I would also like to give a special thanks to these NFL greats for taking the time to
respond in the Gratitude to Greats project.
- Jerry Rice – Arguably the greatest NFL player in history…dominates the wide receiving statistical record books, holding nearly every record, many by a large margin…a tough skill to dominate.
- Floyd Little – Broncos great who is currently facing his own battle with cancer…my prayers go out to Mr. Little 100%
- Jack Ham – Made the most big plays of the 70s Chuck Noll dynasty Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” defense, and caused more turnovers, with 53, a feat usually left for safeties or cornerbacks, than any defensive lineman or linebacker in NFL history.
- Aeneas Williams
- Jerry Kramer – Led the signature Packer sweep with Fuzzy Thurston, and made the most famous block in NFL history in the 1967 Ice Bowl against the Cowboys
- James Lofton – One of the most graceful receivers to ever run a go route in the NFL history, averaged 18 yards a catch over a 16-year career, played in three big games with the Bills
- Maxie Baughan
- Johnny Robinson
- Dave Wilcox
- Charlie Joiner – Leader in catches, receiving yards, and games played by a wide receiver at the time of his retirement in 1986, and the final original AFL player in the NFL.
- Edward DeBartolo Jr.
- Steve Atwater – One of the hardest hitting safeties in the history of the NFL, second most Pro Bowls in Broncos history
- Bill Polian
- Hugh McElhenney
- Bob Griese
- Cliff Harris
- Joe DeLamielleure
- Bill Cowher – Coached the Steelers to their fifth big game win, .623 11th best winning percentage in NFL history, only coach besides Paul Brown to take his team to the playoffs in his first six seasons.
- Curley Culp – Greatest nose tackle of the 3-4 defense era, 1975 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
- Ronnie Lott – One of the best defensive backs in NFL history, and one of the greats, as well as a member of the 80s and 90s NFL All-Decade Teams.
- Len Dawson – Most accomplished quarterback in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs, 4x passing leader, led the league in completion percentage an NFL record EIGHT TIMES, led the Chiefs to an upset victory in 1970’s big game over the Vikings.
If there is anybody else I have forgotten, I sincerely apologize. Know I have not forgotten you in my heart.
I would also like to thank the Talk of Fame podcast, as well as the Pro Football Hall of Fame web site, for educating me on these great players, so I could add why they are in the Hall of Fame.
I would like to thank not just every NFL personality who has gotten behind me in this biggest battle in my life, but I would like to also thank all of my friends who have stood by me my entire life. There are way too many of them to thank, and I am sure some of them might actually be mortified if I mentioned their name here…
God Bless you all!!!!
My NFL 100: Gratitude to Greats Project 