Alan Schaefer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The temple dedicated to excellence on the field opened its doors Thursday night to welcome nine Pro Football Hall of Fame members during the 12th Annual NFL Honors at Symphony Hall in Phoenix, Arizona.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2023 includes:
- Round Barbier, DB
- Darrelle Revis, CB
- Joe Thomas, LT
- Zach Thomas, LB
- DeMarcusWare, LB
- Don Coryell, Treinador
- Chuck Howley, LB
- Joe Klecko, DT
- Ken Riley, DB
These players will be anchored during an August ceremony in Canton, Ohio, but first let's address their legendary on-field success.
round barber
Barber spent his entire 16-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1997 to 2012.
The 47-year-old helped the Buccaneers win the Super Bowl in 2003 and was also a five-time Pro Bowler and three first-team All-Pro. He was also previously named to the Hall of Fame All-2000 Team.
In 241 games, Barber recorded 47 interceptions, 197 pass breakups, 15 forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, 28 sacks and 1,251 tackles.
Barber is the Buccaneers career leader in interceptions, and his 28 sacks are the second-best defensive player in the NFL. He is also the only player in NFL history to have at least 40 interceptions and at least 25 sacks.
The Glazer family said in aopinion:
"During his legendary 16-year career as a Buccaneer, Ronde established himself as one of the most iconic players in team history, and today's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame further cements him as one of the greatest players of all time." Ronde was the epitome of a true professional , a fierce competitor and a student of the game. He was a born leader who always found a way to make his mark on the game and was responsible for some of the most memorable moments in our franchise's history. We look forward to celebrating his legendary career later this year when he takes his rightful place alongside the rest of the Buccaneers Hall of Fame in Canton."
Darrelle Rev
Revis, a first-choice Hall of Famer, spent most of his 11-year career with the New York Jets (2007–2012 and 2015–2016), although he also credited the Buccaneers (2013), New England Patriots (2014 ) and Prepared Chiefs of Kansas City (2017).
The 37-year-old was a seven-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro and was named to the Hall of Fame All-2010s team. He also won a Super Bowl with the Patriots at the end of the 2014 season.
In 145 games, Revis recorded 29 interceptions, 139 pass breakups, four forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, two sacks and 496 tackles.
Jets President Robert Wood Johnson said in aopinion:
“Tonight, Darrelle won gaming's highest honor - a first-round election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Early in his career we witnessed the strength of character, dedication to the game and particular acumen in football that made him an elite competitor. We look forward to seeing his bust forever with the other titans of the game in Canton, Ohio."
Jose Tomas
Thomas, a first-choice Hall of Famer, spent his entire 11-year career with the Cleveland Browns from 2007 to 2017.
The 38-year-old was a ten-time Pro Bowler, six-time first-team All-Pro and was named to the Hall of Fame All-2010s team.
Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in aopinion:
“We are very proud that Joe Thomas is being recognized as a member of the First Ballot Hall of Fame. Joe embodied the standard of excellence in everything he has done for the Cleveland Browns organization and our community. He was the essence of everything. what you want' in a player, as a teammate and as a representative of the Browns organization. His exceptional performances and staying power playing over 10 years without missing a shot is unmatched. The way he going about his work every day was equally inspiring, a paragon of consistency, resilience and class.
“Not only was he one of the greatest in NFL history, he was exceptional off the field. Joe and his wife, Annie, have influenced so many people in Cleveland, and they've done so in humble, unpretentious ways. He's just a great person. We are pleased that Joe is taking his rightful place among the best in our Canton game.
zach thomas
Thomas spent most of his 13-year career with the Miami Dolphins from 1996 to 2007. In his final season in 2008, he also prepared for the Dallas Cowboys.
The 49-year-old was a seven-time Pro Bowler, five-time First-Team All-Pro and was named to the Hall of Fame All-2000 Team. In 184 games, he recorded 17 interceptions, 48 pass breakups, 16 forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries, 20.5 sacks and 1,734 tackles.
Dolphins Chairman and Managing Partner Stephen M. Ross said in aopinion:
“On behalf of the entire Dolphins organization and our fans around the world, I would like to congratulate Zach on his election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It was a pleasure to watch him play. Zach's performances on the field have made him one of the greatest players in NFL history His evolution from a fifth-round pick to an all-time Pro Bowl pick for the most prestigious honor this game has to offer is was a testament to his ability on the field as a player and student of the game, he's even better as a family man and role model. We look forward to celebrating with him in Canton."
DeMarcusWare
Ware spent his 12-year career from 2005-2016 with the Denver Broncos (2014-2016) and Dallas Cowboys (2005-2013) organizations.
The 40-year-old was a nine-time Pro Bowler, four-time first-team All-Pro and was named to the Hall of Fame All-2000 team. He also won a Super Bowl with the Broncos at the end of the 2015 season.
In 178 games, he recorded three interceptions, 25 pass breakups, 35 forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries, 138.5 sacks, 657 tackles, 171 tackles for loss, and 229 hits at quarterback.
Broncos owner and CEO Greg Penner said in aopinion:
“On behalf of the Denver Broncos, we congratulate DeMarcus Ware on his well-deserved induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. DeMarcus became the Bronco Super Bowl champion, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest pass rushers in history. defender of all time. His leadership, professionalism and many key accomplishments will be fondly remembered throughout our organization. We're joining Broncos Country to celebrate DeMarcus as a member of the Pro Class of 2023 Football Hall of Fame."
Don Coryell
Coryell, who died in July 2010, spent 14 years as an NFL head coach, coaching the then-St. Louis Cardinals from 1973-1977 and the then-San Diego Chargers from 1978-1986.
Coryell averaged 111-83-1 in his 14 seasons as head coach and led his teams to the playoffs in six of those seasons. He is credited with changing the game of football forever by transforming it into a more explosive passing game.
Chargers owner and chief executive Dean Spanos said in a statementopinion:
“Don Coryell had a tremendous impact on the game we know and love today. Whether through the coaches he mentored, the players he coached and directed, the offenses he orchestrated, or the defenses created to stop his offenses, the NFL of today is a direct reflection of Don's mind and imagination. Although it has obviously been a long time coming, we are thankful that his family and the players he has wished for so much can now welcome him back. officially their rightful place in the professional Football Hall of Fame and celebrate their legacy."
howley chuck
Howley spent his 15-year career with the Chicago Bears and Cowboys from 1958 to 1973. He played for the Bears from 1958-59 and missed the 1960 season with a knee injury. He dressed for the Cowboys from 1961 to 1973.
The 86-year-old is a six-time Pro Bowler, five-time first-team All-Pro, Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP. He remains the only player to be named a losing team's Super Bowl MVP, winning the award when the Cowboys lost to the then-Baltimore Colts in SB V.
In 180 games, Howley totaled 25 interceptions, 18 fumble recoveries and 26 sacks.
Joe Klecko
Klecko spent 11 of his 12 years with the Jets from 1977 to 1987. He spent his final season in 1988 with the Indianapolis Colts.
The 69-year-old was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro. In 155 games, he recorded nine fumble recoveries and 78 sacks.
Jets CEO Robert Wood Johnson said in aopinion:
"Congratulations, Joe, on being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. You were one of the greatest players to ever wear the Jets jersey. You played every position in the defensive line and took no prisoners. Your impact on Jets history. New York Jets was huge and I'm so happy you got the honor you deserve."
and Riley
Riley, who died in June 2020, spent his entire 15-year career with the Cincinnati Bengals from 1969 to 1983. He earned a first-team All-Pro selection in 1983 and recorded 65 interceptions, 18 fumble recoveries, and five defensive touchdowns. 207 games.