Ray Lewis used his Pro Football HOF induction speech in Canton to "call for more enlightened leadership" in the U.S. Lewis "eschewed notes and the lectern, instead strolling along the stage and passionately urging his listeners to come together." Lewis: "Are you living every day to make this world better?" (AP, 8/4). Meanwhile, Brian Urlacher "framed his speech, a little more than 19 minutes, around family and football" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 8/5). Randy Moss "delivered a sermon worthy of any church or synagogue" (AP, 8/4). Jerry Kramer "showed why he has been one of the most eloquent representatives" of the Vince Lombardi-era Packers "for five decades." Kramer "read the short inspirational poem 'Invictus,'” and of course "told stories" about Lombardi (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 8/5).
Longtime Eagles S Brian Dawkins had "predicted a long speech, but needed just a little more than 22 minutes to say his thank yous to family, coaches, teammates, doubters and Eagles fans" (PHILLY.com, 8/4). Dawkins talked about the "deep depression that had him contemplating suicide" earlier in his life (PHILLY.com, 8/4). Terrell Owens gave his induction speech at the Univ. of Tennessee-Chattanooga's McKenzie Arena, and "nearly all 3,000 in attendance were on their feet." An area on campus now will be called "Terrell Owens Way" (Chattanooga TIMES FREE PRESS, 8/5). The DALLAS MORNING NEWS goes with the header: "The Cowboys Celebrate Every Hall Of Famer They Ever Had. Here's Why Dallas Isn't Doing The Same For Terrell Owens (8/5). Watch each of the HOFers' speeches in their entirety (THE DAILY).
