Other highlights from the 2017 Hall speeches
LADAINIAN TOMLINSON
“My name began with the man who owned my great-great-great grandfather. Now it’s proudly carried by me, my children, my extended family. People stop me on the street because they know me as L.T. the football player, but after football, people have begun to recognize me as LaDanian Tomlinson, not simply for what I did as a football player but for who I am as a man. The family legacy that began in such a cruel way has given birth to generations of successful, caring Tomlinsons.
“I firmly believe that God chose me to help bring two races together under one last name: Tomlinson. I’m of mixed race, and I represent America. My story is America’s story. All our ancestors, unless we’re American Indian, came from another country, another culture. Football is a microcosm of America. All races, religions and creeds living, playing, competing side by side.
“America is the land of opportunity. Let’s not slam the door on those who look or sound different from us. Rather, let’s open it wide for those who believe in themselves. ...
“I’m being inducted into the Hall of Fame because my athletic ability created an opportunity for me to excel in the sport I love. When we open the door for others to compete, we fulfill the promise of one nation under, under God, with liberty and justice for all.”
“On America’s team, let’s not choose to be against one another. Let’s choose to be for one another. My great-great-great grandfather had no choice. We have one.
“I pray we dedicate ourselves to be the best team we can be, working and living together, representing the highest ideals of mankind, leading the way for all nations to follow.”
KENNY EASLEY
“Folks will look at our busts and start the debate all over again: Who was better, Ronnie Lott or Kenny Easley? So I’m going to settle it now publicly and for good.
“In the last 30 years, there has been no better thumper, ballhawking, fiercely competitive or smarter defensive back in the NFL than Ronnie Lott. He was the best.
“There, it’s settled.”
JASON TAYLOR
“After about the fifth day of training camp my rookie year, between the two-a-days, the heat and humidity, Jimmy (Johnson), I went back to my room one night and I called my mom and said, ‘I don’t know if this NFL thing is for me.’ I was that beaten down after five days.
“She said, ‘Well, you can come on home and get a job or go to the military, or you can get your butt to bed and go back to practice.’
“So, Coach, you almost made me quit. But I’m glad I didn’t, and I’m glad you kept pushing me and you forced me to grow and become the player I am, so thank you for that.”
MORTEN ANDERSEN
On joining the Atlanta Falcons at 46: “In early October 2006, I was watching the Falcons play their second regular-season game. Their kicker had a bad day. I turn to my buddy, Eric, and say, ‘I’m switching to water ... now. Because the phone is going to ring soon.’
“I didn’t get much of a reaction from him. ‘I know,’ I said, ‘I know. It hasn’t rang in 20 months.’ Shortly after the game finished, the phone did ring.”
TERRELL DAVIS
“When I was 12, my father became ill and until he went to the hospital, I didn’t know how sick he was. He was the original ironman. It didn’t matter how many times he’d been sick or hurt, he’d always bounce back. But not this time. My father died of lupus when he was 41, and obviously my dad never saw me play in the National Football League. Until this day, I’d think about him and wonder, did I gain his respect?
“Dad, I hope you’re looking down, smiling and uttering the words, ‘Son, I’m proud of you.’ ”