Pro Football Hall of Fame 2024: Ceremony Recap, Speech Highlights and Reaction

Seven NFL legends were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday—pass-rusher Dwight Freeney, linebacker Randy Gradishar, return dynamo Devin Hester, wideout Andre Johnson, defensive lineman Steve McMichael, defensive end Julius Peppers and linebacker Patrick Willis.

They had to wait a little longer than expected, however, as a rain delay pushed back the proceedings. But it was a special day for all involved.

McMichael, who is battling MLS, was joined by his wife and former teammates back in Chicago:

There were some very notable cameos, as expected, including Michael Irvin giving love to a pair of fellow Miami alumni in Hester and Johnson. He wasn't alone—it's always a star-studded event:

But were you expecting NBA G.O.A.T. Michael Jordan to show up? Turns out he's good friends with Freeney:

Freeney offered words of inspiration during his speech.

"Always remember that your hard work and sacrifice are the keys to opening the door to your dreams," he said. "People will call you too slow, too short, not tough enough, not strong enough. Use those words as fuel to ignite the internal fire that will motivate you and push you to places that you never thought were possible. All those bumps and bruises that make you want to quit, fighting through that will make you into a better player and a better person."

Peppers, who played basketball at North Carolina during his college days alongside football, shouted out fellow Tar Heel Jordan during his speech.

"The GOAT, his air-ness Michael Jordan... MJ I want to thank you for the inspiration and memories," he said.

He also offered an inspirational finish to his speech:

Hester, the first ever kick returner enshrined in Canton, was introduced by his mother and said he hoped his place in the Hall of Fame would open the doors for more returners to get in like Brian Mitchell and Josh Cribbs:

"I embraced God's plan and what he had in store for me," he added during his speech. "And by embracing it, it made me the best returner that ever walked the face of the earth. At least for now."

Patrick Willis talked about the hard work it took to reach Canton, and thanked his mother during his speech:

"It's not necessarily how long you play, but how impactful you are," he noted.

Johnson, the first player from the Houston Texans enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, closed the speeches.

"I can't lie, I'm happy as hell," Johnson noted. "I've reached the pinnacle."

Yes you have, Andre. Yes you have.