CANTON, Ohio — Revis Island has found a new home in “Football Heaven.” On Saturday, Darrelle Revis, a four-time All-Pro cornerback, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Revis, known for his dominance on the field, expressed his gratitude and honored the great players he stood among. As a first-ballot inductee, Revis’s exceptional skills often led opposing quarterbacks to avoid throwing the ball his way. With a Super Bowl victory with the New England Patriots and seven Pro Bowl selections, Revis finished his career with great acclaim. He thanked the Jets fans for their unwavering support and acknowledged their ups and downs together. Revis assured them that they will always have a place on “Revis Island.”
Another inductee, Joe Klecko, a beloved player for the New York Jets, was also enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Klecko, who started his football journey working as an unpaid player with a fake name, rose to become a dominant force in the league. He holds the unique distinction of being the only player in NFL history to be selected to the Pro Bowl at three positions on the defensive line. Klecko, who played a crucial role in the dominant “New York Sack Exchange” defensive line, expressed his gratitude and reflected on the intensity and dedication he brought to every battle on the field.
A crowd, mostly comprised of Jets and Browns fans, gathered to witness the induction of Revis, Klecko, and local hero Joe Thomas. Thomas, a six-time All-Pro left tackle, received the biggest ovation from the hometown crowd. He spoke about the importance of loyalty, consistency, and showing up for his teammates throughout his record-breaking career. Thomas highlighted the significance of the number 10,363, representing the consecutive snaps he played, demonstrating his commitment to his team. Ronde Barber, a three-time All-Pro cornerback from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was also inducted alongside Revis and Klecko. Barber expressed his unique journey and the unwavering determination that set him apart.
Zach Thomas, a five-time All-Pro linebacker for the Miami Dolphins, delivered an emotional speech. He thanked his mentors, teammates, and fans who supported him throughout his career. Thomas shared his personal story of resilience, reflecting on the obstacles he overcame and the impact that his environment had on his growth. Similarly, DeMarcus Ware, a four-time All-Pro outside linebacker, recounted his challenging upbringing and the lessons he learned about perseverance. Ware praised his mother for her hard work as a single parent and extended forgiveness to his absent father.
Other inductees included Ken Riley, a talented cornerback from the Cincinnati Bengals, who was honored posthumously, and Chuck Howley, a five-time All-Pro linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys who was inducted 50 years after his retirement. Additionally, Dan Coryell, the innovative coach responsible for the dynamic “Air Coryell” passing offense, was recognized posthumously for his contributions.
The induction ceremony was a memorable event, celebrating the outstanding achievements and legacies of these football greats.