Eight more legends have been enshrined in Canton, Ohio. And the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022 got the job with not necessarily a lot of flair.
There is usually a very common theme when it comes to any Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement class and their respective speeches when they receive their busts.
Family. It was once again echoed by the words of this class and the relatives speaking for those who are no longer with us (linebacker Sam Mills and wide receiver Cliff Branch) or not able to travel (official Art McNally).
Former Jacksonville Jaguars’ left tackle Tony Boselli spoke about the impact of the love from his family. “There’s nothing more important. There’s nothing more powerful.” Former 49ers’ defensive star Bryant Young spoke of his family and his late son Bryant Colby Young, who lost a battle with cancer at age 15 six years ago.
But there was something else that stood out regarding the Class of 2022. The aforementioned Branch was one of six players in this class of eight, which included McNally and coach Dick Vermeil.
They joined the speedy Branch, Mills, Boselli, safety LeRoy Butler and defensive linemen Richard Seymour and Bryant Young. The former game-breaking deep threat for the Silver and Black is the lone skill-position member of this class.
That’s pretty amazing considering the state of the game these days in both the NFL and college as well.
It also shows what remains as important as scoring points and quarterbacks putting up amazing numbers. Defense remains a pivotal part of a championship, as does the play of the offensive line.
Who knows what the Pro Football Hall of Fame classes will comprise down the road? What is known is that there will be more senior committee members getting their turn when it comes to being inducted.
But will there be other classes with so less skill position performers? All told, it was a very refreshing week in Canton, Ohio.