In an exclusive interview with The New York Times, the daughter of the late Junior Seau, Sydney Seau, gave the emotional speech she had hoped to give in her father’s honor at the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
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“He is proof that even a young Samoan boy from Oceanside can make his dreams a reality”, she said.
It is 102 miles from Heinz Field to the Hall of Fame, and Pittsburghers came by the busload to see Bettis inducted.
Hall policy does not allow live speeches during a posthumous induction.
The newly minted Baseball Hall of Famer had his No. 51 jersey retired Saturday night by the Arizona Diamondbacks. You were everything. “We had the support of the best football fans in the world”.
The 72-year-old Polian enters as a contributor. It helped cement his legacy as one of the NFL’s most productive backs.
“I need those awful Towels going,” said Bettis, whom the St. Louis Rams traded to the Steelers in 1996. However, Haley’s plea and Seau’s absence served to highlight the greater need for NFL players to get help for more than just injuries they sustain on the field.
Tim Brown and Jerome Bettis will be inducted along with Cowboys and 49ers Defensive Linemen Charles Haley, Executive Bill Polian, Chargers Linebacker Junior Seau, Chiefs Guard Will Shields, Center Mick Tingelhoff and Executive Ron Wolf.
When Tarkenton’s voice caught, the crowd filled the silence with a standing ovation. “It’s about all of those who impacted my life.”. “People are recognizing that nowadays and showing their appreciation”. Donning his Super Bowl ring, Bettis emerged with a smile on his face. Just as former NFL players Andre Waters, Mike Webster and Dave Costa, former National Hockey League players Bob Probert, Steve Montador and Derek Boogaard and many others did.
An anticipated moment of joy-the great Seau’s acceptance speech-was forever denied to his family, friends, and fans. So did actor Joe Manganiello of Mt. Lebanon. Yet his induction is also a reminder of a sport wrestling with its own inherent violence.
The Hall of Fame should understand that there’s no recognizing the stars without also acknowledging the scars. “In Pittsburgh, we do run the ball baby. That’s a big part of our tradition”. He pointed out that his mother came to every single game and that his father was his hero. But Mr. Bettis did not forget him. “It’s a life term”, said Bettis. So he’s got that going for him.
“When my father sent me off to college, he told me one thing”, Bettis said.
“I know this is not my speech to give”, Sydney Seau said.
“My dad was my hero”. It’s not something many players get to do, but it was very fitting for Bettis. “He taught me how to be a man. He had two jobs and he worked to the bone, never complaining, never asking for a break, all that while supporting three children”.
I can not speak for him because I am not him.
“Dad, you gave us your time, your presence, your love, but most of all you gave us your heart”, Sydney told a moderator.
Only Parker, who by that time was playing with a 33-year-old Bettis, made it stick. Gladys Bettis was diagnosed with breast cancer 18 months ago.
I’m also a Transition Coach for NFL players. So thank you. Thank you, Reggie. He played a remarkable 20 seasons and 268 games with the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots.
In total, the six players played a combined 93 seasons and 1,248 games.
The Steelers went on to win the game, and the rest is history. That selection and partnership won the 2006 Super Bowl for the Indiannapolis Colts.
Bettis was talked into coming back in 2005, and while statistically he wasn’t a huge factor – though he did score nine touchdowns – his role was much larger.
Bettis wasn’t just a member of the Steelers. Dad, I love you, and I miss you.
“I’ve been blessed to have the best teammates you could ever have”.
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First off, I would like to thank the generous people of Canton, Ohio, for opening up their homes for this event, the Pro Football Hall of Fame committee for voting my father into the Hall, and of course the other seven deserving inductees.
