Pro Football HOF inducts Class of 2024 in enshrinement ceremony
The Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted seven new members during Saturday's enshrinement ceremony in Canton, Ohio.
The Class of 2024 features Julius Peppers, Andre Johnson, Devin Hester, Dwight Freeney, and Patrick Willis, as well as Randy Gradishar and Steve McMichael in the seniors category.
Here are some highlights from Saturday's event:
Dwight Freeney
Defensive end, Indianapolis Colts-San Diego Chargers-Arizona Cardinals-Atlanta Falcons-Seattle Seahawks-Detroit Lions, 2002-17
.@dwightfreeney unveils his HOF bust 🔥
— NFL (@NFL) August 3, 2024
📺: @ProFootballHOF Enshrinement on NFLN/ESPN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/H5c93U5Lup
In one of the more lighthearted moments of the ceremony, Freeney apologized to his mother for jumping out of his babysitter's home when he was two. He said it may have been the very same daredevil within him that created his famous spin move.
Steve McMichael
Defensive tackle, New England Patriots-Chicago Bears-Green Bay Packers, 1980-94
"That's you baby, forever."
— ESPN (@espn) August 3, 2024
Steve McMichael, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2021, is officially inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame surrounded by loved ones ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9cDqUmhyiZ
McMichael is battling ALS and could not attend the Hall of Fame ceremony. The 66-year-old is no longer able to speak due to the condition.
Randy Gradishar
Linebacker, Denver Broncos, 1974-83
Randy Gradishar’s been waiting for this moment 🧥 #PFHOF24
— NFL (@NFL) August 3, 2024
📺: @ProFootballHOF Enshrinement on NFLN/ESPN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/yFgMjrY4tc
The 1978 Defensive Player of the Year thanked Broncos fans, saying he wouldn't have made it to Canton without them. It took 35 years for Gradishar to get the nod.
Devin Hester
Returner, Chicago Bears-Atlanta Falcons-Baltimore Ravens, 2006-16
The first returner to see his bust in Canton. 🙌
— NFL (@NFL) August 3, 2024
Devin Hester is forever immortalized as one of the greats. #PFHOF24
📺: @ProFootballHOF Enshrinement on NFLN/ESPN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/k2Mx3icDPa
Hester became the first return specialist to be inducted into Canton. The three-time first-team All-Pro shouted out fellow returners Joshua Cribbs and Brian Mitchell, saying they also belong in the Hall of Fame.
Patrick Willis
Linebacker, San Francisco 49ers, 2007-14
Another 49er in the Hall. Bang Bang. @PatrickWillis52 #PFHOF24
— NFL (@NFL) August 3, 2024
📺: @ProFootballHOF Enshrinement on NFLN/ESPN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/fFBfaHrt1y
In a powerful speech, Willis reflected on his tough upbringing and the motto he lived by en route to greatness. "I once said if you want to reach the peak in your success, you cannot cheat the grind, for the grind knows what you put in."
Julius Peppers
Defensive end, Carolina Panthers-Chicago Bears-Green Bay Packers, 2002-18
159.5 sacks later…
— NFL (@NFL) August 3, 2024
Julius Peppers has his bust in Canton forever. 👏⁰ #PFHOF24
📺: @ProFootballHOF Enshrinement on NFLN/ESPN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/PjxPGojs59
Peppers took a moment during his speech to give props to fellow North Carolina product and basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, who was in attendance. Peppers thanked His Airness for inspiring him.
Andre Johnson
Wide receiver, Houston Texans-Indianapolis Colts-Tennessee Titans, 2003-16
Andre Johnson. You are a Hall of Famer. #PFHOF24
— NFL (@NFL) August 3, 2024
📺: @ProFootballHOF Enshrinement on NFLN/ESPN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/mWs9qkOwhh
Johnson is the first Texans player to be enshrined in Canton. The seven-time Pro Bowler relished the moment, saying he's "happy as hell" to enter football heaven as the first Texans inductee.