The Pro Football HOF '16 enshrinement ceremony on Saturday in Canton drew a crowd of 22,469, up from 21,755 at last year's event (Mult., 8/6). In Milwaukee, Bob McGinn noted inductee Brett Favre "struck each and every emotional chord" in his speech as he "spoke from the heart for 37 minutes" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 8/7). ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky noted Favre "devoted nearly nine minutes to honor his father." Favre was the final speaker and "spoke the longest" (ESPN.com, 8/6). YAHOO SPORTS' Eric Edholm wrote the night "belonged to Favre" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 8/6). The AP's Barry Wilner noted Lambeau Field was "transported to Canton" for the ceremony, and Favre was the "only man who could have caused it" (AP, 8/6). In Green Bay, Ryan Wood noted Packers fans made up "at least" 80% of the crowd (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 8/7). Also in Green Bay, Pete Dougherty wrote Favre's speech was "at turns funny and bittersweet." Favre "choked up and even broke down several times." Meanwhile, the "boisterous crowd was Packers-heavy, with probably at least" 60% of the spectators wearing Packers gear (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 8/7). Read the full transcript of Favre's speech here.
DUAL THREAT: In Milwaukee, Tom Silverstein noted Favre was "not aware" that a Vikings No. 4 jersey was hanging in his HOF display next to his Packers No. 4. Favre said, "Green Bay fans probably don't like the Vikings jersey." Favre "insisted that he had nothing to do with the dual-jersey display." HOF VP/Communications Pete Fierle said that the Hall "decides what will be in each display." He added that the players "don't have a say in what will be placed in them" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 8/7). Silverstein wrote Favre is now working on his "post-football identity" that will "last him the rest of his life." In addition to "traveling, eating healthy and watching his daughter play volleyball, Favre has signed up with Sirius XM to do an hour-long weekly show that will debut this fall." Favre and NFL Network's Steve Mariucci "did a town hall recording Friday to promote the show and if that was any indication there should be some entertaining stories told" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 8/7).
ONE FOR THE PLAYERS: In San Jose, Daniel Brown wrote former 49ers Owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. in his induction speech "recounted the journey that spanned from his early struggles" to the team's five Super Bowl titles. His speech "alternated between funny and deeply emotional," and was "almost equally split between his players and his family" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 8/7). In Canton, Mike Popovich noted DeBartolo "showed no tears in a speech that lasted almost a half-hour" (Canton REPOSITORY, 8/7). DeBartolo: "If there is one secret to the success of the 49ers, it is this: We did not see players as simply players. We saw them as men" (Canton REPOSITORY, 8/7). USA TODAY's Jarrett Bell noted DeBartolo made his "most profound statement by underscoring his respect for the players." DeBartolo said, "We could use a little bit more of that sense of family in the NFL today." Bell: "Leave it to DeBartolo to make that point about a wildly popular sports league that is often knocked as a cold-hearted business" (USATODAY.com, 8/7). In Tampa, Rick Stroud noted DeBartolo "stood up for the players again." DeBartolo: "We've got to do all we can to look after one another and take care of one another. Not just when the uniform is on, but when the uniform comes off, too" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 8/7). The MERCURY NEWS' Brown noted DeBartolo hosted a party Friday night that was described as "lavish" and "over the top," with about 700 attendees (MERCURYNEWS.com, 8/6). Read the full transcript of DeBartolo's speech here.
HALL PASS: Tony Dungy, Marvin Harrison, Orlando Pace and Kevin Greene, along with the late Ken Stabler and Dick Stanfel, rounded out the '16 class. The MERCURY NEWS' Brown noted the night's "most poignant moment" came after Stabler was "introduced and there were no words at all." Instead of a speech, "there was simply the roar of the crowd" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 8/7). ESPN.com's Jenna Laine noted a recurring theme throughout Dungy's speech was "overcoming disappointments" (ESPN.com, 8/7). In Indianapolis, Stephen Holder wrote Dungy "didn't focus on his achievements" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 8/7). In Indianapolis, Gregg Doyel in a front-page piece wrote Harrison's speech was the "biggest speech of his life." Harrison "revealed a sliver of the man we hadn't known" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 8/7).
WELL DESERVED: ESPN.com's Mike Sando noted the net's Chris Mortensen, who is battling throat cancer, received the Dick McCann Award and "made an inspirational appearance onstage." Mortensen "became the 48th winner of the McCann Award and the third from ESPN over the past decade, joining John Clayton and Len Pasquarelli." Mortensen "appeared onstage with his wife" and "waved to the crowd" (ESPN.com, 8/6). Meanwhile, on Long Island, Bob Glauber noted former NFL Exec VP/Communications & Public Affairs Joe Browne also received the HOF's Ralph Hay Pioneer Award. The award is "presented periodically to an individual who has made significant and innovative contributions to pro football." Browne said, "To have my name in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is not something I dreamed of growing up in Queens" (NEWSDAY, 8/7).
