Articles and News

Akron, OH--Zales announced in a news release that it has renewed its role as the official jeweler for the Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF), supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This partnership, which started last year, includes creating custom Hall of Fame rings for inductees.

[Image via Zales]

The 2024 inductees were presented with their custom rings at the induction ceremony on June 8th at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia. This year's honorees include Joe Adams, Antoine Bethea, Waymond Bryant, Kevin Dent, Richard Huntley, Lemar Parrish, and Coach Eddie Hurt.

"To carry on the tradition of acknowledging our Hall of Fame class annually, this year's inductees will each receive individual rings, designed by Zales," said James Harris and Doug Williams, co-founders of the Black College Football Hall of Fame, in the news release. "After the appreciation expressed by last year's class, we wanted to ensure Zales continued to be part of our organization and efforts to recognize current and future HBCU athletes."

The rings, designed by Zales, feature a navette-shaped black onyx symbolizing a football surrounded by diamonds. One side displays the BCFHOF emblem and induction year, while the other includes a helmet and goalpost alongside the recipient's name and playing years. The recipient's full name and alma mater are engraved inside the ring.

"We are pleased to enter our second year of partnership with the BCFHOF presenting the ceremonial rings to this year's class of accomplished athletes and coaches," said Jamie Singleton, Group President and Chief Consumer Officer of Signet Jewelers, in the release.

"Signet Jewelers is committed to honoring the leaders and contributors from these great colleges and universities, celebrating their legacy and congratulating them on being inducted into the BCFHOF," Singleton added.

Additionally, Zales will participate in the kick-off reception and career fair on August 29th at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This event allows teams to engage with Hall of Famers and benefit from their experiences. Zales will provide gifts and celebrate with the participating teams as the sponsor.

Read the news release here.