Tag: Pro Football Hall of Fame

Commanders LB Bobby Wagner eager to pass along his knowledge and experience

Bobby Wagner explains why he enjoys being a mentor for others.

When the Washington Commanders signed future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner in March, they signed him for his production on the field and to teach others how to be a pro.

It’s a role the 13-year veteran embraced. Wagner shared that he reached out to Washington great London Fletcher as a young player for advice. Fletcher obliged.

So, throughout his career, Wagner has tried to be that same type of mentor for others. Rookie linebacker Jordan Magee is his latest understudy. Magee said he wanted to sit under Wagner’s learning tree.

While some veteran players scoff at being seen as a mentor, that’s not Wagner. He explained why this week to Scott Abraham of ABC 7 in Washington.

“I think you just share the knowledge,” Wagner said. “I was very fortunate to have the people that I reached out to give me that knowledge back. So, I think it’s only for me to do the same for the people coming up after me. So, anybody that reaches out and wants advice, I’ll give it to them because that’s what they did for me.”

What a terrific perspective. You don’t need to be a linebacker to benefit from Wagner’s knowledge and experience. Others, including rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, have looked to Wagner for help, and Wagner said he and the team will do everything to get Daniels ready.

The Commanders haven’t had great linebacker play in years. While Wagner may not be the same player he was five years ago, he was still phenomenal last season. That tells you how great he was in his prime. The combination of Wagner and Frankie Luvu at linebacker are game changers for Washington.

Bears great Steve McMichael won’t travel to Canton for Hall of Fame induction

Bears legend Steve McMichael unfortunately won’t be in Canton for his Hall of Fame ceremony.

While the hope was Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael would be able to attend his Hall of Fame induction this August despite having ALS, that unfortunately won’t be the case, according to his longtime spokeswoman Betsy Shepherd.

“Steve McMichael will not be able to travel to Canton, Ohio, for his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction due to complications of ALS he has so valiantly fought the last three years,” Shepherd said in a statement Friday night. “The Hall of Fame is making plans for presenting his honor at his home.”

McMichael spent 13 seasons with the Bears and won Super Bowl XX in the 1985 season. McMichael was a two-time first-team All-Pro, three-time second-team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler. His 92.5 career sacks rank second in franchise history, behind only Richard Dent (124.5).

McMichael chose Jarrett Payton, the son of Bears great Walter Payton, to introduce him at the induction ceremony.

McMichael is one of three former Bears players who were elected the Hall of Fame this year, alongside return specialist Devin Hester and edge rusher Julius Peppers.

Chicago will face the Houston Texans in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, Aug. 1, ahead of the induction ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 3.

Gary Kubiak and Tom Jackson will serve as presenters for 2024 Hall of Fame class

Tom Jackson (Randy Gradishar) and Gary Kubiak (Andre Johnson) will serve as presenters for the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.

The 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement weekend will be dotted with former Denver Broncos.

Former linebacker and anchor of the “Orange Crush” defense Randy Gradishar will be presented in Canton by teammate Tom Jackson, as Broncos Wire has previously noted.

In a press release issued by the Pro Football Hall of Fame earlier this week, it was revealed that there will be another former Bronco in August. Former Houston Texans and Denver head coach Gary Kubiak will be presenting wide receiver Andre Johnson.

Kubiak was a backup to Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway from 1983-1991, and was the offensive coordinator for the Broncos’ Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII teams. Kubiak also coached the Broncos to their third Super Bowl title in 2015 before stepping down in 2017.

The Hall of Fame Game featuring the Texans and Chicago Bears will kick off festivities in Canton this summer on Aug. 1, followed by a gold jacket dinner for the 2024 class on Aug. 2 and an enshrinement ceremony on Aug. 3.

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Here’s who will present Panthers great Julius Peppers into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Julius Peppers will be presented for enshrinement by a longtime friend and mentor.

In less than two months, Carolina Panthers icon Julius Peppers will officially take his rightful spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But who will be the person introducing him into football immortality?

As announced on Tuesday, Carl Carey—Julius’ longtime friend, mentor and agent—will present Peppers for enshrinement. Carey will introduce Peppers via video and join him on stage to unveil his bronze bust.

Peppers is one of seven members in this year’s class—as he’ll be enshrined alongside Dwight Freeney, Randy Gradishar, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Steve McMichael and Patrick Willis. The presenters for those inductees, per the Pro Football Hall of Fame, are as follows:

  • Freeney — Jim Irsay, Indianapolis Colts owner & CEO
  • Gradishar — Tom Jackson, former Denver Broncos teammate
  • Hester — Juanita Brown, mother
  • Johnson — Gary Kubiak, former Houston Texans head coach
  • McMichael — Jarrett Payton, longtime friend and sports anchor
  • Willis — Ernicka Willis, sister

The ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Aug. 3 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.

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Cowboys great, Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen dies at 52

Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen died at 52 while on vacation with his family

A Dallas Cowboys great and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Larry Allen has died at 52.

Allen was on vacation with his family in Mexico on Sunday when he died suddenly.

The Cowboys released a statement:

The Dallas Cowboys are very saddened to share that Cowboys legend, Super Bowl Champion, Cowboys Ring of Honor member, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen passed away suddenly while on vacation in Mexico with his family on Sunday. Larry, known for his great athleticism and incredible strength, was one of the most respected, accomplished offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL. His versatility and dependability were also signature parts of his career. Through that, he continued to serve as inspiration for many other players defining what it meant to be a great teammate, competitor and winner.

He was deeply loved and cared for by his wife, Janelle – whom he referred to as his heart and soul, his daughters Jayla and Loriana and son, Larry III.

The Jones family and the Cowboys extend their deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Allen family and grieve along with the many other friends and Cowboys teammates that also loved Larry.

Allen was an 11-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013. He played for the Cowboys from 1994-to-2005, winning a Super Bowl in 1995. He spent his final two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.

Seahawks great Shaun Alexander on why he’s not in the Hall of Fame

Here’s Alexander talking with Kay Adams about why he thinks he’s not in Canton.

While every NFL fan base believes that their team is underrated and overlooked, it’s probably more true in the case of the Seattle Seahawks than any other. Geographically isolated in the Pacific Northwest, the franchise has often been ignored and dismissed by the national (east coast) media and that includes the folks that vote on who gets into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and who doesn’t.

Need proof that there’s a real bias against Seattle and its players? Look no further than Seahawks legend and former league MVP Shaun Alexander, who is not in the Hall of Fame despite having a very strong resume. Here’s Alexander talking with Kay Adams about why he thinks he’s not in Canton.

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Peyton Manning a big fan of Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin

Peyton Manning is a big fan of Jayden Daniels.

Peyton Manning knows ball. While Manning has many interests outside of football, the Pro Football Hall of Famer remains close to the game due to his Monday night broadcasting career alongside his brother Eli.

On Thursday, Manning was in the Washington area as the featured speaker at Joe Gibbs’ Youth For Tomorrow event. So, of course, Manning was asked about the hometown team.

First, he discussed Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Manning said he’s known McLaurin for a long time because Washington’s star wide receiver is from Indianapolis, where he spent the first 14 seasons of his NFL career.

“I’m a big fan of Terry; he’s an Indianapolis kid. I knew about him in high school,” Manning said, per JP Finlay of NBC Washington and 106.7 The Fan.

Manning also joked that he would be taking McLaurin and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels on his fantasy team.

As for Daniels:

“I’m a big fan of your quarterback,” Manning said. He then went on to say he got to know Daniels last year at his family’s Manning Passing Academy camp.

You can add Manning to the list of those impressed by Jayden Daniels.

WATCH: Washington Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green has still got it

After all these years, Darrell Green has still got it.

It’s been a busy time for former Washington cornerback Darrell Green recently. Just before the 2024 NFL draft, the Commanders had Green record a video introducing the rookie class to Washington. However, the purpose of that video was to reveal the franchise was retiring his No. 28 jersey next season.

Green’s family surprised him after he learned the news, as did Washington general manager Adam Peters, coach Dan Quinn, and a pair of Green’s former teammates, Doug Williams and Martin Mayhew, who work in the front office.

On the second day of the draft in Detroit, Green was on hand to announce the Commanders’ first second-round pick, Illinois defensive tackle Johnny Newton. Green also introduced Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott.

Green’s list of accomplishments on and off the field is lengthy, but a recent viral video emerged to show that Green may still be able to help the Commanders.

Let’s put this into perspective: Green turned 64 in February. The Pro Football Hall of Famer finished his legendary career with 54 interceptions and was a four-time winner of the NFL’s Fastest Man competition.

Washington fans certainly agree it’s good to see Green back in an active role with the organization since Josh Harris took over as owner last summer.

Colorado governor declares May 3 “Randy Gradishar Day”

Randy Gradishar finally gets his day-literally.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has declared May 3 “Randy Gradishar Day,” according to a press release issued by the Denver Broncos on Tuesday.

In honor of this announcement, Polis will read a special proclamation from the steps of the Colorado capital building in downtown Denver on Friday at 2 pm MST. May 3, or 5/3, is a tribute to the number 53 jersey that Gradishar wore throughout his career.

Gradishar will be present at the ceremony, along with Polis, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Miles the mascot, Denver Broncos cheerleaders and the Stampede, the Broncos’ official drumline.

“Gradishar Day” is only the most recent show of appreciation for the former star linebacker. Gradishar is set to be enshrined as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August, as a member of the Senior Committee. Gradishar’s career is considered by many to be among the greatest of all time at the position. He was an anchor to Denver’s “Orange Crush” defense of the late 1970’s.

Gradishar also recently appeared in the Broncos’ unveiling of their brand-new throwback uniforms, which pay homage to the 1977 Super Bowl team which Gradishar was a part of.

Commanders to retire Darrell Green’s No. 28 jersey

A great way to start the day for the Commanders.

On the first day of the 2024 NFL draft, the Washington Commanders had franchise legend Darrell Green film a video welcoming the class of 2024 to Washington.

Once that portion of the video was complete, someone told Green to read a bit more, in which he would introduce the next Washington player to have his number retired — until he realized it was him.

Yes, that’s right. The Commanders are doing the right thing by finally retiring Green’s No. 28 jersey.

Green became emotional once he realized he would have his jersey retired, and his family quickly joined him.

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Joining Green’s family were minority owner Mitchell Rales—who grew up a Washington fan—former teammates and current team executives Martin Mayhew and Doug Williams, and team president Jason Wright. General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn later embraced Green — all wearing his famed No. 28 jersey.

Green said he was humbled by the honor.

“It means a ton to me,” Green said via John Keim of ESPN. “I never thought about this, never dreamed about it, never asked about it, whatever. But when it was spoken to me, it blew me away. It caught me. It touched something down on the inside of me that I didn’t know was there. So now I’m very humbled by this, but this is huge. This is a big deal, and I’m grateful for that. And I’m that guy that played the whole career here, wasn’t chasing the money and stuff, and it just kind of, in many ways, it just validated, man, I made the right decision.”

Managing partner Josh Harris and minority owner Magic Johnson spoke to Green via video.

Harris released a statement via the team’s website:

A first-round pick in the 1983 NFL draft, Green played 20 years for the Redskins, had 54 career interceptions, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

Green is the fifth player in franchise history to have his number officially retired.