PHOENIX (AP) Minnesota Vikings owners Zygi, Mark and Lenny Wilf have donated $1 million to the Pro Football Hall of Fame through their foundation.
The donation from the Wilf Family Foundation will allow creation of a ''Founders Exhibit'' at the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. The exhibit will focus on the role many founders and owners of NFL franchises have played in the growth of the league and the effect the sport has had on U.S. communities. The exhibit will cover their history from the start of the NFL nearly a century ago through today.
A special component will be ''Women of the NFL.''
The exhibit is slated to open in conjunction with the NFL's Centennial Celebration in 2020. The league is spotlighting its 100th season this year.
''The Pro Football Hall of Fame deeply appreciates the generosity of the Wilf Family. Zygi Wilf, Mark Wilf, and Lenny Wilf are great ambassadors for this game and the impact it has on millions of fans across the country and the world,'' Hall of Fame President and CEO David Baker said. ''Thanks to the support from the Wilf Family Foundations, the Hall of Fame will be able to enhance our programming that inspires generations of fans by focusing on values such as commitment, integrity, courage, respect and excellence.''
Vikings President Mark Wilf noted that football ''has a unique ability to bring communities together and teach lessons applicable to every-day life. We want to honor those who helped make the game what it is today and further commemorate the NFL's first 100 years.''