NFL Hall of Fame 2013: Best Moments from Emotional Induction Ceremony

To say the 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction speeches didn’t disappoint is an injustice to the delivery of the seven men accepting honors for their remarkable careers.

Each year we relish the moment when elite individuals are enshrined forever among the greatest to ever play our favorite game.

The arguments about who really belong and who should have been there this year seemed to slip away as we heard the emotions pour from these former warriors.

All that’s left are the memories these men left on the field, and each of them did as good as anyone else who has graced the gridiron. While their play got them in the door, as people, their words will live on just as strongly.

Let’s take a look at three moments from the ceremony that are sure to remain as memories of a very special evening in Canton, Ohio.

Cris Carter’s Final Words

They say it’s always prudent to save the best for last. Cris Carter gave that sentiment credence by stealing the show with an emotional and passionate address.

Carter appealed to the Ohio audience throughout, tapping into his Ohio State roots, and delivered a killer finish that sounds straight out of Hollywood.

After a perfect closing like that, how could Carter not have gone last?

Warren Sapp’s Levity and Delivery

Despite the magnitude of the situation, Warren Sapp didn’t hesitate to let his personality shine through. Sapp kept things fun even though he was visibly and understandably nervous on the big stage.

“Philippians 4:13 states: 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' And I will definitely need him tonight to get through this!”

Perhaps, though, the best moment of his speech was his recognition of his ex-wife’s contributions to his success.

“Baby, you held me up when nobody else would,” an emotional Sapp said. “I want to thank you. You’re my backbone. All the thanks. You took care of me. I want to say I love you and I thank you.”

The Tuna Keeps Coaching

Bill Parcells’ success as a coach is highlighted by his ability to get the best out of any team playing for him. As a result of that ability, Parcells took four different franchises to the postseason. He’s still the only coach in NFL history to accomplish that feat, according to ESPN Stats & Info.

What Parcells did best during his speech, though, was to keep on teaching and coaching—the one thing he did so well for so long.

The lesson Parcells conveyed rings true to anyone out there willing to listen. It came from a plaque he remembered from the old Giants Stadium quoting fellow Hall of Famer Emlen Tunnell:

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"Losers assemble in little groups and complain about the coaches and the players in other little groups. But winners assemble as a team." Well, tonight, ladies and gentlemen, I get to do just that. I’m honored, I’m grateful and I’m thankful to every single one of you out there that had something to do with this.

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*All quotes obtained are courtesy of NFL Network videos included in article.