Despite waiting a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2020 and the Centennial class are being formally recognized Saturday night in Canton, Ohio.
The class of 2020 includes legends of the game Troy Polamalu (Pittsburgh Steelers), Steve Atwater (Denver Broncos, New York Jets), Isaac Bruce (Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers), Steve Hutchinson (Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans) and Edgerrin James (Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks).
Fifteen men, some who have waited decades to hear their names called, were elected as part of the HOF’s Centennial class. The group was selected to honor the NFL’s 100th anniversary. The class includes 10 seniors, two coaches and three contributors. Among them are former NFL coaches Bill Cowher (Steelers) and Jimmy Johnson (Cowboys, Dolphins), former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue and Steve Sabol of NFL Films.
The 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame class is led by quarterback Peyton Manning, who won a pair of Super Bowls and set many records in his 18-year career with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos. Manning and the rest of the class will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at 7 p.m. ET Sunday (ESPN) with seven others.
ESPN will be providing updates following each of the 12 newest HOFers who will speak from the podium Saturday night. Here’s a look at highlights from their speeches, the scene in photos and videos and more HOF coverage:
Saturday night’s speakers
Wide receiver Harold Carmichael (Philadelphia Eagles, 1971-1983; Dallas Cowboys, 1984)
The résumé: A four-time Pro Bowl selection, the 6-foot-8 Carmichael was the league’s Man of the Year in 1980 for his work in his community. In an era when Drew Pearson once led the league in receiving yards with 877 in 1977, Carmichael was consistent in his impact, averaging over 15 yards per catch in six seasons. He led the league in catches and receiving yards in 1973 and finished with three 1,000-yard seasons in his c-areer.
He said it: “I’m so honored to be part of this brotherhood … What a journey … I remember coach [Dick] Vermeil saying ‘do your job better than everybody else and surround yourself with good people’.”
Photos and videos from Canton
28! pic.twitter.com/09hOuGdzUG
— Isaac Bruce (@IsaacBruce80) August 7, 2021
We like him in Blue and White, but Gold works too. pic.twitter.com/CSwe7uUMKM
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 7, 2021
Enshrinement ready!
? @IsaacBruce80 pic.twitter.com/KBzlRAKJQQ
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 7, 2021
The man of the hour. @SteveAtwater27 x #PFHOF20 pic.twitter.com/o5nwW4ORax
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 7, 2021
Read more on these NFL legends
• Peyton Manning changed QBing forever
• Inside Calvin Johnson‘s 329-yard game
• Troy Polamalu‘s bond with Bill Cowher
• Edgerrin James‘ legacy tied to HBCUs
• J. Johnson: ‘How ’bout them Cowboys?’
• Charles Woodson‘s legendary path in NFL
• Winston Hill, Joe Namath’s friendship
• Get to know this year’s HOF classes
• Videos: Watch these HOF moments