The 2016 NFL Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony took place Saturday at Tom Benson Stadium in front of 22,469 guests. New inductees received their gold jackets on Thursday night, but their Hall of Fame busts – which are being seen by the public for the first time – weren’t revealed until last night. Chris Berman, who has done the event for 17 years, was the night’s emcee.
Marvin Harrison was the first player inducted, when Jim Irsay, owner of the Colts, presented him. Harrison made his NFL debut in Canton, Ohio while playing in the Hall of Fame Game his rookie season, defeating the New Orleans Saints. Harrison wasn’t a vocal player during his career, but opponents’ felt the need to speak up on his behalf, Deion Sanders in particular.
“People need to start talking about Marvin Harrison. He’s a bad boy. He’s not getting all the credit because he’s not a flamboyant receiver. He’s like a blue-collar worker. He goes out and gets the job done and takes it to the house.”
When Marvin Harrison got to the podium Saturday night, his first words to the fans were, “You don’t have to be so quiet!” He also thanked a handful of people from the Colts organization, including Bill Polian, Jim Irsay, Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James, Reggie Wayne, and Tony Dungy.
Orlando Pace spoke second, after being presented by his oldest son Justin. Pace was the anchor on the Rams’ offensive line known as “The Greatest Show on Turf” and played in and won Super Bowl XXXIV. He thanked every player individually from the offensive line on that Super Bowl team, and even dropped an “I’ll go to battle with them anytime,” line. Multiple times during his speech, Pace stopped and just sighed, “This is awesome!” Thanking every member of his family was of great importance to Pace, ending his speech with promises to be as good to his family, as his grandmother was to their family.
Dick Stanfel, receiving his Hall of Fame nod posthumously, was presented by Hall of Fame Coach Marv Levy. Levy has presented five times, including Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, and Bill Polian. Opinions from players of his era claim Stanfel was one of the greatest linemen to ever play the game of football. A two time World Champ, voted All-Decade team (‘50s), and a seven time Pro Bowler, Stanfel’s career is full of accolades – and that’s just what he did on the playing field. He also coached at Notre Dame and for the Chicago Bears. Stanfel’s sons – Rich, Scott, and John – were all in attendance for the revealing of their father’s Hall of Fame bust.
The most animated speech of the night was made by Kevin Greene. Dom Capers presented Greene, who Greene played under in Green Bay and Blitzsburgh, as he called it in his speech. Before the event, Kevin’s wife Tara got us started with the singing of the National Anthem. He made sure to highlight he was Hall of Fame member 299, while Brett Favre was 298. “So isn’t that cool that I’m side by side with Brett Favre for eternity? Right where a linebacker needs to be!” he exclaimed. Hearing his accomplishments all week, Greene decided to highlight the careers and integrity of the role models
surrounding him. His father was a full colonel, Vietnam veteran, airborne ranger, 101st Airborne Division. His brother is a retired lieutenant colonel, Gulf War veteran, paratrooper, Blackhawk helicopter pilot, and 101st Airborne Division as well. He ended his speech thanking all the men and women – from firefighters and police officers, to our service members – for protecting us day in and day out.
The most emotional part of the night was Ken Stabler’s induction, which was also posthumously. He was presented by Hall of Fame Coach John Madden. Revealing his bust, though, were his two grandsons and Raiders’ Hall of Famer Fred Biletnikoff. After removing the towel covering Stabler’s bust, one grandson leaned in and kissed his grandfather’s head one last time.
Chants of “Eddie! Eddie!” rang out for Edward DeBartolo Jr. as he approached the podium. “I could be the only inductee of this great Hall who didn’t make his high school football team!” He was presented by his daughter Lisa, only the fifth daughter to serve as presenter. DeBartolo Jr. owned the San Francisco 49ers for 23 years, and built a family-like aura in San Francisco. He gave his wife Candy many thanks, claiming she was “the cornerstone of their family” and she “went through all the ups and downs of our family owning the 49ers.” DeBartolo Jr., when reminiscing about one of the most famous NFL plays, “The Catch”, says he didn’t even see it.
“I was trying to see what was happening, but I was behind the biggest horse that you could ever imagine, with the police officer on him about 12 feet above me. Then I heard the screams of the crowd and looked up to the officer. He put his thumb up and winked and said, ‘Clark, touchdown.’ That’s how I found out. At our moment of glory, I was literally blocked by a horse’s a**.”
Tony Dungy was presented by former Steeler teammate of his Donnie Shell. The 10th Steeler from that 1978 Super Bowl team inducted, Dungy said,” You would’ve made a lot of money betting on me making the Hall.” It’s humbling listening to a man like Dungy, especially after the way he falls back on his religion. He didn’t get drafted out of college? God had a better plan; Pittsburgh signed him. He got traded? That opened the door to learn under Bill Walsh. He was cut? That started the opportunity of coaching. Through all of his trials and tribulations, Dungy always looked for the best in each situation, and his faith – along with his family – were a huge part of that.
“I’m going to ask Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson if I can play the first series tomorrow night,” is how Brett Favre started his Hall of Fame acceptance speech. Favre was presented by his wife Deanna of 33 years, only the second wife to ever present at the ceremony. He holds some of the most ridiculous statistics when it comes to the quarterback position, but it’s something that he learned from his father that you can’t quite quantify; his toughness. Favre had one goal when he reached a certain point in his career, though, and that was making it to the Hall of Fame. Not to say he made it, but to be able to thank his father for everything. Playing for his father in high school, he overheard him speaking to his assistants after a game where Brett didn’t play the greatest. “My son will play better [next game]. He will redeem himself.” Favre never told anybody that, but it stuck with him throughout his entire football career – through high school and college, all the way to the Hall of Fame.
There were 141 Gold Jacket members in attendance to welcome the class of 2016, the most the weekend’s ever seen.
The NFL’s Hall of Fame Game is scheduled to kickoff tomorrow at 8 p.m.
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