CANTON, Ohio --- Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas and Dallas Cowboys receiver Bob Hayes were inducted posthumously into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Accepting the induction for his father, Derrion Thomas said Saturday, "I can't imagine the sense of pride that he'd feel as a player to get this honor."
Thomas had completed his 11th NFL season, when his career was cut short in February 2000, when he died after a car accident. A first-round draft pick out of Missouri, Thomas had the most sacks of any NFL player through the 1990s.
He was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and still holds the NFL record for most sacks in a game, seven. His 1261/2 sacks rank fourth among linebackers.
"It hurts, because he's not here to enjoy this," Bob Hayes Jr. said of his father. "But I know where ever he is, he's smiling down."
Defensive back Rod Woodson described himself as humbled, once again letting his numbers speak for themselves as during his playing days.
Woodson was a triple-threat during a 17-year career, in which he excelled at cornerback, safety and returning kickoffs.
The NFL's defensive player of the year in 1993, Woodson was an 11-time Pro Bowl selection and was selected to the NFL's 75th anniversary team while still playing. He still holds the record for NFL career interceptions returned for touchdowns (12).
Also inducted were offensive guard Randall McDaniel, a member of an offensive line that helped Minnesota score a then-league record 556 points in 1998, Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson and longtime Bills great Bruce Smith.
2009 INDUCTEES INTO THE PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
Bob Hayes
Wide Receiver l 5-11, 185
NFL career: 1965-1974 Dallas Cowboys, 1975 San Francisco 49ers.
About Hayes: Senior candidate. Cowboys' seventh-round pick (88th overall) of 1964 NFL draft and Broncos' 14th-round pick (105th overall) of 1964 AFL draft. ... Won a pair of gold medals in the 1964 Olympic Games earning him the title "World's Fastest Human". ... Played 11 seasons, 132 games. ... As a rookie, his 46 receptions for 1,003 yards led all Cowboys receivers. ... His world class speed was major factor in Cowboys offensive successes. ... "Bullet Bob" terrorized defensive backs and demanded deep double coverage rarely seen in the NFL then. ... Often said that bump and run defense was developed to slow him down. ... Used his speed "in a football sense," rather than just trying to run fast. ... Four times was named first- or second-team All-NFL. ... Three times led the Cowboys in receptions, including back-to-back titles in 1965-1966 when he caught a total of 110 passes for more than 2,200 yards and 25 touchdowns. ... Hayes accumulated 7,414 yards and 71 touchdowns in his career. ... The 71 TDs remain a Cowboys' club record.
Randall McDaniel
Guard l 6-3, 276
NFL Career: 1988-1999 Minnesota Vikings, 2000-01 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 14 seasons, 222 games.
About McDaniel: Selected by Minnesota in the first round (19th overall) of 1988 draft. ... Played in all 16 games as rookie, starting 15, and earned All-Rookie honors. ... Started in 13 consecutive playoff games with the Vikings. ... Started in 202 consecutive games before retiring. ... Possessed uncanny ability to either finesse block or overpower opponents. ... Led Vikings offensive line that held opponents to a sack every 22.7 attempts (1994), and every 21.3 attempts in 1998. ... Blocked for six 1,000-yard rushers and five 3,000-yard passers during career ... With McDaniel leading the offensive line, team captured NFC Central Division titles in 1989, 1992, 1994, and 1998. ... Anchored offensive line of explosive Vikings team that led league with then-record 556 points in 1998. ... Named All-Pro nine consecutive times (1990-98). ... Selected to play in a record 12 consecutive Pro Bowls (1990-2001).
Bruce Smith
Defensive End l 6-4, 280
NFL Career: 1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000-03 Washington Redskins. 19 seasons, 279 games.
About Smith: Selected by Buffalo with the first pick overall of 1985 draft. ... Considered one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history. ... Known as fierce pass rusher who possessed tremendous strength. ... His 200 career sacks is NFL all-time record. ... Recorded 10 or more sacks in an NFL record 13 seasons. ... Most consider 1990 as his finest single season during which he recorded 19 sacks, including four against Colts QB Jeff George in the first 20 minutes of a Week 14 game and sacked Giants QB Jeff Hostetler for a safety in the 1991 Super Bowl. ... Was a dominant part of Bills championship teams that between 1988-1995 won six AFC Eastern Division crowns (1988-1991, 1993, 1995) and four AFC championships (1990-93) . ... Named NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1990 and 1996. ... Named to the NFL's All Decade Teams of the 1980s and 1990s . .. Named first- or second-team All-Pro 11 times and selected to play in 11 Pro Bowls (1988-1991, 1993-99).
Derrick Thomas
Linebacker l 6-3, 243
NFL Career: 1989-1999 Kansas City Chiefs. 11 seasons, 169 games.
About Thomas: Selected by Kansas City in the first round (fourth overall) of 1989 draft. ... Had 10 sacks as a rookie and added 75 tackles to earn Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. ... In 1990, led NFL with team-record 20 sacks, including NFL- record seven in one game. ... Chosen for nine Pro Bowls. ... Accumulated most sacks in NFL during 1990s (116½). ... Recorded 126½ career sacks. Had 10 or more in a season seven times and multisack games 27 times. ... Forced 45 fumbles, recovered 19. Scored four touchdowns on fumble returns and added three safeties. ... In the 11 years he anchored the defense, Chiefs finished first or second in the AFC West 10 times, made seven playoff appearances, and won three division titles. ... All-Pro three times. ... Selected to nine straight Pro Bowls. ... Member of the NFL's all-decade team of the 1990s.
Ralph Wilson Jr.
Founder/Owner
NFL CAREER: 1960-present Buffalo Bills.
About Wilson: One of original founders of American Football League, Wilson formed Buffalo Bills in 1959. ... During tenure as team owner, Bills won AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965, AFC titles in 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993 on way to unprecedented four consecutive appearances in Super Bowls. ... Bills 103 regular season wins, second most in NFL during 1990s. ... Helped lead AFL through early years making tough decisions that were necessary for league's survival. ... Began talks with Carroll Rosenbloom, then owner of NFL's Colts in January 1965, that eventually resulted in AFL-NFL merger. ... Considered "voice of reason" Wilson served as President of AFL, was on AFL's Expansion Committee and AFL-NFL Negotiations Committee. ... Was prominent in 1977 negotiations between NFL Management Council and NFL Players Association. ... Has served as Chairman of NFL Pension Committee, Labor Committee, Super Bowl Site Committee, NFL Expansion Committee, NFL Realignment Committee.
Rod Woodson
Cornerback/Safety l 6-0, 200
NFL Career: 1987-1996 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1997 San Francisco 49ers, 1998-2001 Baltimore Ravens, 2002-03 Oakland Raiders. 17 seasons, 238 games with 229 starts.
About Woodson: Selected by Pittsburgh in the first round (10th overall) of 1987 draft. ... First interception of pro career resulted in 45-yard touchdown return. ... From 1991-94 recorded 12 sacks and 19 interceptions, returning three for TDs. ... In 1995 suffered serious knee injury with recovery time projected to be six to 12 months. ... Returned to action in just four months and played in the 1996 Super Bowl. ... Member of NFL's 75th Anniversary Team and NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1990s. ... NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1993. ... Intercepted 71 passes in career; third on NFL all time list. ... Is NFL's all-time leader in interception return yardage (1,483). ... Holds NFL record for most interceptions returned for TDs (12). ... Six-time first-team All-Pro choice (1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2001). ... Earned All-Pro honors as cornerback, kick returner, safety. ... Chosen to play in 11 Pro Bowls - seven with Steelers, three with Ravens, and one with Raiders.
Source: Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Every member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Listed by name in alphabetical order
A
l Herb Adderley, defensive back
l Troy Aikman, quarterback
l Lance Alworth, wide receiver
l George Allen, coach
l Marcus Allen, running back
l Doug Atkins, defensive end
B
l Morris "Red" Badgro, end
l Lem Barney, cornerback
l Cliff Battles, halfback
l Sammy Baugh, quarterback
l Chuck Bednarik, center-linebacker
l Bert Bell, NFL commissioner-team owner
l Bobby Bell, linebacker
l Raymond Berry, end
l Elvin Bethea, defensive end
l Charles W. Bidwell Sr., team owner
l Fred Biletnikoff, wide receiver
l George Blanda, quarterback-placekicker
l Mel Blount, cornerback
l Terry Bradshaw, quarterback
l Bob Brown, offensive tackle
l Jim Brown, fullback
l Paul Brown, coach
l Roosevelt Brown, tackle
l Willie Brown, cornerback
l Buck Buchanan, defensive tackle
l Nick Buoniconti, linebacker
l Dick Butkus, linebacker
C
l Earl Campbell, running back
l Tony Canadeo, halfback
l Joe Carr, NFL president
l Harry Carson, linebacker
l Dave Casper, tight end
l Guy Chamberlin, end-coach
l Jack Christiansen, safety
l Earl "Dutch" Clark, quarterback
l George Connor, tackle-linebacker
l Jimmy Conzelman, quarterback-coach
l Lou Creekmur, tackle-guard
l Larry Csonka, running back
D
l Al Davis, team owner-league administrator
l Willie Davis, defensive end
l Len Dawson, quarterback
l Fred Dean, defensive end
l Joe DeLamielleure, guard
l Eric Dickerson, running back
l Dan Dierdorf, tackle
l Mike Ditka, tight end
l Art Donovan, defensive tackle
l Tony Dorsett, running back
l John Driscoll, quarterback
l Bill Dudley, halfback
E
l Glen "Turk" Edwards, tackle
l Carl Eller, defensive end
l John Elway, quarterback
l Weeb Ewbank, coach
F
l Tom Fears, end
l Jim Finks, administrator
l Ray Flaherty, coach
l Len Ford, defensive end
l Dan Fortmann, guard
l Dan Fouts, quarterback
l Benny Friedman, quaterback
G
l Frank Gatski, center
l Bill George, linebacker
l Joe Gibbs, coach
l Frank Gifford, halfback
l Sid Gillman, coach
l Otto Graham, quarterback
l Red Grange, halfback
l Bud Grant, coach
l Darrell Green, cornerback
l Joe Greene, defensive tackle
l Forrest Gregg, tackle
l Bob Griese, quarterback
l Lou Groza, tackle-kicker
l Joe Guyon, halfback
H
l George Halas, end-coach-owner
l Jack Ham, linebacker
l Dan Hampton, defensive lineman
l John Hannah, guard
l Franco Harris, running back
l Bob Hayes, wide receiver
l Mike Haynes, cornerback
l Ed Healey, tackle
l Mel Hein, center
l Ted Hendricks, linebacker
l Wilbur "Pete" Henry, tackle
l Arnie Herber, quarterback
l Bill Hewitt, end
l Gene Hickerson, guard
l Clarke Hinkle, fullback
l Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch, halfback-end
l Paul Hornung, halfback
l Ken Houston, safety
l Cal Hubbard, tackle
l Sam Huff, linebacker
l Lamar Hunt, team owner
l Don Hutson, end
I
l Michael Irvin, wide receiver
J
l Jimmy Johnson, corner back
l John Henry Johnson, fullback
l Charlie Joiner, wide receiver
l Dave "Deacon" Jones, defensive end
l Stan Jones, offensive guard-defensive tackle
l Henry Jordan, defensive tackle
l Sonny Jurgensen, quarterback
K
l Jim Kelly, quarterback
l Leroy Kelly, running back
l Walt Kiesling, guard-coach
l Frank "Bruiser" Kinard, tackle
l Paul Krause, safety
L
l Earl "Curly" Lambeau, coach
l Jack Lambert, linebacker
l Tom Landry, coach
l Dick "Night Train" Lane, cornerback
l Jim Langer, center
l Willie Lanier, linebacker
l Steve Largent, wide receiver
l Yale Lary, defensive back-punter
l Dante Lavelli, end
l Bobby Layne, quarterback
l Alfonse "Tuffy" Leemans, fullback
l Marv Levy, coach
l Bob Lilly, defensive tackle
l Larry Little, guard
l James Lofton, wide receiver
l Vince Lombardi, coach
l Howie Long, defensive end
l Ronnie Lott, cornereback-safety
l Sid Luckman, quarterback
l Roy "Link" Lyman, tackle
M
l Tom Mack, guard
l John Mackey, tight end
l John Madden, coach Tim Mara, team owner
l Wellington Mara, team owner
l Gino Marchetti, defensive end
l Dan Marino, quarterback
l George Preston Marshall, team owner
l Ollie Matson, halfback
l Bruce Matthews, offensive lineman
l Don Maynard, wide receiver
l George McAfee, halfback
l Mike McCormack, offensive tackle
l Randall McDaniel, guard
l Tommy McDonald, wide receiver
l Hugh McElhenny, halfback
l Johnny "Blood" McNally, halfback
l Mike Michalske, guard
l Wayne Millner, end
l Bobby Mitchell, running back-wide receiver
l Ron Mix, tackle
l Art Monk, wide receiver
l Joe Montana, quarterback
l Warren Moon, quarterback
l Lenny Moore, flanker-running back
l Marion Motley, fullback
l Mike Munchak, guard
l Anthony Munoz, offensive tackle
l George Musso, guard-tackle
N
l Bronko Nagurski, fullback
l Joe Namath, quarterback
l Earle "Greasy" Neale, coach
l Ernie Nevers, fullback
l Ozzie Newsome, tight end
l Ray Nitschke, linebacker
l Chuck Noll, coach
l Leo Nomellini, defensive tackle
O
l Merlin Olsen, defensive tackle
l Jim Otto, center
l Steve Owen, tackle-coach
P
l Alan Page, defensive tackle
l Clarence "Ace" Parker, quarterback
l Jim Parker, guard-tackle
l Walter Payton, running back
l Joe Perry, fullback
l Pete Pihos, end
l Fritz Pollard, running back
S
l Hugh "Shorty" Ray, supervisor of officials
l Dan Reeves, team owner
l Mel Renfro, cornerback-safety
l John Riggins, running back
l Jim Ringo, center
l Andy Robustelli, defensive end
l Art Rooney, team owner
l Dan Rooney, team owner
l Pete Rozelle, NFL commissioner
l Bob St. Clair, tackle
l Barry Sanders, running back
l Charlie Sanders, tight end
l Gale Sayers, running back
l Joe Schmidt, linebacker
l Tex Schramm, team president-general manager
l Lee Roy Selmon, defensive end
l Billy Shaw, guard
l Art Shell, offensive tackle
l Don Shula, coach
l O.J. Simpson, running back
l Mike Singletary, linebacker
l Jackie Slater, offensive tackle
l Bruce Smith, defensive end
l Jackie Smith, tight end
l John Stallworth, wide receiver
l Bart Starr, quarterback
l Roger Staubach, quarterback
l Ernie Stautner, defensive tackle
l Jan Stenerud, placekicker
l Dwight Stephenson, center
l Hank Stram, coach
l Ken Strong, halfback
l Joe Stydahar, tackle
l Lynn Swann, wide receiver
T
l Fran Tarkenton, quarterback
l Charley Taylor, running back-wide receiver
l Jim Taylor, fullback
l Lawrence Taylor, linebacker
l Derrick Thomas, linebacker
l Emmitt Thomas, cornerback
l Thurman Thomas, running back
l Jim Thorpe, halfback
l Andre Tippett, linebacker
l Y.A. Tittle, quarterback
l George Trafton, center
l Charley Trippi, halfback-quarterback
l Emlen Tunnell, safety
l Clyde "Bulldog" Turner, center
U
l Johnny Unitas, quarterback
l Gene Upshaw, guard
V
l Norm Van Brocklin, quarterback
l Steve Van Buren, halfback
W
l Doak Walker, halfback
l Bill Walsh, coach
l Paul Warfield, wide receiver
l Bob Waterfield, quarterback
l Mike Webster, center
l Roger Wehrli, defensive back
l Arnie Weinmeister, defensive tackle
l Randy White, defensive tackle
l Reggie White, defensive end
l Dave Wilcox, linebacker
l Bill Willis, guard
l Ralph Wilson, founder/team owner
l Larry Wilson, safety
l Kellen Winslow, tight end
l Alex Wojciechowicz, center
l Willie Wood, safety
l Rod Woodson, cornerback/safety
l Rayfield Wright, offensive tackle
Y
l Ron Yary, offensive tackle
l Steve Young, quarterback
l Jack Youngblood, defensive end
Z
l Gary Zimmerman, tackle
The Augusta Chronicle ©2010 Morris Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
