After the rain stopped and the storm clouds finally disappeared on Saturday in Canton, the new Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees stood in front of their admiring family and friends and spoke about the various roads that ultimately took them to football immortality at the Hall.
NFL alum Dwight Freeney, who was presented by his former Colts owner Jim Irsay, spoke about the internal drive that sparked his college career at Syracuse University and his 16 years playing defensive end in the NFL. His remarks were a tutorial for young high school, college, and NFL players on how to succeed.
“One of the things that motivated me,” said Freeney, who was the Colts first round draft choice in 2002, “was never being completely satisfied with myself and my performance. It’s what drove me to continue to improve my skill set and my mission to perfect my craft and try to dominate every game. I realized that for me to win battles on the field, I had to keep pushing myself not to be complacent or lazy, to not look for excuses for why something didn’t happen but to make it happen.”
While Freeney was speaking in Canton, his former team in Indianapolis was holding its own tribute to its Ring of Honor legend. Colts head coach Shane Steichen took the time before practice to show the current players some Freeney highlights in a team meeting and discuss his impact on the franchise.
“I wanted our players to see what it takes to be elite like Dwight was,” says Steichen, the team’s second-year coach. “You strive for greatness every day and that’s what Dwight did, so congrats to him.”
Back in Canton, Freeney told the crowd about his debt of gratitude for having played our sport.
“I want to thank the great game of football for giving me the opportunity to express myself and my creativity to the world,” said Freeney, who already is in the College Football Hall of Fame. “I always felt like I was an artist, and the football field was my canvas, and I am forever grateful for that feeling.”
Freeney’s entourage in Tom Benson Stadium on Saturday included his parents and former teammates Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, and Edgerrin James. His longtime golf partner and NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan also made the trip to Canton for the day.
“All of you know that nobody gets to this Hall of Fame stage without hard work, sacrifice and an amazing team and community around you,” Freeny said while pointing to his family and teammates in attendance.
We at NFL Alumni were pleased also to be in Canton last weekend to see Dwight Freeney and the other members of the 2024 Hall of Fame Class receive the sport’s highest individual recognition. Congrats to all!
