Football Hall of Fame Inductions

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Aug 10, 2009

Football Hall of Fame Inductions

Rod Woodson (1987-2003)

A member of the Steelers, 49ers, Ravens and Raiders, Woodson is the only player in NFL history to make the Pro Bowl as a cornerback, safety and kick returner. He was also named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team (after just seven pro seasons) in 1994.

Ralph Wilson (1960-present)

A founding principal of the American Football League, Buffalo's Wilson is the longest-tenured team owner in NFL history. During his 49 years of ownership, the Bills have won two AFL championships and reached four consecutive Super Bowls (1990-93).

Ralph Wilson (1960-present)

ESPN personality Chris Berman (right) welcomed Wilson to the Hall of Fame, with a rousing, insightful "circle the wagon" speech before the Canton faithful.

Buffalo Soliders

Bills fans came to Canton en masse to celebrate the Hall of Fame inductions of owner Ralph Wilson and defensive end Bruce Smith. As a bonus, they can stick around for Sunday night's preseason opener (Bills-Titans).

Randall McDaniel (1988-2001)

As a member of the Vikings and Buccaneers, McDaniel made 12 consecutive Pro Bowls from 1989-2000. He's also a seven-time All-Pro.

'Bullet' Bob Hayes (1965-75)

Hall of Famer Roger Staubach (right) posthumously introduced Bob Hayes on Saturday night. His son, Bob Hayes, Jr., performed the induction speech for his late father.

'Bullet' Bob Hayes (1965-75)

As an Olympic gold-medal sprinter, Bob Hayes, Sr. also caught 59 touchdown passes in his first six seasons with the Cowboys (1965-70).

Derrick Thomas (1989-99)

Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas -- posthumously introduced by son, Derrion, and longtime Chiefs GM Carl Peterson -- had 126.5 career sacks, including an NFL-record seven in one game vs. Seattle in 1990.

Bruce Smith (1985-2003)

The all-time sacks leader with 200, Smith made 11 Pro Bowls and was a member of the All-Pro team eight times. He also won four AFC championships with Buffalo (1990-93).

Bruce Smith (1985-2003)

Bruce Smith was the Bills' No. 1 overall pick in 1985, comprising one-half of a supersized '85 draft class for Buffalo (along with wide receiver Andre Reed).

The Six Enshrinees

Amongst Derrick Thomas (L-R), Rod Woodson, Randall McDaniel, Bruce Smith, Bob Hayes and Ralph Wilson, we're talking about 46 Pro Bowls, 24 All-Pro teams, 12 Super Bowl berths and one Super Bowl victory (Hayes, '71 Cowboys).