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Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Roger Craig, Adam Vinatieri and Luke Kuechly's careers were officially immortalized during Saturday's Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony from Canton, Ohio.
This year's class included one of the most prolific passers in football history in Brees, an equally prolific receiver in Fitzgerald, one of the most versatile running backs in NFL history in Craig, the NFL's all-time leading scorer in Vinatieri and the second-youngest player to receive Hall of Fame induction in the 35-year-old Kuechly.
Per usual, Saturday's ceremony included a gamut of emotions, leading to plenty of smiles, laughs and tears. Below are the highlights from each inductee's speech.
Craig reveals dementia diagnosis
During a pre-recorded acceptance speech, Craig revealed that he has been diagnosed with vascular dementia.
"My doctors believe it may be related, at least in part, to the concussions I experienced during my career," Craig said. "The changes were gradual. At first, they were easy to dismiss as normal aging. Over time, my family noticed it too, and it ultimately led us to seek answers from my doctor.
"Two things can be true: Football gave me opportunities beyond anything I could imagine. It helped shape the man I became. At the same time, we know more today about brain health than when I played, and I hope sharing my story encourages people to pay attention to their health and seek help when something doesn't feel right.
"I want people to know this diagnosis doesn't define me. I am still Roger Craig. I am still a father, a husband, a teammate, a friend and someone who loves this game and the people who brought it to my life. If sharing my story helps even one family or one former player, then it's worth it. Football gave me everything."
Craig also discussed the significance of his historic 1985 season, in which he became the first player in NFL history to gain over 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season, a feat that has since been matched only by Marshall Faulk (1999) and Christian McCaffrey (2019). Craig said that former 49ers coach Bill Walsh's trust in him is what made that accomplishment special.
"He trusted me to do whatever the team needed," Craig said. "That's why the 1,000 yards rushing, 1,000 yard receiving season means so much to me. We weren't chasing numbers. We were chasing W's and wins. I didn't realize I was making history. It just felt like we were doing something special as a team.
"Looking back, I appreciate how difficult it is and how few players have done it since. What means the most is knowing we helped expand what people thought a running back could be."
Larry Legend
During his speech, Larry Fitzgerald thanked many of the people who helped him on his football journey, a list of people that includes Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner and Hall of Fame receivers Randy Moss and Cris Carter. Fitzgerald, who served as a Vikings ballboy during Moss and Carter's time in Minnesota, used part of his speech to rib Carter, whose hands are regarded as arguably the best in NFL history.
Regarding Moss, Fitzgerald shared how big a role he played in his NFL career. Fitzgerald and Moss and second and fourth all-time in career receiving yards, respectively.
"People ask me all the time what I learned from Randy Moss, and my answer is always the same," Fitzgerald said. "My answer is always the same. I learned nothing, because there was nothing I could do like him on a football field. They called him 'The Freak' for a reason. But what I did learn from Moss was about generosity.
"He gave me his clothes. He gave me his size 14 shoes. He came to my high school games. He let me use his car, and he even surprised me with the knock for the Hall of Fame. Randy, being acknowledged by you, someone bigger than life, it meant the world to me."
On a more somber note, Fitzgerald also acknowledged his father, who died earlier this year. He ended his speech by passing down some of the wisdom he learned from his dad to his three sons in the audience.
Surround yourself with people who tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. Those are the people who actually love you," Fitzgerald said. "Copy their examples and remember, there's never much traffic on the extra mile in life. Bring others along with you. Don't just pursue excellence for yourself. Help others pursue it, too. That's the part of this story that matters the most."
Vinatieri's got jokes
The third pure kicker in history to earn Hall of Fame induction, Vinatieri had some fun at Bill Belichick and Peyton Manning's expense during his speech. Vinatieri won three Super Bowls with the Patriots before winning a fourth with Manning and the Colts in 2006.
Vinatieri acknowledged Belichick's absence from the ceremony. Belichick is entering his second season as North Carolina's coach.
"He may be on a recruiting trip right now looking for the next Lawrence Taylor," Vinatieri said. "I thought it was because training camp had already started. But in truth, it was because he was judging his girlfriend's cheerleading competition."
After winning three Super Bowls with Belichick and Tom Brady in New England, Vinatieri won a fourth Super Bowl with Manning, the only five-time NFL MVP.
"Peyton, thank you for generously donating your forehead for today's teleprompter," Vinatieri said. "A gigantic forehead means a big brain, and your football IQ is unmatched, buddy. ... Your leadership led this team to greatness. I'm thankful our paths crossed and I'm proud of everything we accomplished together."
Kuechly thankful to continue Panthers linebacker legacy
Kuechly expressed his gratitude for the people who had already set the standard at linebacker in Carolina prior to his arrival. He specifically mentioned former Panthers linebackers Dan Morgan (who is currently the team's general manager), Jon Beason and Thomas Davis.
Kuechly spent his entire eight-year career playing alongside Davis. The duo played a key role in the Panthers' memorable 2015 season that included an NFC title and a 15-1 record.
"I couldn't have asked for a better person to start my playing career than next to Thomas," Kuechly said. "He taught me about effort, toughness, competitiveness, and most of all, having joy in the game of football. That joy can be never taken away, and it helps you find a path forward when this game challenges you."
Brees pays homage to his wife
Near the end of his speech, Brees shared a story that exemplified the role his wife, Brittany, played in his football journey. He recounted a night in 2003 that followed one of the most challenging moments of his NFL career.
"When I walked in the door to our home, my wife has printed out pictures and quotes from my entire career and displayed them throughout every step of our home," Brees recalled. "She immediately turned one of the toughest moments of my career into a place of love, support and unwavering confidence. ... So much of what we accomplished was because I knew you were by my side, and you believed in this calling."
