We saw some unbelievable exhibits during our recent visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. From the origins of equipment to how the game has evolved to the Hall of Fame Gallery featuring the busts of so many legends, it felt like we were walking through football heaven. 

The history we saw overwhelmed my wife, Sheryl, who’s been a football fan since she was a child. My younger son, Jared, enjoyed the interactive features at George Halas Way as he looked up the great teams of the past, tried on a helmet and shoulder pads, and even designed a Super Bowl ring for the New York Jets.  My older son, Bradley, plays football, so he took great interest in everything that he saw and asked our tour guide lots of questions.

The Hall of Fame includes a wall that features some photos and the words, “Commitment-Integrity-Courage-Respect-Excellence.” Are there any other words that can sum up football? It really captured Bradley’s attention, especially one of the photos in which a father consoles his dejected son.

Bradley said it reminded him of a moment we shared after his team lost a heartbreaking playoff game a few years ago. The game ended in controversial fashion and Bradley was in tears afterward, along with many of his teammates. After the game was over, I kneeled down in front of Bradley. He put his head on my shoulders, and we embraced.

And then it dawned on me.

Earlier in the day, Hall of Fame president and executive director David Baker, who I worked with when he was the Commissioner of the Arena Football League, took my family and our friends on a special stroll through Tom Benson Stadium and into a meeting room in the Hall of Fame. He talked about the expansion plans for the Hall and how this special piece of property was “the most inspirational place on earth.”

At this point, we hadn’t seen all of the youth football fields located outside the Hall, but that didn’t matter to Bradley. Those words and photos on that wall served as an inspiration to both of us to re-create that special moment from a few years ago. I think Bradley already knew football was unlike any other game, but this fabulous experience in Canton and those words of inspiration on that wall really got to him.

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From there, we saw more exhibits, including next season’s Super Bowl trophy and an area dedicated to his year’s Hall of Fame class. We saw Super Bowl rings, equipment, uniforms and balls used to make NFL history. There was an inspirational film featuring Joe Namath at the “A Game for Life” theater, a football card collection and a spectacular Hall of Fame store that gave our credit card a workout.  

Not everyone who walks through the Hall of Fame will earn enshrinement. But there are sayings on the Hall’s visitor maps that read, “Life lessons included with admission” and “Greatness Lives Here.”  This visit was more than just about football. It’s about all those words I mentioned before, including “inspirational.”  The greats who are the foundation of the Hall represent integrity and lessons that visitors can use in life, not just on the field.

Every football fan and player of all ages should treat themselves to hours of inspiration in Canton. There’s no place like it, and we can’t wait to go back.

Peter Schwartz is a sports anchor for the CBS Sports Radio Network and WCBS 880 Radio in New York. His son, Bradley, plays youth football on Long Island, while his younger son, Jared, will begin playing flag football this fall. Peter, his wife Sheryl and the boys are busy cheering on the New York Jets when they’re not at a youth football field.