Former NFL stars Sterling Sharpe, Jared Allen, Eric Allen, and Antonio Gates delivered poignant speeches as they were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame during an 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 siblings ever to be enshrined together. Sterling Sharpe reflected on the impact of family, stating, 'Everything I did was for an audience of one.' He emphasized the importance of role models, particularly in his upbringing in rural South Georgia, and expressed pride in sharing this honor with his brother. He also playfully acknowledged Shannon’s previous remark about being the second-best player in their family while highlighted the significance of their accomplishments.

Jared Allen, known for his career with the Minnesota Vikings, initiated his speech by expressing gratitude and highlighting the motivation behind his impressive tally of 136 sacks in the NFL. Allen conveyed that his pursuit of greatness was driven by a deep respect for the game and acknowledged the presence of NFL sack leaders as a constant reminder that he had not yet reached his peak performance. Eric Allen, drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1988, commenced his remarks by honoring the current Super Bowl champions and remarked on the shared love for football that transcends time. He emphasized that the sport demands excellence and requires dedication, asserting that his journey was marked by devotion, passion, and patience.

Antonio Gates celebrated his enshrinement by honoring the teammates who contributed to his achievement of setting the NFL record for tight ends with 116 career touchdowns. Gates paid tribute to his former quarterback Philip Rivers, with whom he had a remarkable connection, resulting in 89 touchdowns over their years with the San Diego and Los Angeles Chargers. He articulated the special bond they shared on the field and how that trust translated into memorable moments. Additionally, Gates expressed admiration for running back LaDainian Tomlinson, stating that playing alongside him felt like 'watching poetry in motion.' The Pro Football Hall of Fame has now honored a total of 371 players since its charter class in 1963, and the Class of 2025's induction continues this celebrated tradition. Following the enshrinement ceremony, the inductees participated in an autograph session at Canton Memorial Field House.