David Baker retires as president of Pro Football Hall of Fame
David Baker, a towering presence who is often clad in suit coats of the brightest colors, has announced his retirement as the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s president and executive director.
Baker, seen by many fans with “the knock” videos as he informed some of the league’s best former players and coaches they were officially Hall of Famers, and the Hall of Fame made the official announcement Saturday. Baker will continue to make appearances to hand out the Hall of Fame rings to members of the Hall’s Centennial Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021, but will surrender control over the day-to-day operations of the Hall of Fame.
In Denver this weekend as part of the ceremony for former Broncos safety Steve Atwater — in the Hall’s Class of ’20, Baker was asked about his travel schedule for the ceremonies at an appearance Friday night and said simply “I think it’s time I try to go see my grandchildren.”
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) October 16, 2021
Saturday, the 68-year-old formally announced his retirement.
In a statement Baker said: “As I approach the end of nearly eight years of service to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, I have come to the conclusion that it is time for someone else to have the ‘best job in the world’ so I can still do a few more exciting things in my professional life while also returning home to our four children, 10 grandchildren and soon-to-be great grandson in Orange County, California, whom I’ve missed so much during my tenure at ‘The Most Inspiring Place on Earth’.”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said, in a statement, that “few people combine vision, passion and dedication as completely as David Baker … His mission to honor and support the heroes of the game will be one of his most lasting and important legacies. We are grateful for David’s many contributions and extend our utmost thanks and best wishes to Colleen and him.”
Baker had received a five-year contract extension as the Hall’s…
Source : espn
