Canton, Ohio hosted a moving enshrinement ceremony for the Pro Football Hall of Fame as former NFL stars Sterling Sharpe, Jared Allen, Eric Allen, and Antonio Gates delivered heartfelt speeches. This historic event marked a significant milestone as Sharpe and his brother, Shannon Sharpe, became the first siblings to both be inducted into the Hall of Fame. In his remarks, Sterling Sharpe reflected on his motivations, stating, "Everything I did was for an audience of one," while sharing the importance of his brother as a role model during their upbringing in rural South Georgia. Their moment on stage underscored the familial bond that transcends their individual achievements in the sport.

Jared Allen, who made his mark as a formidable defensive end, began his speech by expressing gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him. He emphasized the drive that fueled his impressive career, which included 136 career sacks, by saying, "The pursuit of greatness, when you respect something or someone so much that you want to honor that thing or that person by being the best you can possibly be." Allen's sentiments resonated as he acknowledged his dedication to excellence and the measures he took to maintain focus throughout his career, such as keeping track of the NFL sack leaders to remind himself of the standards of greatness.

Eric Allen, a former cornerback drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, also took the opportunity to reflect on the deep respect shared among football players and the game itself. He touched on the importance of devotion, passion, and patience in attaining success in football. Gates, meanwhile, celebrated his own induction by paying tribute to the players who contributed to his record-setting career. He highlighted the connection he had with quarterback Philip Rivers, stating, "You weren't just the guy throwing the ball, you were the heartbeat of all this." Gates further acknowledged running back LaDainian Tomlinson, expressing admiration for their time together on the field. The Class of 2025 marks a significant addition to the Hall of Fame, which has celebrated a total of 371 players since its inception in 1963.