The Eleven

"The Eleven" greatest moments in the first century of pro football come to life as public art. The public artworks were commissioned by ArtsinStark in partnership with the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The walkable series of 11 pieces of world-class art are located throughout downtown Canton, Ohio. Celebrate the greatest moments in the first century of professional football.

"Birth" of the NFL (1920)

By artist Michael Clapper of Denver, Colorado

Corner of 2nd Street SW and Cleveland Ave. SW at the Frank T. Bow Building

The sculpture was constructed near the site where the agreement was signed to form the American Professional Football Association, later renamed the National Football League.

Red Grange Turns Pro (1925)

By artist Heather Bullach

624 Market Ave. N

The installation commemorates Chicago Bears' college superstar, halfback Harold “Red” Grange, and he becomes pro football’s first big gate attraction.

The NFL Draft (1936)

By artist Gail Folwell of Boulder, Colorado

Corner of 4th Street NW and Cleveland Ave. NW

The sculpture celebrates NFL Commissioner Bert Bell’s idea, now known as the NFL draft.

Reintegration of Pro Football (1946)

By artist Paul Collins of Muskegon, Michigan

Onesto Parking Garage at 238 Cleveland Ave. NW

This installation celebrates the "Forgotten Four"; Woody Strode and Kenny Washington signed by the Los Angeles Rams and Marion Motley and Bill Willis signed by the Cleveland Browns, breaking the color barrier in professional sports a full year before Jackie Robinson began playing professional baseball.

Formation of the American Football League (1959)

By artist Katherine Stanek

900 Cleveland Ave. NW - ArtsinStark (along 9th Street NW)

This concrete sculpture represents the formation of the American Football League and its innovations to the game, including the use of television. Eight men, including Lamar Hunt, led the league that once competed against the NFL.

AFL/NFL Merger (1966)

By artist David Griggs of Denver, Colorado

Corner of McKinley Ave NW and 3rd Street NW at Eric Snow YMCA

This abstract metal sculpture captures the essence of the battle between and eventual merger of the two leagues.

The Ice Bowl (1967)

By artist Brad Spencer

Cleveland Ave and 10th Street NW - Canton Cultural Center for the Arts (rear)

The brick sculpture captures the final touchdown of a historic game in frigid conditions on New Year’s Eve 1967 at Lambeau Field, when Bart Starr and the Green Bay Packers beat the Dallas Cowboys 21 – 17, culminating Vince Lombardi's era with the Green Bay Packers.

Super Bowl III (1968)

By artist Dirk Rozich of Northeast Ohio

1001 Market Avenue North at Cultural Center for the Arts

This mural celebrates one of the greatest upsets in sports history, the year Joe Namath guaranteed and led his New York Jets to victory over the heavily favored Baltimore Colts.

Monday Night Football (1970)

By artist Jeffrey Keirn

Chase Tower at 101 Central Plaza S

This piece captures the success of NFL football on primetime television. The NFL debuted on ABC primetime with the Cleveland Browns vs. New York Jets on September 21, 1970.

Pete Rozelle (1960)

By artist Tommy Morgan

437 Market Ave N

During Pete Rozelle's 20-year career, he secured the first league-wide television contract and navigated the merger of two leagues creating a spectacular showdown we know today as the Superbowl. By the end of his time as the commissioner of the NFL, Rozelle had led it to be America's most popular sport.

Colts/NY Giants Championship Game (1958)

By artist Jack Howard-Potter

1001 Market Ave. N Cultural Center for the Arts (rear/Cleveland Ave.)

The sculpture celebrates Raymond Berry, a Baltimore Colts player that caught 12 passes and a touchdown in the 1958 championship game.

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