The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced they will be moving the 2002 enshrinement back to 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty that it has place on NFL activities this summer. The Enshrinement Week Powered by Johnson Controls will take place August 5-9 in 2021.

Pro Football Hall of Fame CEO David Baker said that the health and safety of the fans, Hall of Famers, and volunteers is most important, which is why they have moved it back a year.

“The health and safety of our Hall of Famers, fans and volunteers who make Enshrinement Week so special remains our top priority … The Hall will honor the Centennial Class of 2020 next August, along with what promises to be an equally spectacular Class of 2021, as part of a multi-day celebration of football with an atmosphere that will deliver for fans ‘Twice the Fun in ’21.’”

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys were scheduled to play in the NFL's 2020 Hall of Fame game, but that matchup will also be pushed to 2021.

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Denny Saunier, president and CEO of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, said they are disappointed that this year's festivities are canceled, but they are excited for what 2021 will bring:

“We have been a proud partner with the Hall for more than 50 years in producing wonderful events that showcase Canton and surrounding areas … Although we’re all disappointed we won’t be enjoying those festivities this summer, we look forward to welcoming the huge numbers of visitors and returning Hall of Famers who will make the 2021 Enshrinement Week special.”

The five players who will be inducted from the NFL's modern area are Edgerrin James, Isaac Bruce, Troy Polamalu, Steve Atwater and Steve Hutchinson.

Others included in the class include Bill Cowher, Jimmy Johnson, Steve Sabol, Paul Tagliabue, George Young, Harold Carmichael, Jimbo Covert, Bobby Dillon, Cliff Harris, Winston Hill, Alex Karras, Donnie Shell, Duke Slater, Mac Speedie and Ed Sprinkle.