The Pro Football Hall of Fame welcomed a distinguished group of former NFL players, including Sterling Sharpe, Jared Allen, Eric Allen, and Antonio Gates, during its enshrinement ceremony held on Saturday in Canton. The event was marked by a series of heartfelt speeches from the inductees, highlighting their journeys and the impact of football on their lives.

Sterling Sharpe, who made history alongside his brother Shannon Sharpe as the first pair of brothers enshrined in the Hall of Fame, shared a touching moment with his sibling during his speech. Reflecting on their upbringing in rural south Georgia, he expressed, "Everything I did was for an audience of one." Sharpe emphasized the importance of having a role model at the dinner table, indicating that he found that in his brother. He also acknowledged the honor of being recognized alongside Shannon, stating, "It would be an extreme privilege for you to be the only player in the Pro Football Hall of Fame with two gold jackets."

Jared Allen, a former defensive end recognized for his impressive career, began his speech by expressing gratitude and reminiscing about his motivation to achieve 136 sacks. He stated that the pursuit of greatness motivated him, emphasizing the respect he held for the game and his desire to always strive for excellence. Eric Allen, a former star cornerback drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1988, shared his deep love and respect for football, highlighting its core values, including devotion, passion, and patience. Antonio Gates concluded the ceremony by paying tribute to the teammates who helped him set the NFL record for tight ends with 116 career touchdowns. He specifically mentioned quarterback Philip Rivers and running back LaDainian Tomlinson, honoring their contributions and the special connections formed on the field. Following the ceremony, the enshrined players participated in an autograph session at Canton Memorial Field House.