Football
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The temple dedicated to gridiron excellence opened its doors on Thursday night to welcome nine new members to the Pro Football Hall of Fame during the 12th annual NFL Honors at Symphony Hall in Phoenix, Arizona.
The 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class includes:
- Rondé Barber, DB
- Darrelle Revis, CB
- Joe Thomas, LT
- Zach Thomas, LB
- DeMarcus Ware, LB
- Don Coryell, Coach
- Chuck Howley, LB
- Joe Klecko, DT
- Ken Riley, DB
These players will be enshrined in Canton, Ohio, during a ceremony in August, but first, let’s take a deeper dive into their legendary on-field success.
Rondé Barber
Barber spent his entire 16-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1997 to 2012.
The 47-year-old helped the Buccaneers capture a Super Bowl title in 2003 and is also a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro. Additionally, he was previously named to the Hall of Fame’s All-2000s Team.
In 241 games, Barber posted 47 interceptions, 197 pass breakups, 15 forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, 28 sacks and 1,251 tackles.
Barber is the Buccaneers’ career leader in interceptions, and his 28 sacks are the second-most ever by an NFL defensive back. He’s also the only player in NFL history to record at least 40 interceptions and at least 25 sacks.
The Glazer Family said in a statement:
“During his legendary 16-year career as a Buccaneer, Ronde established himself as one of the most iconic players in team history and his selection today to the Pro Football Hall of Fame further solidifies him as one of the greatest players of all time. Ronde was the embodiment of a true professional, a fierce competitor and a student of the game. He was a natural leader who always found a way to leave his mark on the game and was responsible for some of the most memorable moments in our franchise history. We look forward to celebrating his legendary career later this year when he takes his rightful place alongside the other Buccaneers Hall of Famers in Canton.”
Darrelle Revis
Revis, a first-ballot Hall of Famer, spent most of his 11-year career with the New York Jets (2007-2012 and 2015-2016), though he also suited up for the Buccaneers (2013), New England Patriots (2014) and Kansas City Chiefs (2017).
The 37-year-old is a seven-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro and was named to the Hall of Fame’s All-2010s Team. Additionally, he won a Super Bowl with the Patriots at the conclusion of the 2014 season.
In 145 games, Revis posted 29 interceptions, 139 pass breakups, four forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, two sacks and 496 tackles.
Jets Chairman Robert Wood Johnson said in a statement:
“Tonight, Darrelle earned the games highest honor — first-ballot election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Early in his career, we witnessed the strength of character, dedication to the game and special football acumen that made him into an elite competitor. We look forward to seeing his bust enshrined forever with the other titans of the game in Canton, Ohio.”
Joe Thomas
Thomas, a first-ballot Hall of Famer, spent his entire 11-year career with the Cleveland Browns from 2007 to 2017.
The 38-year-old was a 10-time Pro Bowler, six-time first-team All-Pro and was named to the Hall of Fame’s All-2010s Team.
Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement:
“We are so proud Joe Thomas will be recognized, appropriately, as a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Joe epitomized the standard of excellence in everything he did for the Cleveland Browns organization and for our community. He was the essence of all you want in a player, as a teammate and representing the Browns organization. His extraordinary accomplishments and endurance playing 10-plus years without missing a single snap is unparalleled. How he went about his work each day was equally inspiring, the model of consistency, resiliency and class.
“Beyond being one of the best in NFL history, he was just as exceptional off the field. Joe and his wife, Annie have made an impact on so many people in Cleveland and have done so in a humble, unassuming way. He is just a tremendous human being. We are so happy that Joe will take his rightful place among our game’s greatest in Canton.”
Zach Thomas
Thomas spent most of his 13-year career with the Miami Dolphins from 1996 to 2007. He also suited up for the Dallas Cowboys in his final season in 2008.
The 49-year-old was a seven-time Pro Bowler, five-time first-team All-Pro and was named to the Hall of Fame’s All-2000s team. In 184 games, he posted 17 interceptions, 48 pass breakups, 16 forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries, 20.5 sacks and 1,734 tackles.
Dolphins Chairman of the Board/Managing General Partner Stephen M. Ross said in a statement:
“On behalf of the entire Dolphins organization and our fans around the world, I want to congratulate Zach on his election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It was a joy to watch him play the game. Zach’s accomplishments on the field made him one of the greatest players in NFL history. His development from a fifth-round draft choice to a perennial Pro Bowl selection to receiving the most prestigious honor this game has to offer is a testament to his ability as both a player and a student of the game. As great as he was on the field, he is even better as a family man and a role model. We look forward to celebrating with him in Canton.”
DeMarcus Ware
Ware spent his 12-year career with the Denver Broncos (2014-2016) and Dallas Cowboys (2005-2013) organizations from 2005 to 2016.
The 40-year-old was a nine-time Pro Bowler, four-time first-team All-Pro and was named to the Hall of Fame’s All-2000s Team. He also won a Super Bowl with the Broncos at the conclusion of the 2015 season.
In 178 games, he posted three interceptions, 25 pass breakups, 35 forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries, 138.5 sacks, 657 tackles, 171 tackles for loss and 229 quarterback hits.
Broncos Owner & CEO Greg Penner said in a statement:
“On behalf of the Denver Broncos, we congratulate DeMarcus Ware on his well-deserved election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. DeMarcus became a Super Bowl champion as a Bronco, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest pass rushers in NFL history on one of the greatest defenses of all-time. His leadership, professionalism and many clutch performances are fondly remembered throughout our organization. We join Broncos Country in celebrating DeMarcus as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023.”
Don Coryell
Coryell, who died in July 2010, spent 14 years as a head coach in the NFL, coaching the then-St. Louis Cardinals from 1973 to 1977 and the then-San Diego Chargers from 1978 to 1986.
Coryell posted a 111-83-1 record over his 14 seasons as a head coach and led his teams to the playoffs in six of those seasons. He is credited with changing the game of football forever, making it a more explosive passing game.
Dean Spanos, Chargers owner and chairman of the board, said in a statement:
“Don Coryell has had a tremendous influence on the game we know and love today. Whether it was through the coaches he mentored, the players he taught and led, the offenses he orchestrated or the defenses that were created to stop his offenses, today’s NFL is a direct reflection of Don’s mind and imagination. While it’s obviously been a long time coming, we’re grateful that his family, as well as the players he meant so much to, are now officially able to welcome him to his rightful place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and celebrate his legacy.”
Chuck Howley
Howley spent his 15-year career with the Chicago Bears and the Cowboys from 1958 to 1973. He played for the Bears from 1958 to 1959, missing the 1960 season with a knee injury. He suited up for the Cowboys from 1961 to 1973.
The 86-year-old was a six-time Pro Bowler, five-time first-team All-Pro, Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP. He remains the only player to be named Super Bowl MVP from a losing team, winning the award when the Cowboys fell to the then-Baltimore Colts in SB V.
In 180 games, Howley totaled 25 interceptions, 18 fumble recoveries and 26 sacks.
Joe Klecko
Klecko spent 11 of his 12 years with the Jets from 1977 to 1987. He spent his final season in 1988 with the Indianapolis Colts.
The 69-year-old was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro. In 155 games, he posted nine fumble recoveries and 78 sacks.
Jets CEO Robert Wood Johnson said in a statement:
“Congratulations, Joe, on being elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. You were one of the greatest players to ever wear the Jets uniform. You played every position on the defensive line and took no prisoners. Your impact on the history of the New York Jets was huge and I’m so happy you’ve gotten this honor that you richly deserve.”
Ken Riley
Riley, who died in June 2020, spent his entire 15-year career with the Cincinnati Bengals from 1969 to 1983. He earned a first-team All-Pro selection in 1983 and posted 65 interceptions, 18 fumble recoveries and five defensive touchdowns in 207 games.
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