Former NFL stars Sterling Sharpe, Jared Allen, Eric Allen, and Antonio Gates delivered moving speeches during the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony held on Saturday in Canton, Ohio. The event marked a significant occasion as Sharpe and his brother, Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe, became the first sibling duo to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame. In his speech, Sterling Sharpe reflected on the importance of family and the influence of his brother in his life, stating, 'Everything I did was for an audience of one.' He emphasized the limited availability of role models during their upbringing in rural South Georgia, expressing a desire for his brother to find inspiration at their dinner table rather than looking elsewhere.

Continuing his tribute, Sharpe invited Shannon to join him on stage and acknowledged the sentiment expressed by his brother in a previous address, referencing his own status as 'the second-best player in your own family.' He concluded with a message about humility and respect, suggesting that it would be a privilege for Shannon to share the Hall of Fame honor with him, reinforcing the sentiment that greatness requires both guidance and leadership.

Jared Allen began his speech with a nod to his fellow NFL players and the home team of the Minnesota Vikings, notably taking a playful jab at the Chicago Bears. He discussed the motivation behind his successful career, which included accumulating 136 sacks. Allen articulated a philosophy centered on the 'pursuit of greatness,' which led him to constantly seek inspiration from other great players. Eric Allen, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles, expressed deep gratitude for the honor, highlighting the timeless respect shared for the game of football. He remarked on the importance of devotion, passion, and patience in achieving excellence. Finally, Antonio Gates celebrated his own enshrinement by recognizing the teammates—specifically quarterback Philip Rivers and running back LaDainian Tomlinson—who contributed significantly to his remarkable record of 116 career touchdowns by a tight end. Gates paid tribute to Rivers' integral role in their collaboration, calling their connection 'special' and noting the deep trust they shared on the field.