There really was never any doubt that Reggie White would take his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Although the majority of his career was not spent with the Packers, his greatest moments were with the green and gold.
Detroit -- If life was fleeting for Reggie White, this won't be.
This is forever.
White, who died at age 43 a little more than a year ago and not long after finishing one of the most distinguished careers of any lineman in the history of the National Football League, was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. He officially will take his place among the other legends of the game during induction ceremonies the weekend of Aug. 5-6 in Canton, Ohio.
White played six of his 15 seasons with the Green Bay Packers and left an impact on the franchise like few other players in its storied past.
On the field, White dominated opponents from his defensive end position and played a leading role in the Packers' resurgence in the 1990s capped by victory in Super Bowl XXXI. Off the field, he was just as towering a figure, becoming one of the franchise's most effective salesmen and spokesmen.
..."He was so looking forward to his moment," Sara [White's widow] said. "We discussed it. He said, 'You know, it's five years before you can actually get in.' So we counted the time."
After speaking to those assembled in the ballroom, Sara sat down and shed tears.
"For me, it's bittersweet because he's not here physically to appreciate being a part of such an elite group," she explained later.
Since his death, White had his number retired by both the Packers and Philadelphia Eagles. Just last week, he was selected to the Packer Hall of Fame. And before his death, he was inducted into the Lombardi Legends, a group formed by players from the Vince Lombardi Era.
But White also knew that the Pro Football Hall of Fame, more so than any other honor, would ensure him of football immortality.
"The Hall of Fame was at the top of his list," said Sara. "Then the Lombardi Legends was second, believe it or not. The Super Bowl was third."
It's hard to believe that so many years have passed.
Super Bowl XXXI, when Reggie helped bring the Lombardi Trophy back home to Green Bay, doesn't seem all that long ago.
Life is fleeting, but not the joy of the years he spent with the Packers.
Just like Reggie's honor, it's forever.
Sunday, February 5, 2006
Reggie
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2 comments:
As a long time Kansas City Chiefs fan, I have to say: You had to go ahead and rub it in, didn't you?
Reggie White was a great player and a great human being, and a fine Christian man. There is absolutely no question that he belongs in the hall of fame.
I was disappointed that Derrick Thomas was passed over. If he had lived, he might well have challenged Reggie for that sack record. He was injured several years ago on Super Bowl Sunday in a car accident in Kansas City, on his way to the airport and the Super Bowl, and died a few days later. Kansas City's leading pass rusher, ever.
I'm sorry, Mark. I didn't mean to rub it in.
It's not like the Chiefs never won the big game.
Hopefully, next year Thomas will get the recognition he deserves.
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