CANTON, Ohio — Seven retired players were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Saturday afternoon. Randy Gradishar, Devin Hester, Julius Peppers, Andre Johnson, Steve McMichael, Dwight Freeney and Patrick Willis are the legends who get to experience the honor. 

What You Need To Know

  • Seven retired players were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday

  • Many of them thanking their friends, family, former coaches and teammates 

  • The seven inductees now have a permanent place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame where their legacy will live on 

Many of them thanked their family and friends and all those who helped them along their journey to the Hall of Fame. Andre Johnson gave a lot of credit to his teammates as the reason why he’s able to put on the famous gold jacket.

“What we miss about the game is not playing, it’s the locker room. You don’t understand, the bus rides, the plane rides, just going out to eat, things of that nature. People don’t understand that. That you spend more time with your teammates more than you do your family,” Johnson said.

Julius Peppers shared in the sentiment by expressing his thankfulness for the people who played alongside him.

“You guys are the reason that I worked so hard and a big part of the reason that I’m standing up here today. You motivated me, you inspired me and we held each other accountable,” Peppers said.

Randy Gradishar thanked his wife, his church, and former coaches. He also took the time to thank those who helped put the entire Hall of Fame week together. 

“I want to thank you, the prep team, for your tireless work, which you gave me and everyone a fantastic week this week,” Gradishar said.

Football legends, fans, family and friends came together in the birthplace of the NFL to celebrate the new hall of famers. 

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