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Monday, August 9, 2010
CANTON, OH - AUGUST 7: Members of the Pittsburgh Steelers wave the Terrible Towels as Dick LeBeau is introduced during the 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Field at Fawcett Stadium on August 7, 2010 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Steelers inside linebacker James Farrior is entering his 14th NFL season and has won two Super Bowls during his decorated career.
Yet Farrior -- and more than a few of his teammates -- turned into an awestruck fan Saturday night when the Steelers traveled to Canton, Ohio, to watch Dick LeBeau's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Indeed the players that are regularly asked for autographs and to pose for pictures did the same when they got a chance to meet some of the Hall of Famers prior to the induction speeches.
"We were like groupies out there," Farrior said. "Me and (Larry) Foote were walking around and I had my camera with me. We were trying to get all the pictures."
Dan Marino, Harry Carson and Joe Gibbs were among the Hall of Famers that posed with Farrior. Of course, the snapshot that will mean the most to Farrior is the one he took with LeBeau following the Steelers defensive coordinator's induction speech.
Also in the shot are Foote as well as former Steelers linebackers Joey Porter and Clark Haggans, who now play for the Cardinals
"You could tell he was choked up," Farrior said of LeBeau.
CANTON, OH - AUGUST 7: James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on as Dick LeBeau is introduced at the 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Field at Fawcett Stadium on August 7, 2010 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LeBeau did not shed any tears on stage Saturday night. He also didn't talk a lot about himself during the speech that lasted almost 18 minutes.
Not that the Steelers were surprised that LeBeau seemingly thanked and praised everyone but himself during his crowning moment.
"You kind of feel bad. You're like 'Dick, talk about yourself,' " said nose tackle Casey Hampton, who was among the Steelers players that LeBeau mentioned specifically during his speech. "At the same time, you feel honored for him to mention your name."
Another beloved Steelers figure may soon join LeBeau in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Jerome Bettis, who is fifth on the NFL's career rushing list with 13,662 yards, is among those that will be eligible for enshrinement in Canton starting next year.
"That was a huge topic of discussion on the way back," wide receiver Hines Ward said of the Saturday night bus ride back to St. Vincent College. "We know Jerome is going to be in there. It's just a matter of time. Jerome's one of the greatest running backs ever to play this game."
CANTON, OH - AUGUST 7: Hines Ward (L) and Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers look on as Dick LeBeau is introduced at the 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Field at Fawcett Stadium on August 7, 2010 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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