Here’s a deep dive into the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025—a celebration of five gridiron legends and one iconic coach who not only excelled in football but left lasting legacies on and off the field.
- Michael Bush (University of Louisville; Oakland Raiders, Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals)
- Danny Trevathan (University of Kentucky; Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears)
- Jim Daopoulos (University of Kentucky; NFL official & Supervisor of Officials)
- Sam Gruneisen (St. Xavier HS/Villanova; San Diego Chargers, Houston Oilers)
- Walt Yowarsky (University of Kentucky; Redskins, Lions, Giants, 49ers; NFL scout)
- Special Honoree – Romeo Crennel, recipient of the Blanton Collier Award for Integrity On and Off the Field (Western Kentucky alum, NFL coach) (
- Induction Ceremony:
- Jackets presented on Friday, June 27, 2025, by the Mayor of Lexington, followed by the Purple Jacket Awards Dinner at the Hilton Downtown Lexington Hotel. Open to the public—proceeds benefit the Foster Care Council of Kentucky Tickets are available via the Hall’s website; dinner proceeds support charitable initiatives.
- Hall History: Founded in 2003, it’s the only state-level pro football hall of fame, with more than 112 inductees prior to 2025 . Over $1 million has been raised for charities, notably the Foster Care Council. Background: Star at Louisville Male High, starred at Louisville; multiple awards including the Paul Hornung Award, Mr. Football, and Gatorade Player of the Year
- College Career: Rushed for 2,508 yards, 39 touchdowns, and 651 receiving yards; six 100-yard games in 2005 and a record-setting 23 rushing TDs.
- NFL: Fourth-round pick in 2007; debuted in 2008 after a leg injury. Notably rushed for 242 yards in one Raiders game (4th all-time franchise record) ). Career totals: ~3,200 rushing yards, 29 rushing TDs, 1,010 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs
- College: All-American linebacker at Kentucky
- NFL: Drafted by the Broncos in 2012; led team tackles; pivotal in Super Bowl 50 victory with 8 tackles and a fumble recovery (. Later, a standout for the Bears; finished with 741 career tackles over 10 seasons.
- Education: Graduated UK.
- Officiating Career: Joined the NFL in 1989 (field judge), transitioned to umpire in 1996. Worked Super Bowl XXXIII, four Wild Cards, two Divisional Playoffs, and one Conference Championship in an 11-season span. In 1999, became the NFL’s Supervisor of Officials, serving in that role for 12 years until 2011.
- Origins: From Louisville and St. Xavier HS; starred at Villanova.
- Pro Career: Drafted in 1962 AFL Draft (25th round), yet won starting center in 1965 for the Chargers. Important in their 1963 AFL Championship, consistent through 1970, and later coached. Played until 1973. His legacy endured following his death in 2012 at 71
- College: Excelled under Bear Bryant at UK; named MVP of the 1951 Sugar Bowl, ending Oklahoma’s 31-game win streak
- NFL: Drafted 29th overall in 1951 by Washington. Played eight positions with four teams over six seasons; won the 1956 Championship with the Giants. Transitioned into decades-long roles as coach and scout, including the Dallas Cowboys. Passed in 2014 at age 86.
- Roots & Career: Hails from Kentucky; Western Kentucky alum. Legendary NFL defensive coach (50+ years), five Super Bowl rings, first Black head coach of the Texans and Browns
- Award: The Blanton Collier Award honors individuals of exceptional integrity on and off the field—and Crennel fits that legacy perfectly.
- Mission: “Celebrating Kentucky’s Football Legends to support Kentucky’s children and young people.” It’s the only state Pro Football Hall of Fame in the U.S
- Charitable Work: Since inception, the Hall has raised over $1 million for youth charities, currently partnering with the Foster Care Council of Kentucky
- Residency & Professional Criteria:
- Residency: Born in KY, or at least one season at a KY college, or five years residency.
- Professional: For players—minimum of five pro seasons; for coaches/refs—appropriate years or championship achievements.
Each inductee reflects a blend of Kentuckian roots, pro excellence, and community impact.
- Michael Bush: Overcame adversity with his broken tibia, shined in college & pro, embodies tenacity and local pride.
- Danny Trevathan: National champion with Denver; exemplifies grit and leadership.
- Jim Daopoulos: Officiated at the sport’s highest levels, shaping integrity in the game.
- Sam Gruneisen & Walt Yowarsky: Pioneers from older eras—dominant players, versatile talents, and long-serving mentors.
- Romeo Crennel: His character and barrier-breaking success set a gold standard.
- Purple Jacket Dinner: A highlight of Kentucky’s football calendar—families, fans, former players, and civic leaders unite to honor legends.
- Charity Tie-in: Proceeds directly support foster kids—helping with academic tutoring, clothing, enrichment, and mentorship
- Cultural Resonance: In a state famed for basketball, the Hall highlights football—stories rooted here, fame felt nationwide.
While not a 2025 inductee, it’s worth noting the Hall’s broader scope in 2025 includes recognition beyond pro premiums:
- Collegiate All‑Commonwealth Team: Eastern Kentucky University’s top performers were honored on the same day (June 27) during the induction weekend—a bridge between college and pro excellence.
- Dr. Kay Collier McLaughlin (Board Chair):
- Frank Minnifield (Executive Director):
- Cassie Slone (Foster Care Council):
- The Hall is working toward a Living History House—a museum and educational center to preserve memorabilia, share stories, and inspire the next generation .
- Monthly biographies of Hall members will continue to go live throughout the summer, preserving and celebrating football heritage (reddit.com).
- The Class of 2025 honors five legends—spanning player, official, and coach roles—who connect deeply with Kentucky history.
- The ceremony on June 27, 2025, in Lexington, is both prestigious and charitable, with proceeds supporting vulnerable youth.
- The Hall remains committed to celebrating football heritage, supporting children, and building future legacy infrastructure.
If you’re attending the Purple Jacket Dinner or just curious to learn more—let me know! I can help you find ticket info, share stories of inductees, or even explore Kentucky’s rich football legacy further.
