CANTON, Ohio — The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021, headlined by three players who were in their first year of eligibility, closed out the Hall’s biggest enshrinement weekend Sunday night in Tom Benson Stadium.
Seven members of the class were scheduled to take to the podium during the evening, including Peyton Manning, Calvin Johnson and Charles Woodson — all three were selected for enshrinement in their first year of eligibility. It is the ninth consecutive year at least one former player has been enshrined in his first year of eligibility.
The celebration comes on the heels of Saturday’s enshrinement ceremony, which featured Troy Polamalu, Edgerrin James and former Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson.
Here are some of the highlights from the seven newest Hall of Famers who spoke from the podium Sunday in the order they appeared, as well as social media and congratulatory messages from their former teammates and teams:
Sunday’s speakers
Drew Pearson, wide receiver (Dallas Cowboys, 1973-1983)
The résumé: A former college quarterback who made the Cowboys as an undrafted rookie wide receiver, he was the only first-team selection to the All-Decade team of the 1970s who had not been enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Like many senior finalists, his career had to be looked at in the context of his era, given that his 58 catches in 1976 and 870 yards in 1977 led the league. A three-time All-Pro, he averaged at least 17 yards a catch in five seasons, including four of his first five years in the league.
He said it: “I had the biggest afro in NFL history (pointed to bust) … This confirms it, the wait is over, is over. The original No. 88 being presented for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame … Guess what, strong hearts just keep going and that’s why I’m standing here on the steps of the Pro Football Hall of Fame … It has been a journey, a tough, long journey on the road less travelled … I did it my way and I did it the hard way … Let me show you these legs, these legs made it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame (pulled up trouser legs for crowd).”
Photos and videos from Canton
Nobody respects Peyton’s greatness like @TomBrady. 🤝
📺: @ProFootballHOF Class of 2021 Enshrinement — Tonight at 7pm ET on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/NOkqNpyZ8h
— NFL (@NFL) August 8, 2021
Peyton is not the only Manning to win an award today. Abby and I won the Consolation bracket of the B league in Mixed Doubles Tennis. This day just became even more special for the Manning family. Don’t tell Peyt, I don’t want to take anything away from his big day.
— Eli Manning (@EliManning) August 8, 2021
.@CharlesWoodson & @mvp86hinesward catching up backstage.#PFHOF21 pic.twitter.com/IueSSJBNoj
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 8, 2021
On the day he goes into the Hall of Fame, a reminder of just how different Calvin Johnson was. pic.twitter.com/dqdVwi17d4
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 8, 2021
It was an honor and privilege to sign and work with Alan Faneca (@afan66); he was a great player and an even better person pic.twitter.com/Lqq6OIC29v
— Mike Tannenbaum (@RealTannenbaum) August 8, 2021
Others with #Jets ties: Former coach Herm Edwards has a seat in John Lynch’s section. With seats in the Alan Faneca section are ex-coach Eric Mangini, Nick Mangold, Willie Colon, Wayne Hunter and Roger Duffy. (Just because they have seats doesn’t mean they will attend) https://t.co/WiJYVop92l
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 8, 2021
Bill Belichick with the respect for Peyton Manning#PFHOF21 | @Colts | @Broncos pic.twitter.com/6uQZz0bKkH
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 8, 2021
.@88DrewPearson with custom cufflinks, a tie clip and necklace to accompany his Gold Jacket during his Enshrinement this evening.#PFHOF21 | @dallascowboys pic.twitter.com/IpyPt0Gygq
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 8, 2021
Read more on these NFL legends
• Peyton Manning changed QB’ing 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