Tomlinson steals the show at Class of ’17’s induction
CANTON, Ohio — As he so often did on the field, LaDainian Tomlinson stole the show.
With a powerful speech calling for “Team America” to be a place for inclusion and opportunity, the former San Diego Chargers running back was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday night.
The 2017 roster of entrants into the shrine was deeply impressive: fellow running back Terrell Davis; quarterback Kurt Warner; defensive end Jason Taylor; safety Kenny Easley; placekicker Morten Andersen; and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
All spoke eloquently, with bursts of humor and heartwarming stories. But Tomlinson’s words resonated so strongly that he drew several standing ovations not only from the crowd of 13,400, but from his now-fellow Gold Jackets.
“Football is a microcosm of America,” Tomlinson said. “All races, religions and creeds, living, playing, competing side by side. When you’re part of a team, you understand your teammates — their strengths and weaknesses — and work together toward the same goal, to win a championship.”
Taylor’s emotional speech during which he had to pause several times to compose himself was another highlight.
A third-round draft pick from Akron, Taylor’s 139½ career sacks helped him make the All-Decade Team of the 2000s.
“I honestly can’t believe I am here,” said Taylor. “In 1992, I was at the University of Akron, just 20 miles away. It took 20 years to travel 20 miles to put on this jacket. It was worth every step.”
The longest wait, 24 years, was by Easley, chosen for enshrinement by the seniors committee. The hard-hitting safety for the Seahawks played only seven seasons and 89 games.
Andersen, the league’s career scoring leader, joined Jan Stenerud as the only placekickers in Canton. A native of Denmark who knew nothing of football when he came to this country, Andersen played 25 pro seasons, a league record. He is the all-time scoring leader for New Orleans and Atlanta.
It took Warner years to get discovered by the NFL. By way of the Arena Football League, NFL Europe — and stocking shelves at a grocery store — Warner stepped in when Trent Green tore up his knee.
He went on to win two NFL MVP awards and one league title, invigorating the Rams and Cardinals franchises along the way.
“People say Hollywood couldn’t have written it any better,” Warner noted. “After this, they don’t have a chance.”
Davis had a similar story. A sixth-round draft pick, his mercurial NFL stay (seven years, five of them spectacular) had been something of a hindrance for entry into the hall. But he was the catalyst for the NFL titles Denver won in ’97 and ’98.
“The overwhelming feeling running through my body is gratitude,” he said.
The current Cowboys showed their gratitude to Jones by sticking around after winning the Hall of Fame game on Thursday. Jones earned his induction not only for winning three Super Bowls within six years of buying the team, but for being a power broker within the NFL.
Jones has been a key figure as the league grew to a multi-billion dollar business, having a hand in many important decisions.