The first player selected in the 1985 NFL Draft, Bruce quickly established himself as a starter on the Bills defensive line. Named the AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year by the NFL Players Association, he went on to be named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1990 and 1996 and the AFC Defensive Player of the Year in 1987, 1988, 1990, and 1996. He also earned first-team All-Pro honors nine times and was selected to play in 11 Pro Bowls.

Bruce Smith, Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 / Photo: Newscom

The NFL’s all-time career sack leader (200), Bruce’s 13 seasons with 10 or more sacks is also an NFL record. Dedicated to staying in top physical condition, Smith was named to both the NFL’s All-Decade Teams of the 1980s and 1990s.

In the most anticipated enshrinement speech of the evening, chants of “Bruuuuuuuuce” from thousands of Buffalo Bills fans filled Fawcett Stadium. It didn’t exactly feel like a Bills home game, but for the many in attendance who fondly remembered Bruce as one of the leaders in the Bills’ four straight AFC Championships in the early 90s, it was the next best thing.

Bruce remembered the many people who helped him along his journey to the Hall of Fame. And he offered words of encouragement for those who ever thought of quitting on whatever challenge they might face—on or off a football field:

“You may sometimes feel discouraged by the challenges you face, but never give up. The journey may be difficult, but press on in the face of adversity. Have faith in your capabilities. Set your goals high, and then work diligently, diligently to achieve them. Keep your heads head high, and above all, trust in God. Because all things are possible to those who believe.”

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Pro Football Hall of Fame: Bruce Smith

Derrick Thomas, Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 / Photo: Newscom

No player had more sacks during the decade of 1990s than the 116.5 sacks by Derrick. He finished his career with 126.5 sacks which was the fourth highest total by a linebacker in NFL history. Derrick had 10 or more sacks in a season seven times and recorded multi-sack games 27 times during his 169-game career.

As with Bob Hayes, Derrick is sadly no longer with us. So Chiefs president and general manager Carl Peterson spoke on behalf of the Thomas family. Watching Derrick’s highlight reel reminded me what a dominant player he was. In fact, as far as putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, there were few better. Only Reggie White, Bruce Smith and Lawrence Taylor come to my mind as being on the same level with Derrick. I like how Derrick used to call out safety sacks before they would happen. Now that’s confidence. Derrick was simply a phenomenal defensive football player.

But Mr. Peterson made sure everyone knew about Derrick Thomas the person as well as the player. Derrick was a winner of the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award as well as the NFLPA’s Byron “Whizzer” White Humanitarian Award:

“As much as anything Derrick did on the football field, beyond the seven sacks in one game, and all the sacks in his career, and all the fumbles recovered, and all the tackles and touchdowns and safeties he made, it was his contribution off the field that stamped his time here on earth. He was certainly not a perfect man but I would ask whom of us is? He was a committed man. Committed to helping others. His list of accomplishments off the field had been widely chronicled.”

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Pro Football Hall of Fame: Derrick Thomas

Rod Woodson, Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 / Photo: Newscom

Then-Steelers head coach Chuck Noll acknowledged Rod’s versatility by playing him at cornerback and as a kick returner, but Rod was too valuable to risk playing on both offense and defense. Rod responded by earning Pro Bowl honors in just his third season. It wasn’t, however, until coach Noll’s successor, Bill Cowher, took over that Rod really blossomed. In 1992 Rod was second on the team with 100 tackles and six sacks. The next season he had eight interceptions, 28 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, two quarterback sacks, blocked a field goal attempt and recorded a team high 79 solo tackles. For his effort he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Rod is a member of the 1990s All-Decade Team and was named to the Pro Bowl 11 times, an NFL record for a defensive back. In 1994, he was one of only five active players to be named to the NFL’ s 75th Anniversary Team.

Rod spoke boldly of his faith in God and spent the better part of his enshrinement speech thanking all the individuals who sacrificed themselves to put him in the Hall of Fame. And he wasn’t kidding. Rod’s would end up being the longest of all the acceptance speeches this night.

Interestingly, Rod also spoke about biracial relationships and about being “judged by the color of your skin and not the content of your character” based on his own experiences:

“Society wants us to choose what we are so many times. Are you black? Are you white? Are you democrat? Are you republican? But remember one thing: God made us all of one blood and one spirit. You people who have mixed marriages, tell your kids they do not have to choose what side they’re on. We always want to choose but we don’t have to. God made you what you are. Remember that.”

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Pro Football Hall of Fame: Rod Woodson

Bob Hayes Jr. Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 / Photo: Newscom

Bob demonstrated time and again that he possessed tremendous football skills and instincts that helped him to develop into a terrific NFL wide receiver. Still, his world class speed was a major factor in his and the Cowboys offensive successes. “Bullet Bob” terrorized defensive backs and demanded the kind of deep double coverage rarely seen in the NFL at that time. It is often said that the bump and run defense was developed in an attempt to slow him down.

Sadly, Bob passed away seven years ago. So, one of his former quarterbacks (and fellow Hall of Famer) Roger Staubach, spoke on behalf of the family, emphasizing not only Bob’s immense talents on the field, but his demeanor and quality as a good person:

“He was almost generous to a fault. But Bob Hayes was really, really a decent, caring human being that had extraordinary skills. And old speedo was one humble son of a gun. I don’t know if he ever showed me his gold medals from the Olympics.”

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Pro Football Hall of Fame: Bob Hayes

Randall continued to excel the following season as he began a streak of 202 consecutive starts that continued through the end of his career. He also earned the first of 12 straight Pro Bowl berths.

Randall McDaniel, Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 / Photo: Newscom

In his acceptance speech, Randall made interesting similarities between playing football in the trenches (as an offensive linemen) and in his current profession as a teacher. And he encouraged everyone to make a difference in the lives of others:

“I’ve been extremely fortunate to have two passions in my life. The first was football, the second was education. I do find many similarities between playing on the offensive line and working in the classroom. On the line, you have a bunch of regular guys who bring their lunch pails to work and do a tough job without much fanfare or glory. They pretty much go unnoticed unless something goes wrong. And yet, if they weren’t there, nothing else would be possible. Life as an educator is quite similar. You bring your lunch pail to work. You do an extremely tough job without much fan fare or glory, and like an offensive lineman, you typically go unnoticed unless something goes wrong. And yet, without teachers, nothing much would be possible. I think that’s why I feel so comfortable in the classroom. I get to work in the trenches again. With a passionate group of people, fighting the good fight, and trying to make a difference. I guess that’s why I’ll always be a lunch pail kind of guy.”

Growing up a Minnesota Vikings fan, I was more than familiar with just how talented Randall was, unorthodox style and all. I especially remember him as 1/5 of the foundation of the then-highest scoring offense in NFL history during the Vikings’ 1998 season.

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Pro Football Hall of Fame: Randall McDaniel

Ralph Wilson Jr., Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 / Photo: Newscom

During his tenure as owner of the Bills, Mr. Wilson has watched two of his teams capture the AFL Championship (1964-1965) and AFC titles in 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993 on the way to an unprecedented four consecutive appearances in Super Bowls XXV, XXVI, XXVII, and XXVIII. The team also won AFL/AFC Eastern Division titles in 1966, 1980, 1988, 1989, and 1995. The Bills’ 103 regular season wins in the 1990s were second best, behind only the San Francisco 49ers.

I enjoyed listening to Mr. Wilson’s knowledge and humor as he recounted his early days of professional football. When I used to cover the Bills and I visited the team’s locker room after games, Mr. Wilson always greeted me—and everyone—with a smile and a hello. At 90-years-old, Mr. Wilson is the oldest enshrinee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And as he closes in on 91, he said he still feels he has youth on his side. “It has been a grand ride for me. And tonight is the high point.”

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Pro Football Hall of Fame: Ralph Wilson Jr.

Pro Football Hall of Fame, August 8, 2009 / Photo: Newscom

Pre-enshrinement introductions begin at 6:45 p.m. and the Class of 2009 Enshrinement Ceremony starts at 7. The Class of 2009 (and their presenters) are as follows. This is also the order of enshrinement tonight:

• Ralph Wilson, Jr. (presented by Chris Berman)
• Randall McDaniel (presented by O.K. Fulton)
• Bob Hayes (Roger Staubach will speak on behalf of the family. Bob’s son Bob Hayes, Jr. will represent his late father during the weekend’s festivities)
• Rod Woodson (presented by Tracy Foster)
• Derrick Thomas (Carl Peterson will speak on behalf of the family. Derrick’s son Derrion Hayes will represent his late father during the weekend’s festivities)
• Bruce Smith (presented by Ted Cottrell)

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Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009

Defensive end Fred Dean, cornerback Darrell Green, wide receiver Art Monk, cornerback Emmitt Thomas, linebacker Andre Tippett, and tackle Gary Zimmerman make up the Class of 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees. The final group of six was announced yesterday. I could go into great detail about how deserving these new members are. And I could go on and on about the great people who didn’t make it this year (especially Cris Carter and Paul Tagliabue). But I’m going to leave that up to you. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has become one of the hottest topics of discussion here at EMQB. And I’m sure you’ll continue to have your say on this and other HOF posts. In the meantime, here are quick bios for each new inductee:

• Fred Dean, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, was one of the league’s most feared pass rushers during his 11-season career with the San Diego Chargers and San Francisco 49ers.
• Darrell Green was known for his great speed during his 20 seasons with the Washington Redskins from 1983-2002. He intercepted a pass in 19 straight seasons and was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s.
• Art Monk accumulated 940 receptions for 12,721 yards and 68 touchdowns during his 16-season career. His career-high 106 catches in 1984 was a NFL record at the time. He was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1980s.
• Emmitt Thomas, an undrafted free agent, became one of the finest cornerbacks of his era. He ranks fourth all-time in interceptions by a cornerback with 58 picks during his career with the Kansas City Chiefs from 1966-1978.
• Andre Tippett starred at linebacker for 11 playing seasons for the New England Patriots and amassed 100 career sacks. A member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1980s, he earned five straight Pro Bowl berths.
• Gary Zimmerman earned the rare distinction of being named to two NFL All-Decade Teams (1980s and 1990s). A strong and versatile tackle who split his career with Minnesota and Denver, he was elected to seven Pro Bowls.

The 2008 class will increase to 247 the number of all-time greats permanently honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Enshrinement of the Class of 2008 will take place at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, on Saturday, August 2, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. ET. The Enshrinement Ceremony will be televised live by both ESPN and the NFL Network.

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Pro Football HOF Announces Class of 2008, Darrell Green and Art Monk Lead Group

Wide receiver Cris Carter and cornerback Darrell Green are the only first-year eligible players to make the list of 26 semi-finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2008. The Hall of Fame’s Board of Selectors chose the 26 semi-finalists from the recently announced list of 124 preliminary nominees today. The list includes one more than the required 25 nominees since there was a tie for the twenty-fifth position. Hall of Fame selection by-laws provide for the inclusion of all ties for the twenty-fifth position on the ballot.

Nominees included on the semi-finalist list for the first time, although eligible prior to this year, include linebacker Rickey Jackson and defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy. Each of the remaining 22 nominees has been on the semi-finalist list at least once prior to this year. The complete list of 26 modern-era semi-finalists is as follows:

Cris Carter, Terrell Davis, Dermontti Dawson, Fred Dean, Richard Dent, Randy Gradishar, Darrell Green, Kevin Greene, Russ Grimm, Ray Guy, Lester Hayes, Rickey Jackson, Joe Jacoby, Cortez Kennedy, Bob Kuechenberg, Randall McDaniel, Art Monk, Andre Reed, Ken Stabler, Paul Tagliabue, Steve Tasker, Derrick Thomas, Andre Tippett, George Young, and Gary Zimmerman.

I know some of you have had very strong opinions about who should be in the 2008 class. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this latest round of finalists. The list of 26 semi-finalists will be reduced by mail ballot to 15 modern-era candidates (announced in mid-January). That list will increase to 17 finalist nominees with the inclusion of the two recommended candidates of the Hall of Fame’s Seniors Committee. The Seniors Committee nominees, who were announced in August, are Marshall Goldberg and Emmitt Thomas. The Class of 2008 will be determined at the Selection Committee’s annual meeting on Saturday, February 2, 2008, in Phoenix, AZ the day before Super Bowl XLII.

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Pro Football Hall of Fame Board Selects Semi-Finalists for Class of 2008

After a brief struggle with the onset of several serious illnesses, Bill Willis passed away at 86 years old last night surrounded by members of his immediate family. Bill was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 1977. A true pioneer of the game, he was one of four African Americans to permanently break professional football’s “color barrier” in 1946. Along with fellow Cleveland Browns Hall of Fame teammate Marion Motley in the All-America Football Conference and the Los Angeles Rams’ Woody Strode and Kenny Washington in the National Football League, Bill helped desegregate pro football a full year before Major League Baseball was integrated. He was the only surviving member of the pioneering foursome. Steve Perry, the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s President/Executive Director, said:

“Bill Willis is one of the true heroes in the history of pro football. The courage and leadership exemplified by him while leading the cause to break down racial barriers is a model for all of us all to live by.”

Bill Willis was a seven-time all-league choice and a two-way star who excelled as a defensive middle guard for the Browns from 1946 to 1953. His lightning quick burst off the line of scrimmage helped him earn a starting position with Cleveland after just one pro scrimmage. Bill and the Browns advanced to the championship game in each of his eight pro seasons and captured the AAFC title four times and won the 1950 NFL championship. Bill was known for a famous game-saving tackle against the New York Giants in a 1950 playoff game that preserved the Browns’ title run that season.

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Pro Football Pioneer Bill Willis Dead at 86