During Thursday night’s dinner which brings in soon-to-be inducted Pro Football Hall of Fame candidates prior to Saturday’s ceremony, former Green Bay Packers general manager Ron Wolf congratulated NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a very informal way. He was the first to be presented.
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Wolf will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as a contributor this Saturday.
He worked on the address for months, practiced it many times at home in Green Bay and promised it would last no more than 61/2 minutes.
Because of coach Mike Holmgren, quarterback Brett Favre, defensive end Reggie White and their strong supporting cast, Wolf said the Packers once again became a force. “We worked hard to eliminate that stigma”. That’s when Wolf enticed Reggie White to sign with the Packers.
Wolf, who still lives in Green Bay part time, appreciates that as much as anything. Wolf becomes the 23 Packer to gain entrance to the hall. “I realize he has a real tough job”.
Yet it appears the commissioner still has an ally in Wolf.
Of beginning his career working for the Raiders and Hall of Fame owner Al Davis, Wolf spoke of his 24 seasons there, before moving onto his time with the Packers, and his ability to help transform that franchise. Wolf slapped Goodell on the shoulder with his left hand as he delivered the remark, and Goodell let out a laugh that received a heavily criticized reaction on social media.
Wolf began his speech citing country music star Kenny Chesney, but quickly moved onto more important figures.
“To succeed in this game you have to love it, respect its history and understand you have a responsibility to make it better”.
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“It is a game of human will coupled with unbelievable athletic skill and grace”, he said.
