American Football Association Celebrates 44th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend in Canton

Members of the AFA Hall of Fame Class of 2026 at the induction weekend in Canton, Ohio.

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - The American Football Association (AFA) celebrated its 44th Annual Minor League Football Hall of Fame Induction Weekend October 22–23, 2026, at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. The two-day gathering brought together inductees, returning Hall of Famers, alumni, families and supporters to recognize 14 individuals whose contributions helped sustain semi-professional and minor league football.

The weekend opened Thursday with the AFA/HoF Legends Meet & Greet and continued Friday with a reception, dinner and induction ceremony. The celebration provided an opportunity not only to recognize individual achievements but also to reconnect generations of participants and preserve their stories. PRWeb



A Message from AFA President Dave Burch

“This year’s Hall of Fame weekend was a powerful reminder of why the American Football Association exists. We came together not simply to recognize fourteen deserving individuals, but to celebrate the dedication, sacrifices, friendships, and accomplishments that have shaped semi-professional football for generations. The stories shared by our inductees, their families, and fellow Hall of Famers reinforce our responsibility to preserve a part of football history that too often goes unrecognized. Through our Hall of Fame, historical archives, commemorative publications, and expanding digital initiatives, we are committed to ensuring that these contributions are remembered, celebrated, and passed on to future generations.” - Dave Burch, President, American Football Association

AFA President Dave Burch speaks during the 2026 Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Attendees Reflect on Legacy, Brotherhood and Family

In a public post following the event, guest Prince Hoss Ag described the occasion as an opportunity to hear inductees tell their stories and to hear earlier Hall of Fame members explain why they had recommended them. He wrote: “Being in that room, surrounded by such legacy, brotherhood, and genuine humility, was an experience you simply cannot put a price on.”

An AFA Hall of Fame weekend guest and AFA President Dave Burch share a moment during the celebration.

The impact also reached families watching from afar. Nichole Marie, daughter of 2026 inductee Tony “T-Bone” Green, shared her reaction after watching remotely: “Your achievement is our family’s pride, and your moment is a moment we’ll celebrate forever.”

Returning guest Wes Fischer added, “Dave we always feel welcome when we come. I’m so glad I know you.” Dennis Siegmann called it “a great event.”

Class of 2026

Coaches: Blaine Bond (Mandeville, LA); Terry L. Grider (Oreana, IL).

Players: Greg Berger (Phoenixville, PA); Brian Carter (Snohomish, WA); Wesley Cates (Columbus, OH); Don Dixon (Watertown, NY); Jerry Garrison (Breckenridge, MI); Tony “T-Bone” Green (Glens Falls, NY); Geoffrey Heard (Litchfield, AZ); Dale Holmes (Port St. Lucie, FL); Desmond Jordan (Rocky Point, NC); Al Pallone (Broomfield, CO); Carmelo Velazquez III (Milwaukee, WI); Michael Whitney (Waverly, IA).

Revisit the Celebration

The AFA continues to make the celebration accessible beyond the weekend through its recorded induction coverage and commemorative digital program. The program includes inductee profiles, historical features, alumni recognition, memorial tributes and sponsor advertisements.

• Induction video channel: https://rumble.com/c/AFAInductions

• 2026 digital commemorative program: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/5e1f27f848.html

• Printed commemorative programs from both 2025 and 2026 are available for purchase at $25 each through the AFA online store: https://american-football-association-103997.square.site/

Continuing the AFA Mission

The AFA thanks the sponsors, advertisers, volunteers and participating families whose support helped make the weekend possible. The association intends to build on the editorial and historical content developed for its commemorative program as it explores a quarterly magazine and additional ways to document the legacy of the game.

Alumni and supporters can join or renew membership, explore sponsorship opportunities and share feedback through the AFA website and online channels. Feedback: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/2jZUtKD/Amerfoot

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 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

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