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| The Pro Football Enshrinement Ceremony stage. (Photo: Gene Simmons/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
CANTON, Ohio - The scene is prepared on a lovely day in Canton, Ohio, to greet the 2025 Enshrinement class of professional football, which includes Sterling Sharpe, Eric Allen, Jared Allen, and Antonio Gates, presented by Visual Edge IT.
Hall of Fame President and CEO Jim Porter welcomed everyone in attendance, as well as the local high school teams.
Longtime reporter Chris Berman of ESPN did the opening. His first words were, "It's good to have football back, back, back."
The enshrinement ceremony also celebrated the 100th birthday of Marv Levy, who will mark this occasion the day following the enshrinement, with speeches by Thurman Thomas and Lynn Swann.
The initial speaker was Jared Allen, a player with 12 years of experience who played with the Kansas City, Chicago, Minnesota, and the Carolina Panthers.
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| Newly enshrined Hall of Famer Jared Allen opens up the ceremonies. (Photo: Gene Simmons/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
Allen was recognized for his exceptional pass-rushing skills and impressive sack statistics, which contribute to his status as a Hall of Famer, in addition to his humble demeanor.
"[Why] is your long game," he said. "It's what drives you to get up and take whatever steps necessary to achieve your goal."
Following that was the highly awaited address by Sterling Sharpe, the brother of Shannon Sharpe (the presenter), who had a seven-season career in the NFL, which he chose to end due to a significant neck injury.
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| Sterling and Shannon Sharpe embrace during Sterling's Hall of Fame Enshrinement speech. (Gene Simmons/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
"This is my life, there aren't many like it, but this one is mine," said Sharpe. His story is about perseverance and the bond he and his brother hold so tightly.
As he called his brother up to the podium to share a moment by giving him his 'Gold Jacket', this was such an honorable gesture from the Hall of Famer.
Shannon at one point gave him one of his Super Bowl rings and he returned the favor, "It would be a extreme privledge ladies and gentlemen, I don't have anything athletically of value, but it would be my extreme pleasure for you to be the only player in the Pro Football Hall of Fame with two Gold Jackets."
Transitioning to the subsequent Hall of Famer, we have a distinguished individual who stands as the sole Philadelphia Eagle cornerback to gain induction into the Hall. Eric Allen had a remarkable career spanning 14 seasons with the Eagles, Saints, and Raiders.
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| Eric Allen and his son share a moment unveiling his bust during the Hall of Fame Ceremony speech. (Photo: Gene Simmons/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
"Deeply grateful for this incredible honor, we all share a deep love and respect for the game of football," Eric Allen said.
Eric was known for his prowess in defense and his capability to react to balls that resulted in interceptions, ultimately earning him a spot in the Hall of Fame.
"For the great class of 2025, for you guys to be here, this is an amazing opportunity to tell our story to you, god bless you, thank you," he said.
The fourth and final inductee of the day was Antonio Gates, a player with 16 years of experience, who captivated the football community with an extraordinary career despite not having played a single down of college football. He was a remarkable basketball player for Kent State University.
He was one of the premier tight ends during his playing time. He was a nightmare matchup for most defenses.
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| Antonio Gates addresses the crowd during his Hall of Fame induction speech. (Gene Simmons/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
"As I stand here, I'm overwhelmed, not just by the honor of this moment, but by the journey I had to travel to get here. You see, this gold jacket, it really doesn't just represent the game of football," said Gates. "It represents my family, it represents my faith, it represents my sacrifice, and a whole bunch of love from y'all out here."
Gates is really truly a success story, not only for athletics but the way he carries himself as a Hall of Famer.
The Enshrinement ceremony was attended by several Ohio high school football teams; it is a privilege to witness such a significant event in there young lives and careers.
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| The Bucyrus Redman were in attendance, accompanied by their head coach, Jon Butchko, and staff. (Photo: Gene Simmons/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
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| The Canton Glenoak Eagles were in the house for the Enshrinement Ceremony, accompanied by Head Coach Scott Garcia and staff. (Photo: Gene Simmons/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
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| The Shelby Whippets football in attendance for the Class of 2025 Hall of Fame inductees. (Photo: Gene Simmons/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
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