Urlacher reflective and Kramer entertains at HOF enshrinement
Owens does induction ceremony his way
NEW YORK, Aug 5, (RTRS): The 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame class was inducted in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday night, including former players Robert Brazile, Brian Dawkins, Jerry Kramer, Ray Lewis, Randy Moss and Brian Urlacher, along with front-office executive Bobby Beathard.
Longtime Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher was the first of four men enshrined to approach tears. The eight-time Pro Bowler and fourtime AllPro showed deep emotion while reflecting on his late mother, calling her the hardestworking person he’s ever known.
After waiting 49 years after retirement to get in, longtime Green Bay Packers guard Jerry Kramer did not disappoint, delivering a lengthy speech filled with stories and inspirational quotes. Kramer, 82, also emphasized the importance of living a life built on character, not his list of accomplishments.
Robert Brazile, a seven-time Pro Bowler with the Houston Oilers, wore a memorable belt buckle to honor the late Bum Phillips, his former head coach. Longtime NFL personnel man Bobby Beathard, 81, is suffering from the early stages of dementia and chose to prerecord his speech.
Urlacher
Terrell Owens put on gold Hall of Fame jacket Saturday, but the scene was out of place as Owens celebrated his induction into the Hall of Fame in Chattanooga, Tenn, approximately 600 miles away from Canton.
Before seven others voted into the Hall of Fame were inducted on live television later in the evening, Owens celebrated his induction in front of less than 4,000 people at McKenzie Arena on the TennesseeChattanooga campus.
Owens played football and basketball at the university before embarking on his stellar NFL career. The locals serenaded him with numerous “T.O, T.O” chants while providing a friendly environment. Owens is the first living inductee to skip the Hall of Fame ceremonies.
Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr said that he is optimistic that he and the New York Giants will work out a new contract.
In his first news conference since early last fall, Beckham said his ankle is healed and his contract situation is positive. Beckham and the Giants hope to have a contract agreement before the season opens. “Optimistic? Yeah. I’m optimistic,” he said. “I’m confident it will all work itself out. It always does.”
With a huge need at defensive back, the Seattle Seahawks are working out veteran cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, according to a report from NFL Network.
The secondary not too long ago was Seattle’s strongest spot, known as the Legion of Boom. But Richard Sherman now is playing for San Francisco, Earl Thomas is holding out for a new contract and it is believed Kam Chancellor won’t return over injury concerns.