David Baker’s retirement marks the end of an era in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The former NFL executive has been a fixture at the Hall since its inception, and his leadership helped guide it through some of its most tumultuous times.
David Baker is retiring as president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He has been in charge for over 20 years and has overseen many changes to the museum.
David Baker, the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s president and executive director, has announced his retirement. Baker is a towering figure who is frequently dressed in brightly colored suit jackets.
Many fans have seen Baker’s “the knock” films in which he tells some of the league’s greatest players and coaches that they are officially Hall of Famers. Baker and the Hall of Fame made the formal announcement on Saturday. Baker, 68, will continue to make public appearances to present the Hall of Fame rings to members of the Hall’s Centennial Class of 2020 and Class of 2021, but he will relinquish control of the Hall’s day-to-day activities.
At a Friday night appearance in Denver as part of the celebration honoring former Broncos safety Steve Atwater, who is a member of the Hall’s Class of ’20, Baker was questioned about his travel schedule for the ceremonies and replied, “I believe it’s time I attempt to go visit my grandkids.”
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October 16, 2021 — Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF)
He announced his retirement on Saturday.
“As I near 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, ten 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,’
“Few individuals blend vision, passion, and commitment as fully as David Baker,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. One of his most enduring and significant legacies will be his quest to recognize and assist the game’s heroes. We appreciate David’s many efforts and send our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to Colleen and him.”
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Baker’s term as president and CEO of the Hall was extended for another five years in late 2018.
Jim Porter, who has served as the Hall of Fame’s chief marketing and communications officer since April 2020, has been appointed president. In the search for a new executive director, the board of trustees will also assess the Hall’s administrative structure.
Baker oversaw the Hall of Fame’s expansion, which began with the construction of Tom Benson Stadium and the start of construction on the Hall of Fame Village, a long-term project that would include a hotel, an athletic complex for youth sports, and a conference center, in addition to attempting to raise the profile of the annual announcement of each Hall of Fame class.
Construction was stopped in 2018 after the stadium was finished, as businesses engaged in the project demanded payment for work that had already been done. Baker’s development group was subsequently replaced, and the project was resumed.
“The Pro Football Hall of Fame was elevated to new heights thanks to David Baker. Dennis Nash, chairman of the Hall of Fame’s board of trustees, stated, “He helped make the terms Canton and greatness synonymous.” “Jim Porter, as president, and the Hall’s future executive director, will take over an institution that has a unique position in football and a strong national reputation.”
Baker, an attorney, had previously played professional basketball in Switzerland and served as mayor of Irvine, California, before being recruited by the Hall of Fame in 2014. He was the Arena Football League’s commissioner for 12 years.
David Baker, the president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, retired on Tuesday. Reference: david baker hof wife.
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