Pro Football Hall of Fame Welcomes Class of 2018 This Weekend

As we look back at the game of football, many names appear in the history books. Some of those names are forever tied with the Pro Football Hall of Fame. On Saturday, eight legends took their rightful place in the Hall.

Group photo with the newly enshrined class and their newly unveiled bronze busts #PFHOF18 pic.twitter.com/JKfqT12uqC

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 5, 2018

Dancing to the Hall

The glory and grandeur that comes with the ceremony was ever present in Canton. Eight legends of the game took the stage, three of which were first ballot Hall of Famers.

Among the inductees is a Miami Hurricane alumnus and former Baltimore Raven with arguably the greatest pre-game dance in the game: Ray Lewis. The two-time Super Bowl champion would use the ceremony to thank the University of Miami for giving him an opportunity to play.

Lewis would also discuss how the school and the greatness of players and staff they had would change him.

While reflecting on his days at The U, Lewis would also open up about the only team he ever played for in the Ravens. Ending his NFL career with a Super Bowl victory in 2013, Lewis would not only address the fans of Baltimore, but he would also break out the famous dance, this time with a little help.

Ray Lewis called on fellow Hall of Fame Ravens teammate Jonathan Ogden to do his famous pregame dance again. https://t.co/81ajqD8N3Q

— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) August 5, 2018

One of the best defensive players to ever play the game of football, Lewis would follow that standard of excellence in his Hall of Fame speech from Canton.

Straight Canton Homie

Straight Canton Homie. #PFHOF18 pic.twitter.com/C3wENGIVAA

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 5, 2018

Secondly, going from the dance to the phrase, Randy Moss would also take his place in history this weekend. Making a career out of being told he would never be able to succeed in football, Moss would finally answer back to those who wanted him to fail.

Another first-ballot name for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Moss will go down as arguably the greatest wide receiver to never win a Super Bowl ring. His career was never fully for himself, however. In Canton, he would discuss what the Hall of Fame means to him, as well as who his induction is about.

Leaving an unforgettable mark in the game as a member of a few teams, such as the Patriots and 49ers, Moss’ induction to the hall is one that fans feel is deserving of nothing less than a first-ballot.

Bear Loose in the Hall

Thirdly, joining a long list of names from the Chicago Bears in the Hall of Fame, Brian Urlacher would be a part of that group as a first-ballot inductee.

https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1025901143350595584

The former Bear, sporting a different look than his bust, had a very emotional Hall of Fame speech. He would open his speech by simply thanking not only the fans, but also congratulating those joining the stage with him.

A defensive standout and multiple time Pro Bowler, football is a lot more than just a game for Urlacher. The game of football is a lifestyle for Urlacher, and it is a lifestyle that he loves everything about.

Celebrating From a Distance

Finally, the biggest cloud hanging over the 2018 ceremony will always be that of one Terrell Owens. Refusing to make the trip to Ohio for the ceremony, Owens would give his speech at the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga.

Congratulations to @terrellowens on his @ProFootballHOF Induction!#PFHOF18 | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/9XMQB16QKp

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 4, 2018

Never one to shy away from controversy, Owens would make headlines around the globe when he announced his plans for Hall of Fame weekend. Many chastised Owens because they felt is was the wrong decision to make, but he has another perspective to that argument.

Dealing with criticism and negative feedback throughout his career, Owens would use his platform to talk about how he really feels. When writers and media were throwing Owens’ name into the dirt for his play style and antics, Owens was figuring out the right time to find a response. Owens used Canton as that moment.

A Hall of Fame class including the best ever of the previous generation, as well as one of the most polarizing players ever, the Pro Football Hall of Fame added to its history over the weekend. A moment for all eight inductees that will never be taken away from them, they now join the ranks of immortality in the sport.