Ever heard of Emlen Tunnell?

Neither did many of the Falcons rookies, until Monday, when they traveled to the Pro Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. There, they found out that Tunnell was the first African American to play for the New York Giants and that the defensive back was the first black player elected into the Hall.

AP (ENLARGE)

Atlanta Falcons rookies Atlanta Falcons rookies Thomas DeCoud, left, Matt Ryan, center and Jamar Brittingham, got a close-up look at a place they hope their careers end at — the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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The history lesson is part of a new league-sponsored initiative to have rookies from all 32 teams visit the Hall of Fame. Rookies — draft picks and undrafted free agents — from nearly 20 teams have already made the trip.

"It's important so that the current players appreciate the former players, coaches and executives who helped build the league" said Mike Haynes, Hall of Fame defensive back and the NFL vice president of player and employee development. "There's an awful lot of history guys don't know."

Said quarterback Matt Ryan: "It was an awesome experience. I'd never been to the Hall of Fame before. To see the different memorabilia is pretty cool, but the best part was when you see the busts, all the headshots. It's a small number. It was a really good experience and it's something that the league did that was good."

Added safety Thomas DeCoud: "There are a lot of things that are bigger than the guys in the league right now. There's a lot of tradition and history and it gave me a greater appreciation for the game that I play."