Steelers greats Polamalu and Cowher among NFL Hall of Fame inductees on Saturday night

TOWNSHIP, Ohio – From tacklers Troy Polamalu, Steve Atwater and Cliff Harris to relentless runner Edgerrin James to brilliant pass-catcher Isaac Bruce and Harold Carmichael, the Professional Football Hall of Fame Class of 2020 has something to do with it. thing for everyone.

Add to that blocking dynamos Steve Hutchinson and Jim Covert, steel curtain safety mainstay Donnie Shell and executives such as former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue and coaches Bill Cowher and Jimmy Johnson.

They all entered the room on Saturday night, a year late due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but equally gratifying.

“If you told me after I graduated from the University of Michigan that I would love to be in Ohio in mid-August,” Hutchinson joked, “… for me there is no better place than Canton, Ohio. “

Certainly, the 12 men consecrated that night felt this.

“I am honored and honored to wear this golden jacket,” Atwater said before looking at the other Hall of Fame members on stage. “What group we have here.”

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Indeed.

Polamalu has had a 12-season career filled with spectacular performances, leadership and, well, wins with the Steelers. The 16th pick in the 2003 Draft from Southern California, he played in three Super Bowls, won two, and was part of the NFL’s Team of the Decade in the 2000s.

“I love football. As far back as I can remember, it was my whole life,” said Polamalu, who missed the festivities earlier this week after testing positive for COVID-19; he was medically cleared to attend on Saturday. The crowd of 18,383 people applauded him long and loud, delaying his speech.

“I love football. As far back as I can remember, it was my whole life.”

– New NFL Hall of Fame member Troy Polamalu

He then spoke of the “desire to go beyond what the brain says is possible for the body. Football challenged me mentally, physically and spiritually. I had to succeed in fulfilling that desire.”

Atwater, who won two Super Bowls with Denver, could have been the most physical defensive back of his time, just as the Cowboys’ Harris and Shell could have been in theirs.

Shell was an undrafted South Carolina state linebacker, was taken to safety in Pittsburgh and turned into a tackle machine. With veterans on strike during his rookie year in 1974, Shell made such an impression that coach Chuck Noll inserted him as starting security. He spent 14 seasons as a player for the Steelers.

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With hundreds of Terrible towels waving, Shell recognized Steeler Nation and then declared he was an undrafted free agent for the state of South Carolina: “When the facts get in the way of your goal, you have to go against the grain. to achieve your goal. “

It was a big night for Pittsburgh as Shell, Polamalu and Cowher were consecrated as Steelers, and Covert went to Pitt, where he stuck for Dan Marino.

“What a weekend for the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Cowher said as Terrible Towels waved around the stadium. “It’s amazing for me to come into the Hall of Fame with two guys you drafted: Troy Polamalu and Alan Faneca. Also with Donnie Shell and the late Bill Nunn.”

Cowher also paid tribute to “the only head coach I have ever worked for” the late Marty Schottenheimer, predicting “one day you will be in the Hall of Fame”.

“It’s amazing for me to enter the Hall of Fame.”

– Bill Cowher, former Steelers head coach

Hutchinson was a five-time All-Pro and a member of the NFL 2000s team. In addition to a great job as a passing protector, he opened holes for the rushers who average just under 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns per season.

After joking about being potentially uncomfortable at Hall of Fame Stadium, Hutchinson then told his son not to “fear failure but not to give it your all.”

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Tagliabue has often been overlooked for the venue, but his resume as a commissioner is impressive. He faced obstacles such as the outbreak of the Gulf War until September 11 and Hurricane Katrina during his management from 1989 to 2006. His skills to overcome these tests, keep the peace at work, guide The NFL in its expansion, dramatically increasing revenues and helping pass Rooney rule led to his induction into the Professional Football Hall of Fame as part of the Centennial Class.

“It’s like a dream come true,” Tagliabue said. “The centenary class covers the history of professional football.”

Carmichael led the defensive backs with his 6-foot-8, 225-pound height and good hands. The 1971-83 Eagles star enjoyed three 1,000-yard seasons in a time when passing play was not as important as it is today. He averaged one touchdown for every 7 1/2 catches and was on the NFL All-Star Team of the Decade in the 1970s. Carmichael was the league’s Man of the Year in 1980. .

“Phew, baby,” Carmichael said when her bust was revealed. “I’m so, so honored to be a part of this fellowship, this fellowship, with love. What a journey.”

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Bruce recognized his 14 siblings during his speech.

“Coming from the heart tonight,” Bruce said. He then spoke of the “defensive backs who baptized me – and those whom I baptized”.

James had the best line of the night. After opening his gold jacket to note that he was “Hall of Fame Inmate # 336,” the man Peyton Manning called “the best teammate I’ve ever played with” concluded with: “My career started with gold teeth and ended with this gold jacket.”

Manning will be dedicated Sunday night with the other members of the 2021 class: Charles Woodson, Calvin Johnson, Faneca, John Lynch, Tom Flores, Drew Pearson and Nunn.