NFL Hall of Fame Inductions

[Exe Gesis]

Kenny Easley: Black lives matter, and all lives matter, too
Posted by Charean Williams on August 5, 2017, 8:02 PM EDT

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Kenny Easley waited 25 years to earn induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, so he was going to make the most of his allotted time behind the microphone.

Easley didn’t mention Colin Kaepernick by name, but the former Seahawks safety used a minute of his 21 minutes and 50 seconds to take a similar social stance as the former 49ers quarterback.

“Please allow me this opportunity and this moment for a very serious message for which I feel very strongly about,” said Easley, who went into the Hall as a seniors nominee. “Black lives do matter, and all lives matter, too. But the carnage affecting young black men today from random violence to police shootings across this nation has to stop. We’ve got to stand up as a country, as black Americans and fight the good fight to protect our youth and our American constitutional right not to die while driving or walking the streets black in America. It has to stop, and we can do it, and the lessons we learn in sports can help.”

Easley, 59, long faced comparisons to Ronnie Lott, who entered the Hall in the Class of 2000. Easley continued the debate on stage.

“I’m going to settle it now publicly and for good,” Easley said. “In the last 30 years, there has no better thumper, ball-hawking, fiercely competitive or smarter defensive back in the NFL than Ronnie Lott. He was the best. There, it’s settled and because I said so.”

Easley also thanked Seahawks owner Paul Allen, who ended the franchise’s 15-year estrangement with Easley’s Ring of Honor induction.

“I believe in the old adage: Water runs downhill,” Easley said, “and thus winning starts at the top, and you have run a great organization with a terrific head coach in Pete Carroll. How about the Seahawks back to the Super Bowl in 2018?”

 

[Exe Gesis]

Jason Taylor travels “20 miles in 20 years” to get to Canton
Posted by Charean Williams on August 5, 2017, 8:55 PM EDT

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In his Hall of Fame speech, Jason Taylor spent almost 32 minutes thanking everyone from family to teammates to coaches to friends. He even thanked opponents, including Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, as well as Bill Belichick.

“I never had the pleasure of playing for him,” Taylor, a first-ballot inductee, said of the Patriots coach, “but I had the pleasure of facing his teams for twice a year for more than a decade. Bill, you put a target on my back, my front, my sides, and as a result of that, I never felt more respected.”

Taylor also thanked all his owners, including Washington’s Dan Snyder, for whom Taylor played in 2008.

“I had a good talk with Dan last night,” said Taylor, who made 131 of his 139.5 sacks during his 13 years in Miami. “Thank you for the opportunity to come to Washington. I know I didn’t give you much — 2.5 sacks. Stole a lot of money from you, but I appreciate it. I’m just being honest. We talked about this night at Jerry’s party. Redskins owner at the Cowboys party, me feeling awkward because I stole so much money from Dan. But he was very gracious and Dan Snyder thank you so much for what you did for me and my family and for the opportunities.”

Taylor, who became emotional several times, especially when talking about his family. played at the University of Akron, 20 miles from Canton, which became the theme of his speech.

“I honestly can’t believe I’m here,” Taylor said. “In 1992, I was at the University of Akron, just 20 miles north of here. Twenty miles away. Might as well have been a million. Back then, I couldn’t fathom that over the next two decades, step by step, I’d travel those 20 miles to be on this stage, wearing this jacket. Twenty years to travel 20 miles, but it was worth every bit of it.”

He came full circle in ending his speech, saying his one regret was not appreciating the journey enough.

“I challenge each of you to enjoy your journey,” Taylor said. “Appreciate those around you and articulate that appreciation. Embrace your successes and your failures. Understand that each moment is a unique step on your path that you can never get back. Wonderful experiences become distant memories, so fast. Too fast. I wish I’d had the gratitude then that I have now, and said some of those heartfelt things I’ve said today before today.”

 

[Exe Gesis]

Morten Andersen’s induction becomes celebration for specialists
Posted by Charean Williams on August 5, 2017, 9:24 PM EDT

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Morten Andersen’s induction into the Hall of Fame was a celebration for specialists. He became the first kicker inducted since Jan Stenerud in 1991. Ray Guy became the first punter enshrined in 2014.

“I believe my induction sends a clear message that the position of the specialist is important, relevant and undeniable,” Andersen said. “Hopefully more will find their way into the Hall of Fame.”

Andersen recalled the first time he tried American football. He arrived in the United States 40 years ago as a cultural exchange student at Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis.

That’s when he was introduced to a new game.

“It was then I learned that the process of kicking a football is quite involved,” Andersen said. “Players from everywhere proceeded to line up in front of me. I was confused. What are they doing? Is that necessary? The guys are really big. They block my view of those funny-looking posts sticking up in the air. A smaller guy approached me and asked me if I was ready. He was licking his fingers. Should I do that too, I asked him? He looked at me confused and proceeded to kneel on the ground. ‘Red, set.’ It startled me. Up in front of us was not a pretty view either. There was a line of big derrieres and they were facing me. And from the middle of the mass, a ball came flying back to the little guy kneeling on the ground. He placed it vertical on a small black platform. I took a second look. ‘Oh, man, the ball was not round.’ I looked around for help. Anyone, anything? Coach [Bob] Wilbur came over and whispered to me, ‘Just kick the [expletive] out of it. And if you don’t, I’m sending you back on the boat.’ Message received. The ball flew high and through those white things, and I looked over at my teammates and I think they liked what they saw.”

Andersen stayed in the U.S., played at Michigan State and became a fourth-round pick of the Saints in 1982. He became the NFL’s all-time leading scorer in 2006, and ended his career with 2,544 points.

Andersen played for the Saints, Falcons, Giants, Chiefs and Vikings in his 25 seasons.

 

[Exe Gesis]

Terrell Davis does Pops proud, earning Hall induction in 11th year of eligibility
Posted by Charean Williams on August 5, 2017, 10:02 PM EDT

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It took Terrell Davis until his 11th year of eligibility to get into the Hall of Fame. Broncos fans also believe team owner Pat Bowlen has waited too long.

To that end, Davis used part of his 27-minute induction speech to campaign for Bowlen’s induction next year.

“Now, Mr. B is at home right now fighting a courageous battle against Alzheimer’s,” Davis said. “A few weeks from now, the Hall of Fame selection committee will be voting on a contributor category. Let’s make sure that this champion is enshrined in 2018.”

Davis, the Broncos’ all-time leading rusher with 7,607 yards, played only seven seasons. That’s why his wait was longer than he, the Broncos and Broncos fans wanted.

While Davis was grateful he finally got the call, it was merely another hurdle in his life. He recalled suffering from migraine headaches for most of his life, but what changed his life was “staring down the barrel of a shotgun.”

Football provided Davis way out.

Davis thanked all those who helped him get where he is, but saved his parents for last. He credited them for getting him where he stood Saturday night.

“I don’t know how you did it, mom,” Davis said. “You clothed us; you fed us; and you never left anybody behind. You taught me responsibility to always give back. Mom, you are the embodiment of unconditional love, and I love you very much.

“To my other hero, my father: Although my dad didn’t use the words I love you often, through his tough love and discipline I knew he did. I knew I never wanted to live the life he lived as he grew up on a tough side of St. Louis and more than once he’d been shot or stabbed. But the reason I ascribe the word hero to him is that he always did the very best he knew how to prepare us for his version of life as a black man in America, and his version was harsh. When I was 12, my father became ill and until he went to the hospital, I didn’t know how sick he was. He was the original iron man. It didn’t matter how many times he’d been sick or hurt, he’d always bounce back. But not this time. My father died of lupus when he was 41, and obviously my dad never saw me play in the National Football League. Until this day, I’d think about him and wonder, did I gain his respect? Dad, I hope you’re looking down, smiling and uttering the words, ‘Son, I’m proud of you.’

“Pops taught us toughness and wisdom. My mother taught us courage and dedication. The earnest dedication of both my parents is why I humbly stand before you.”

 

[Exe Gesis]

LaDainian Tomlinson, remembering his roots, calls for change
Posted by Charean Williams on August 5, 2017, 10:41 PM EDT

LaDainian Tomlinson thanked many people in his Hall of Fame speech, but his theme focused on his roots.

The former Chargers and Jets running back, who owns NFL records for most touchdowns in a single season (31), most rushing touchdowns in a season (28) and most points in a season (186), began his 26-minute speech speaking of responsibility.

“All the men on this stage who’ve played this great game understand our responsibility extends beyond the football field,” Tomlinson said. “We don’t merely represent ourselves. We represent the game, our team, our community. To play in the NFL is an honor, a privilege, not simply a right.”

Tomlinson ended by thanking a man he never met. Tomlinson’s great, great, great grandfather arrived in the United States 170 years ago in chains on a slave ship from West Africa.

“The family legacy that began in such a cruel way has given birth to generations of successful, caring Tomlinson’s,” Tomlinson said. “I firmly believe that God chose me to help bring two races together under one last name. Tomlinson. I’m of mixed race, and I represent America. My story is America’s story. All our ancestors, unless we’re American Indian, came from another country, another culture. Football is a microcosm of America. All races, religions and creeds living, playing, competing side by side.

“. . . On America’s team, let’s not choose to be against one another. Let’s choose to be for one another. My great, great, great grandfather had no choice. We have one. I pray we dedicate ourselves to be the best team we can be, working and living together, representing the highest ideals of mankind, leading the way for all nations to follow. One of the most eloquent orators of our time said it best in his farewell address. Paraphrasing and humbly building upon what President Obama said, ‘We all have to try harder, show up, dive in and stay at it.’ I am asking you to believe in your ability to bring about change, to hold fast to the faith and the idea whispered by slaves: Yes, we can.”

 

[Exe Gesis]

Jerry Jones throws bouquets at Jimmy Johnson during Hall speech
Posted by Charean Williams on August 5, 2017, 11:28 PM EDT

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For those wondering whether Jerry Jones would mention Jimmy Johnson on Saturday, they didn’t have long to wait. It was only four minutes into the Cowboys owner’s rousing 36-minute Hall of Fame speech that he brought up Johnson’s name.

Jones then talked about Johnson twice more – mentioning Johnson’s hiring and then his departure from the Cowboys after five seasons.

In 1989, when he bought the team, Jones recalled the unpopular decision he made to fire Tom Landry and hire his old college roommate.

“I wanted someone I knew well. I wanted someone that could get it done to be our coach. I wanted Jimmy Johnson,” Jones said. “I said he’d be worth five first-round draft choices or five Heisman Trophy winners. Of course, I sure did get laughed out of town when I said it. It was my first experience as an owner and a general manager – a difficult and very unpopular decision. Jimmy, it was a great decision. You were a great teammate. You were a great partner. Contrary to popular belief, we worked so well together for five years and restored the Cowboys’ credibility with our fans. We were back-to-back; we were driven; we had thick skin; we took all the criticism they could dish out. I thank you.”

Johnson, on stage as Jason Taylor’s presenter, gave Jones a thumbs-up before clapping his hands together in thanks.

Jones and Johnson ended their relationship before the 1994 season, after back-to-back Super Bowls, when Jones said any one of 500 coaches could have won those championships. The Cowboys had a chance to do something special by winning three consecutive Super Bowls, but Johnson left and Jones replaced him with Barry Switzer. The 1994 Cowboys lost to the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, although they did win a third title in four years in 1995.

“After Jimmy screwed up and we parted ways – and Kenny Easley there will be no confessions here tonight – I come home and, of course, [wife] Gene has been watching the news and finds out about it and I lay down,” Jones said. “It’s as silent as anything you can imagine. After I laid there a minute, she just looks over and says, ‘You can’t stand it, can you? You just absolutely, when it gets going, you’ve just got to get in it and mess it up.’ I was asked what I said, and I just shut up and went to sleep.”

It left even Johnson laughing.

But Jones also said he appreciated working with Bill Parcells more than any of his other coaches.

“Thank you, Bill, for all you gave,” Jones said. “I never enjoyed working with someone more than you.”

 

[Exe Gesis]

Kurt Warner singles out Trent Green in helping him get to Canton
Posted by Charean Williams on August 6, 2017, 12:06 AM EDT

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Kurt Warner’s circuitous route to the NFL is well documented, but Warner singled out a former teammate who was as important as any other in getting Warner to Canton.

It wasn’t Marshall Faulk or Isaac Bruce, though both earned mention in Warner’s speech. It was Trent Green, the quarterback Warner backed up in 1999.

If Green hadn’t torn up his knee during a 1999 preseason game, Warner acknowledged he might never have become a starting NFL quarterback. The Rams reluctantly turned the job over to Warner, who wrote the ending to a storybook tale with a Super Bowl title that season.

“In the ultimate team game, I’m not much for singling guys out because of all of you played a special role in my being here,” Warner said. “But I would like to recognize one teammate who had a more profound impact on me than any other – Trent Green. Our paths crossed in the most incredible of ways, and I acknowledge you could easily be the one standing up here tonight, but the class that you showed while dealing with the toughest of situations is etched in my mind. Your willingness to share your football secrets so I could succeed was incredibly valuable, but the character you displayed and the way you modeled the definition of teammate was priceless. Those lessons followed me the rest of my career. Thanks for sharpening my character with your own.”

Warner named far fewer people in his speech than the six other inductees Saturday night, instead speaking of “team” as a thread throughout.

“For a long time, I convinced myself that I could will my way to a dream,” Warner said. “As long as I wanted it bad enough, I could make it happen. But if there is one great truth I learned from this great game, it’s that no great accomplishment is ever achieved by yourself. Being successful is contingent on others, and it always starts with someone taking a chance on you.”

 

[LicoriceAllsorts]

When LaDainian Tomlinson wasn't even the best RB inducted in his season

 

[Exe Gesis]

Imo they should induct everyone who deserves to be in, in one swoop. Then start inducting the ones due after five years waiting

 

[TheGreatBarryB]

Speeches are just way too long.

 

[fuey]

Apart from LT, probably the weakest class I've seen go in...

 

[LicoriceAllsorts]

 

[aussiedude]

And lets not forget Jerry Jones wants the NFL to get rid of the revenue sharing.