Either the world will be there on Monday or it will not. Today is about football, and outside events are not going to tarnish the NFL.
NFL 2011 is now underway. Today is Hall of Fame Saturday.
While the game tomorrow has been canceled, the enshrinement ceremony will go on as scheduled.
The most inspiring and heartwrenching induction speech would have to be that of former Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver Michael Irvin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyxeiD25fHM
“Look up. Get up. Don’t ever give up.”
The most fun induction was probably former Oakland Raiders head coach John Madden.
http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/release.aspx?release_id=2178
“I don’t plan on making a whole heck of a lot of sense, and I don’t care.”
“Late at night…I think the busts (of the players) talk to each other.”
I visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August of 2006 and participated in all of the festivities. I went again for a quieter but still meaningful visit in the Spring of 2011.
As 9/11/11 approaches, the Pat Tillman exhibit still gives me chills.
Yet today is about the class of 2011.
Deion Sanders may be the greatest lockdown cornerback in the history of the NFL. He had three nicknames: Prime Time, Neon Deion, and one given to him by comedian Dennis Leary, Deion Sander Claus. He took a down on its luck Atlanta Falcons team to the playoffs in 1991, was vital to the San Francisco 49ers winning it all in 1994, and did the same with the Dallas Cowboys in 1995.
Marshall Faulk is one of the top all purpose running backs, and one of the vital pieces to the Greatest Show on Turf. The 1999-2001 St. Louis Rams were a pinball machine that was unparalleled. The 1999 season brought a Super Bowl title and in 2000 he was the NFL MVP. 2001 brought another trip to the Super Bowl.
Ed Sabol preserved the legacy of the NFL forever with NFL Films. He was born on 9/11, and on the 10th anniversary of a tragedy this legend will turn 95. He was already inducted into the Jewish Sports Hal of Fame in 1996. Now he is in the NFL Hall of Fame.
On a side note, please pray for his son Steve Sabol. The current NFL Films honcho is in ill health.
Richard Dent was on perhaps the greatest defensive team in NFL history as the 1985 Chicago Bears did the Super Bowl Shuffle.
Shannon Sharpe holds the major records for tight ends, winning Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos in 1997 and 1998 as well as with the Baltimore Ravens in 2000.
Les Richter played linebacker with the Los Angeles Rams in the 1950s and early 1960s.
Chris Hanburger played linebacker with the Washington Redskins in the mid-1960s and most of the 1970s.
Rather than wax poetic, this is one of those days to just let the players speak for themselves.
This post will be updated throughout the day with the best of the Hall of Fame induction speeches.
Ed Sabol:
“I dreamt the impossible dream and I am living it this minute.”
In quoting Al Jolson, “You ain’t seen nothing yet.”
Richard Dent:
“It’s very tough to say you could do everything by yourself. It’s all about other people.”
Chris Hanburger:
“We were all told we had 6 to 8 minutes, and I don’t think anybody’s going to tell Richard Dent not to exceed his time.”
“I don’t understand the process to get in here at all…I’ll tell you what, I thank those folks.”
“I don’t consider myself a true Hall of Famer. To me the real Hall of Fame people are all the men and women of our armed forces. When you get a chance, just thank them.”
Shannon Sharpe:
“The people from the Hall of Fame tell me I only have 8 to 10 minutes to do this. No chance.”
“I know this will come as a shock, but I like to talk.”
“Determination, Dedication, Discipline…Don’t hope someone gives you an opportunity. Create one for yourself.”
“Thanks to Dan Reeves. He remembered to draft me. He forgot to cut me.”
“Sterling and I forgive you mom for those all white suits you got us that made us look like John Travolta.”
“I’m in the Hall of Fame, but I’m only the second best player in my own family.”
“I remember eating raccoon, possum, squirrel.”
Marshall Faulk:
“I want to thank God, because this is football heaven.”
“I am a football fan, just like all of you.”
“Snow days…coming from San Diego, going to Indianapolis, I thought snow day meant stay home from practice.”
“Live life. Don’t let life live you. If you ever travel down a road, and there are no speed bumps, you are headed down a dead end.”
Les Richter was honored posthumously. He died one year ago at age 79. His son presented a video and his son and daughter showed the bust. No remarks were offered. I would like to know why, since this seems questionable. I hope it was not due to time constraints.
Deion Sanders:
“Do you understand this is the Hall of Fame? I grew up watching you guys.”
“I told my mom I would make a lot of money one day and take care of her and she would never have to work again. She said that was fine, but until then, get that lawnmower and go mow that grass.”
“If your dream is not bigger than you, there is a problem with your dream.”
“I heard some of the Hall of Famers say they did not expect this. I did. I expected to be great.”
“Since 1989 I have tackled every bill my momma has ever given be. I have not missed one.”
eric