Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans / Image: Zuma Press

Chris amassed 197 rushing yards, 87 receiving yards, and three touchdowns in a 34-31 loss. Amazingly, however, he was snubbed for the Week Two Offensive Player-of-the-Week award—which went to Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub. Chris was good enough for the Pro Football Hall of Fame but not good enough for Player-of-the-Week honors? Hmm. Nothing against Matt. He had a great game, but…

Source: Twitter.com/ProFootballHOF

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Chris Johnson Momentos Headed to HOF

Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals / Image: Zuma Press

I was at the Hall of Fame last week and it’s one of my happiest places to be. I am there every August to work at the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony—which is a tremendous honor—but it’s also the busiest day of the year at the Hall. And I’m working. So that means I don’t have much of an opportunity to look around and enjoy the museum. On my visit last week, I was able to roam around on a relatively quiet Wednesday afternoon at my leisure and truly enjoy what an amazing place this is. If you’ve never been there, by all means put that on your bucket list and spend a day at the Hall.

Anyway, back to Kurt Warner—he is becoming well represented in the Pro Football Hall of Fame:

Kurt Warner Momentos in the Hall’s Collection

• NFL game ball signed by Kurt from the Rams 23-16 win over the Tennessee Titans in SBXXXIV.
• Kurt’s jersey worn in aforementioned SBXXXIV.
• Kurt’s jersey he wore and a football he threw in a game against the San Diego Chargers on Oct. 1, 2000. That day he became the second QB in history to record a perfect passer rating (158.3) twice in his career.
• Kurt’s jersey and the ball he threw against the N.Y. Giants on Nov. 23, 2008 when he reached the 40,000-yard mark of his pro career (including NFL Europe, Arena Football, and NFL passing yards)

Source: ProFootballHOF.com

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Kurt Warner Momentos Headed to HOF

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.”

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

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.”

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

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.”

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

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.”

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

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.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

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.”

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

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)

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced their Class of 2009 today in Tampa (site of tomorrow’s Super Bowl XLIII, of course). Wide receiver Bob Hayes, guard Randall McDaniel, defensive end Bruce Smith, linebacker Derrick Thomas, owner Ralph Wilson Jr., and defensive back Rod Woodson make up the Class of 2009 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees.

The six-man class was elected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee. The newest members of the Hall were selected from a list of 17 finalists that had been determined earlier by the committee. I was somewhat surprised to see that Cris Carter came up short again. I was also kind of surprised to see that Shannon Sharpe, Andre Reed and former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue didn’t make this year’s class despite being among the finalists. But as always, there are so many deserving names and only so many spots, so it’s really just a matter of time for these gentlemen.

• Bob Hayes, a gold medalist track star in the 1964 Summer Olympics, combined his world class speed with great hands. “Bullet Bob,” a three-time All-Pro pick, caught 371 career passes for 7,414 yards and 71 touchdowns. Because Bob passed away back in 2002 at the age of 59, his sister read a letter at today’s presser that he had previously written for just this occasion — if it ever happened. It was a tearful moment. Bob sure seemed like a great person. I wish I had been able to see him play more (he retired when I was eight-years-old) because his highlight reel is something to see.
• Randall McDaniel was named All-Pro nine straight seasons and voted to a record 12 consecutive AFC-NFC Pro Bowls during his 14-season career with the Minnesota Vikings (1988-1999) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2000-01). I remember him as a monument on the Vikings offensive line (and what an ugly stance he had) and truly one of the best to ever play his position.
• Bruce Smith, the first overall pick in the 1985 draft by the Buffalo Bills, is the NFL’s all-time sack leader with 200 career sacks. A member of both the NFL’s All-Decade Teams of the 1980s and 1990s, Bruce was named first-team All-Pro nine times and voted to 11 Pro Bowls. Enough said right there. Bruce was a no-brainer, first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer. And a true gentleman.
• It’s going to be a big year for the Buffalo Bills at the Pro Football Hall of Fame because owner Ralph Wilson Jr. was also elected. Mr. Wilson founded the Bills in 1959 and watched his team win back-to-back AFL titles in the mid-1960s and become the only team ever to advance to four consecutive Super Bowls. He was an integral part of the AFL’s success and has also served on a number of important NFL committees over the years. Despite economic hardships here in Western New York, Mr. Wilson has managed to keep the Bills in Buffalo.
• Derrick Thomas amassed more sacks during the 1990s than any other player. He was selected to nine Pro Bowls, named All-NFL three times, and was All-AFC seven times in an eight-year stretch. He was relentless. I remember a game against Seattle where he had eight sacks. Yes, in one game! What is even more impressive was his work off the field. Did you know Derrick was the first NFL player to ever start his own charitable foundation, something that’s rather commonplace these days? Sadly, Derrick is also no longer with us. He died nine years ago from severe injuries sustained in an auto accident.
• Rod Woodson, a member of the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team in 1994 and selected to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s, intercepted 71 passes which he returned for an NFL record 1,483 yards and a record 12 touchdowns. He was named All-Pro six times and voted to 11 Pro Bowls. As good as Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed is today, he hasn’t reached the level of play of Rod Woodson, one of the best safeties of all-time. Rod is a class act.

The 2009 class will increase to 253 the number of all-time greats permanently honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Enshrinement of the Class of 2009 will take place at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, on Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 7 p.m. ET. The Enshrinement Ceremony will be televised live by both ESPN and the NFL Network. I’m very impressed with this year’s class and I plan to attend and cover the ceremony for my 6th straight season.

Source: NFL Media, Photo: Newscom

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Pro Football HOF Class of 2009