fame Coach."

Coach Zauner with Hall of Fame Coach - George Allen

Baltimore Ravens Ed Reed Sets Return Record