Joe Thomas, Ronde Barber, and Others Enter Hall of Fame

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CANTON- On August 5, 2023, Several NFL players and coaches were welcomed into the NFL Hall of Fame. These legends will forever be remembered as the greatest in the game. The Hall of Fame inductees included Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas, Buccaneers Cornerback Ronde Barber, Bengals Cornerback Ken Riley, Cowboys/Broncos linebacker Defensive End DeMarcus Ware, Dolphins/Cowboys Linebacker Zach Thomas, Jets/Colts Defensive End/Defensive Tackle Joe Klecko, Bears/Cowboys Linebacker Chuck Howley, Jets Cornerback Darrelle Revis, and Cardinals/Chargers Head Coach Don Coryell.

Hall of Fame President Jim Porter gave an introductory speech welcoming everyone. This was immediately followed by a Memorial to Steelers Fullback Franco Harris, Browns Running Back Jim Brown, and others. This was followed by the song “Canton is Calling.”

Linebacker Thomas was the first member of 2023 inducted into the Hall of Fame. ESPN reporter Chris Berman came up to introduce Thomas. He asked the crowd “Where would you rather be than right here, right now.” The stage was similar to the stage that was at the NFL draft. Thomas said, “All you need is one chance and Jimmy J (Johnson) gave that to me.” “At two years old, I was run over by a pickup truck.” Thomas was called instinctive and smart during his childhood. “I’m humbled to be the first Red Raider inducted into the Hall of Fame.” He thanked hall of linebacker Junior Seau for being an inspiration and role model. Thomas played linebacker from 1996-2008 for the Miami Dolphins.

Bengals Cornerback Ken Riley was the second member inducted into the Hall of Fame. In his final season in 1983, Riley recorded eight interceptions. Riley was drafted out of Florida A/M in 1969. Riley died on June seventh, 2020, so his wife Barbara Riley represented him. Ken Riley’s son, Ken Riley Junior spoke about him saying “They don’t see the blood, sweat, and tears.” Riley didn’t play any defensive position until the Bengals drafted him. Riley played for the Bengals from 1969-1983.

Ware was the third member inducted. Ware played for the Cowboys and Broncos from 2005-2016. Berman said, “The Dallas Cowboys certainly got their home run hitter.” Ware led the NFL in sacks in 2008 with 20. Ware said, “People say you’re a product of your environment but that’s not true.” Ware said people need to make the right choices to avoid things like domestic violence.

Klecko was the fourth member inducted. He said, “I always confused offensive linemen because they never knew which direction I was coming.” Klecko said, “I always felt that if you weren’t mad that you lost one battle, you don’t belong in the NFL.” Klecko played for the Jets and Colts from 1977-1988.

Howley was the fifth member inducted. Howley played linebacker for the Bears and Cowboys from 1958-1973. Howley once battled a devastating knee injury that almost ended his career. Howley played from 1958-1973. Howley was unable to attend but his son Scott Howley represented him.

Revis was the sixth member inducted. Revis “Revis Island” played for the Jets, Buccaneers, and Chiefs from 2007-2017. He said, “ My hometown produces legends.” Revis thought he’d play in the NBA rather than the NFL. Revis said of Jets fans “You expected great things from me every game, I accepted the challenge.” Revis recorded 29 career interceptions. He likely would’ve had many more if Quarterbacks were willing to challenge him more often.

Coryell was the seventh member inducted into the Hall of Fame. He coached the Cardinals and Chargers from 1973-1986. He coached at San Diego State before coaching in the NFL. He created the “Air Coryell “ offensive system. Coryell won five division titles. He died on July first, 2010.

Barber was the eighth member inducted. Barber recorded 47 total interceptions in his career. Barber played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1997-2012. Tampa Bay won Super Bowl 37 against the Oakland Raiders 48-21 on January 26, 2003. Barber is Legendary Giants Running Back Tiki Barber’s brother. Barber said, “I wanted to do things others could not or would not do”. “I was what, too small”. “It was the doubt that most bothered me.” In my family, legendary is a standard,” Barber said his brother inspired him to be better. “I’m proud of being uncommon.”

Offensive Tackle Thomas was the ninth and final member of the 2023 class to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Thomas was the Browns Left Tackle from 2007-2017. Thomas was the epitome of loyalty as he played every season for the Browns from 2007-2017 despite no playoff appearances. Berman said, “Keep it going because we want to know who let the dogs out.” Thomas said, “Being an offensive lineman is about being a servant.” “That starts with Mom and Dad.” “That’s why we do as offensive linemen, get to work.” “To my fellow offensive lineman, we were in the trenches when it was 90 degrees in the Summer.”