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David Baker stands by a photo featuring son Sam when he was an offensive lineman for the Atlanta Falcons.
All photos by SHAWN WOOD / PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
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Windows lining the wall of David Baker’s office provide a direct view of the $137 million renovation of Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, where the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game will be played Thursday.
It’s a big job, which makes Baker, a mountain of a man at 6-foot-9, the right guy to handle it. Inside the office, some of the items reflect Baker’s oversized sense of fun.
For instance, Baker is a big Will Ferrell fan, and the phrase “I’m kind of a big deal” comes from Ferrell’s 2004 movie “Anchorman.” Hall staffers gave Baker some goodies bearing the quote as a joke, and to help keep things in perspective. “It’s a phrase we use around the Hall that keeps us humble,” Baker said.
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This golden football launched the Super Bowl 50 program, which began at Canton.
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The medallion, with the word “forever,” that’s affixed to hall of famers’ gravestones.
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Baker’s a big deal.
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Heart from wife Colleen, photo with young sons.
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Shovels were part of ceremonial groundbreaking for the stadium renovation and construction of a new hotel.
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David’s desk, which includes an oversized chair. He was named president of the hall in January 2014.
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Son Ben gave Baker a framed copy of a Teddy Roosevelt speech.
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Baker is devoted to his fountain pen.
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In a weight-loss challenge with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Baker sends his friend treats to “tip the scales.”
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Framed quotation
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Gavel a gift from COO George Veras after announcement of $700M Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village project.
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