FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | October 10, 2026

AFA Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend

Fourteen inductees to be honored October 22-23 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton


BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - With 12 days remaining until its Hall of Fame weekend opens, the American Football Association (AFA) is preparing to welcome the Class of 2026, returning Hall of Famers, alumni, families, and supporters to Canton, Ohio. Fourteen individuals will be honored for their contributions to semi-professional and minor league football.


The 44th Annual AFA Minor League Football Hall of Fame Induction Dinner will take place Friday, October 23, at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, 2121 George Halas Drive NW, Canton, Ohio. The celebration begins Thursday, October 22, with the AFA/HoF Legends Meet & Greet.

Weekend Schedule

Thursday, October 22: Meet & Greet begins at 6:00 p.m. in the Convention Center at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Friday, October 23: Cocktail reception begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by the buffet dinner at 7:00 p.m. and the induction ceremony at 8:00 p.m. Jacket and tie are preferred.

Tickets and Event Information

Advance registration for the induction dinner closed October 1. Dinner tickets will not be sold at the door. Registered attendees with questions about their existing reservations should contact AFA President Dave Burch at amerfoot@aol.com or (607) 743-6013.

Watch the Induction Ceremony Live

Unable to attend in person? Watch the 2026 AFA Hall of Fame induction ceremony live on Friday, October 23, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, on the AFA Inductions Rumble channel.

View the Class of 2026 Program

The online dinner program features inductee profiles, football history, alumni recognition, memorial tributes, and sponsor advertisements. The digital edition will continue to receive updates through the event. Online Program


Class of 2026 Inductees

Inductees are listed alphabetically by last name within each category:

Coaches

Blaine Bond - Mandeville, LA

Terry L. Grider - Oreana, IL

Players

Greg Berger - Phoenixville, PA

Geoffrey Heard - Litchfield, AZ

Brian Carter - Snohomish, WA

Dale Holmes - Port St. Lucie, FL

Wesley Cates - Columbus, OH

Desmond Jordan - Rocky Point, NC

Don Dixon - Watertown, NY

Al Pallone - Broomfield, CO

Jerry Garrison - Breckenridge, MI

Carmelo Velazquez III - Milwaukee, WI

Tony “T-Bone” Green - Glens Falls, NY

Michael Whitney - Waverly, IA

Sponsor the Digital Program

The AFA thanks its 2026 Hall of Fame sponsors and advertisers. The print edition has been submitted for production; new advertising opportunities remain in the digital program. Contact Dave Burch to confirm placements and arrangements. Sponsorship signup

Join or Renew AFA Alumni Membership

Stay connected and support the AFA mission by joining or renewing your alumni membership. Alumni Membership

AFA Welcomes Your Feedback and Questions

Share your feedback, ask questions, or request information through the AFA’s new online channel.


Shop AFA Merchandise

Visit the AFA online store to shop for merchandise and show your support for semi-professional and minor league football. AFA ONLINE STORE


About the American Football Association Established in 1980, the AFA preserves the history and recognizes the contributions of semi-professional and minor league football participants. Its Hall of Fame honors the players, coaches, and others whose dedication has helped sustain the game and its communities.


Media contact: Dave Burch, President, American Football Association

(607) 743-6013 | amerfoot@aol.com | www.AmericanFootballAssn.com

Tap. Connect. Grow.

Connect with the American Football Association through the new XPI SmartCard. Access Hall of Fame information, AFA membership, sponsorship opportunities, merchandise, and more: https://tapcard.xpisolutions.com/card/david-dave-burch

🔗 Renew today and stay Semi-Pro & Proud.

 

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About the American Football Association: The American Football Association is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax exempt corporation in its 46th year of operation, and is dedicated to the advancement of adult (semi-pro) football from coast-to-coast. Our slogan is Semi Pro & Proud®. We are not affiliated with any other national semi-pro/minor league organization. The AFA, Hall of Fame, American Football News™ and AFA logo design are registered trademarks of the American Football Association. All other AFA-related trademarks are trademarks of the American Football Association.

 
 
 
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