The Pro Football Hall of Fame welcomed its seven new members, class of 2024, on Saturday in an emotional ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium behind the venue that has honored the legends of the game since 1963. NFL.
Steve McMichael, Patrick Willis, Dwight Freeney, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Julius Peppers and Randy Gradishar all saw their bronze busts installed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Each member of this group receives a golden jacket that distinguishes them as historical representatives of this sport.
The most emotional moment of the ceremony occurred when his jacket and bust were presented to Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael, who is bedridden due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
It is a disease of the nervous system that affects the neurons of the brain and spinal cord and causes loss of muscle control.
McMichel, a former defensive tackle, received the award at his home surrounded by his family and some of his former teammates. “I thank the Hall of Fame, the Bears and the fans, they are the best in the world. Thank you to the best city for football,” was the message from McMichel that was read by his sister Kathy.
Also present at the ceremony was Michael Jordan, six-time champion with the Chicago Bulls and considered one of the best players in the NBA, who is a great friend of Dwight Freeney, former defensive end who made history with the Indianapolis Colts.
“Thank you to this great sport for the opportunity to express my creativity. I always felt like an artist and the field was my canvas. I will always be grateful for that feeling,” Freeney said.
Patrick Willis, a former San Francisco 49ers linebacker best known for his aggressiveness and a member of the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team, expressed his pride in the award he received.
“I’m honored to wear this gold jacket shoulder to shoulder with NFL greats. Happy to know that from now on I will not be known simply as Patrick Willis, but as Patrick Willis, the Hall of Famer,” said the 49ers legend.
In turn, Devin Hester, another Bears veteran, said he was confident that his appointment would open up options for other kick returners.
“I hope my presence here today opens the doors and attracts the attention of guys like Brian Mitchell and Josh Cribbs because I’m not the only one who deserves to be in the Hall of Fame,” Hester said.
Former Denver Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar paid tribute to his late Orange Crush defense coach, Joe Collier.
“We were an explosive, dominant and winning force. Coach Joe Collier was one of the best for us, he brought out the best in everyone. He marked my life to be here,” Gradishar stressed.
Former Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers and former Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson were also honored by their induction into the Hall of Fame. EFE
