Ford Hall of Fans, now entering its fourth season recognizing some of the most passionate and electrifying NFL enthusiasts across the country, is welcoming a new group of superfans to its prestigious club. Five nominees are in the running for induction into the 2022 Ford Hall of Fans at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. They are Detroit Lions fan Michael Banks, Dallas Cowboys fan Miguel Castellanos, Denver Broncos fan Jesse Esquibel, New York Giants fan Amy Nolan and Chicago Bears fan Terence Young.
Voting is open now. Fans and supporters can help the nominees by voting at fordhalloffans.com through Feb. 6. Winners will be notified in Los Angeles the week of the Super Bowl and then honored as part of the 2022 Enshrinement Week at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.
“Each year we receive thousands of nominations for the Ford Hall of Fans,” said Jim Peters, Ford U.S. marketing manager. “It’s hard to narrow it down, but this year’s nominees really live and breathe football.”
Jim Porter, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, said the growth of football into America’s most popular game is a direct reflection of the passion of its fans. “The Pro Football Hall of Fame is proud to partner with Ford to recognize a new class of honorees,” he said.
More on this year’s Ford Hall of Fans nominees:
Michael Banks, Detroit Lions fan
The retired, disabled military veteran has been a Lions season-ticket holder for nine years, having inherited his love for the team from his mother and father, who would share stories of the Lions beating the Jim Brown-led Cleveland Browns. On game days, the 51-year-old decks his vehicle out with Lions flags and stays at the stadium until the very end, cheering loud and proud, no matter the score. Banks donates to the Domiciliary Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program and assists veterans with special needs. “Kindness is free,” he said. “What you do for people can really make their day.”
*Nominated by Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Calvin Johnson
Miguel Castellanos, Dallas Cowboys fan
Known as “Supercowboy,” Castellanos first became a fan watching the Cowboys defeat the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII in 1993. A native of Mexico, he dresses up in costume for every home game and enjoys posing for pictures with other fans. Castellanos has also made an impact in his community by taking the time to feed the homeless and support charitable organizations, including Ronald McDonald House, Toys for Tots, The Salvation Army and March of Dimes. “When I saw my first Super Bowl, I was mesmerized by the team with the star on their helmets,” he said.
*Nominated by Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Drew Pearson
Jesse Esquibel, Denver Broncos fan
This third-generation Broncos fan is affectionately known as “Bronco Reaper,” coming to life with full makeup and costume and walking as many as 15,000 steps throughout the stadium taking pictures with the fellow faithful. Esquibel is the survivor of life-threatening complications from West Nile encephalitis, and shares his inspiring story with fans at home games. Away from the gridiron, the 39-year-old often dons his full Bronco Reaper attire to visit children and elderly people in the hospital. “It gives me life to know I can make a fan’s experience better just by dressing up and going to a game,” he said.
*Nominated by Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Steve Atwater
Amy Nolan, New York Giants fan
The lifelong Giants fan grew up watching the “Big Blue” with her father, who passed away from cancer in 2006. A first-year season-ticket holder, she never misses a game and even travels to away games to keep the legacy of Giant fandom in her family alive and well. For her 40th birthday, Nolan threw a tailgate watch party in her front yard for everyone to root on the Giants. She serves as executive director of development at American Cancer Society and participates in the local Relay for Life walk in honor of her father. “I am so proud to be part of the Giants family,” she said.
*Nominated by Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Michael Strahan
Terence Young, Chicago Bears fan
As a 9-year-old growing up in New Jersey, Young first fell in love with the Bears watching Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Walter Payton on TV in 1983. Throughout his more than 30 years of fandom, the Chicago resident has been part of many experiences with the Bears including the honor of announcing the team’s fourth-round pick of the 2019 NFL draft live from Soldier Field. He makes an impact in his community as well, participating in the Bears Care Gala to help raise critically needed funds for innovative breast and ovarian cancer research. “I am proud to say I haven’t missed watching one game in 31 years,” he said.
*Nominated by Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Mike Singletary
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of connected, increasingly electrified passenger and commercial vehicles: Ford trucks, utility vehicles, vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles. The company is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, connected vehicle services and mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 184,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company is available at corporate.ford.com.
About The Pro Football Hall of Fame
Located in Canton, Ohio, the birthplace of the National Football League, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit institution with the Mission to Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values, & Celebrate Excellence Together.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. AAM accreditation is national recognition for the museum’s commitment to excellence and the highest professional standards of museum operation and public service.
Gridiron Glory Myrtle Beach
Gridiron Glory Myrtle Beach opened in South Carolina this summer, giving fans another opportunity to experience “The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.” For more information, go to HOFMyrtleBeach.com.
Construction on Hall of Fame Village Powered by Johnson Controls, a mixed-use development project, is under way in Canton to transform the Hall of Fame’s campus.
Ford motor company PR
