Two-time teammate will present Hickerson
07.05.2007
Former college and pro teammate Bobby Franklin will serve as presenter for Gene Hickerson when the longtime Browns offensive lineman is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio in less than a month, the NFL announced Thursday.

Franklin and Hickerson not only were teammates for six seasons with the Browns, but they were teammates for two seasons at the University of Mississippi. Hickerson was selected by Cleveland as a seventh-round future draft pick in 1957, and joined the Browns in '58. Franklin, a defensive back, reunited with Hickerson in '60 after the Browns drafted him in the 11th round.

They played together as Browns in 1960, and from '62-'66.

For more on Franklin's memories of Hickerson, read Steve King's article on the topic by clicking here.

As a part of the special enhancements being created for this year's enshrinement ceremony, the Hall of Fame presenters' speech format will be a combination of live and filmed remarks. Also, as was done last year for the first time, immediately prior to stepping to the podium to make their acceptance speech, each new enshrinee will join his presenter at center stage for the dramatic unveiling of his bronzed bust.

In addition to their Enshrinement Ceremony responsibilities, presenters also play a key role during the gala Enshrinees Dinner conducted on the eve of the Enshrinement. It is there that they present their enshrinee with his gold Hall of Fame blazer.

The Saturday, August 4, 2007 Enshrinement Ceremony will, for the first time, be conducted in primetime evening hours. Scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., the ceremony will be televised nationally by both ESPN and the NFL Network.

Tickets for the ceremony are still available. Sideline tickets are $26 and floor seats are $52. An aerial map of the Fawcett Stadium seating layout is available on the Hall of Fame's website.