CANTON, Ohio -- Whe the clock struck 6:48 tonight, Patriots outside linebacker Andre Tippett had his moment in the football sun, delivering his Hall of Fame speech.
Over the next 10 minutes, he thanked those who have made a difference in his life -- including family members, coaches, teammates and friends.
Some of the highlights:
To Robert Kraft and his family. "We have shared so much personally and professionally. When I was contemplating retirement, he chose to keep me in the front office. For that, I am forever grateful. He and I share a common bond of loyalty and family. I love Robert, Myra, his sons Jonathan, Danny, Josh and David. A lot of those guys I get to see every day. Robert, thank you again for believing in me. I am so proud to be a Patriot for 26 years. I hope to be a Patriot for another 26 years."
On his emotions. "As I stand here today, I feel like a man standing on the North Pole. The only way to go from here is south. I shall cherish this moment for the rest of my life."
To his mother, Frances. "My journey here has been a long one, a long road, and it hasn’t always been easy. ... What can I say about my mom? Thank you for teaching me perseverance. Life wasn’t easy for us, moving from Birmingham, Alabama to Newark, New Jersey with not much more than the clothes on our back. Through my mother, I learned to be accountable for my actions and understand the consequences for those actions. With that, you better believe that my mom made me appreciate understanding what is right and wrong. She ruled with love and a whole lot of discipline. Mom, I love you and thank you for that.”
On his high school coach, Frank Verducci. "From the day I was cut from my freshman football team, coach Frank Verducci instilled in me the proper mindset to play this great game. My high school motto was ‘truth, honor and light.’ In truth, Coach Verducci taught us to recognize our strengths as well as our weaknesses, and to raise our hand if it was our fault. In honor, he taught us to be proud of our name. He always said ‘rob me of my money and you have nothing, but rob me of my name and you take my most prized possession.’ In light, Coach wanted all of us to get an education. He said ‘only a fool doesn’t go to school.’ Coach, thank you and I love you.”
On his children and his wife Rhonda. "To my four beautiful children that are here today -- wow. What a great time for us to sshare together. I am so proud of you. You are my pride and joy. Now, they say behind every great man is a great woman. I certainly have one. Thank you for being a wonderful wife, mother and friend. You truly are the glue that holds our family together. Thank you for being the most patient, considerate, understanding, forgiving woman in the world. I love you."
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