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8 August 2021, NFL Hall of Fame, Canton, Ohio, USA
Thank you for your unconditional friendship, thank you, guys.
Secondly I talk about the players. It started with Pop Warner Football. To high school. To my NC State crew that's out here. To the Cleveland Browns, to the Philadelphia Eagles. No, no, no, don't go there! I've got two kids who were born in Cleveland!
You know, playing football is about comradery and having each other's back. It's all about building Relationships and friendships through the workout, practices, and games and all the time we spend together. Thank you, guys.
The players who played for me as a coach from the Cleveland Browns to the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Since our last enshrinement, we saw tonight we've lost a number of players. but there's one player who's not with us tonight, but embodies what this whole thing Is about. Hall of famer Kevin Green. Tara Green is with us tonight. He was a special man who I had the privilege of coaching. He embraced life, and his passion exuded in everything he did. He's with us in spirit tonight.
But the game is about the players. For all you guys that played for me, I want to thank you for all your sacrifice, commitment, and trust.
As a coach, you ask people to trust. What is trust? Trust is something as a coach you have to earn. Trust is unconditional, and trust can be powerful. To each and every one of you, whatever role you played, I want you to know it never went unappreciated. You were a reflection of our culture. To the coaches and support staff, to all the coaches who coached me, thank you for pushing me and believing in me and teaching me. People like Chuck Amato, my linebacker coach at NC State. Thanks, coach. I know I was a handful at times, but you always set me straight. To all the coaches who have coached with me. I always said the NFL assistant coaches are teachers, and I learned from all of you. Thank you for your sacrifice, dedication, and loyalty. You know, coaching, like playing, it’s a brotherhood. You share the joys of winning, The frustration of losing, and thrive on the next opportunity to do it again. During the season we spend more time together than we do with our families.
I want to give a special thank you to the coaches' spouses, tor running the home. It takes a special partner to be a coach's wife. to the sports staff, to the trainers and doctors, to the assistants, and front office and personnel departments. You lean on them. You can't operate without their expertise. Thank you for all of you for being patient with me.
Lastly, my family. It all started for me in Crafton, Pennsylvania. My mom and dad. Dorothy and Bill, and my two brothers Phil and Doug. We were a close family. Our schedules were formed around sports, practice, and whatever summer jobs we had. We had a special set of parents that loved each other and their boys unconditionally. They supported us and instilled in us the values we have today. Thanks, Mom and Dad.
To my late wife Kay and our three daughters Megan, Lauren, and Lindsey. We're a very insulated family. Kay was the rock. She was a great partner. You three girls gave me the balance and perspective and drive to succeed. I just want to make you proud to say that I was your father. I love you, guys, and the women you've become. And to my wife Veronica, Queen V as she's known, thank you for all you bring to the family. We needed a little music and harmony to blend this journey Together.
Thank you, and I love you.
And last i just want to say to my two main mentors, two Individuals who helped shape and mould me into the person I am today.
First Marty Shottenheimer, the only head coach i ever worked for. He talked me into coaching when I never coached before.
He gave me the opportunity to be a defense coordinator, when I'd never done it before. He won over 200 games in over 20 seasons. He had many assistant coaches that went on to become NFL coaches. four of which have won a Super Bowl. He was a master motivator, a stickler to detail, and it started with preparation. He's not only influenced the game, but he's influenced anyone that's ever played for him, coached with him, or coached against him. I speak on behalf of many, thank you, coach. You did so much for so many, for so long. One day you will be in the Hall of Fame.
I also want the say thank you to Pat. Thank you for all you did for Kay and I as you took us under your wing. And Kristen, your father, my first meeting with him was a Saturday basketball game of yours. He was coaching me through you. So thank you for having a good game.
And last, Dan Rooney and the Rooney family. I came to Pittsburgh at age 34. I knew of the tradition and expectation of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I grew up there. What i didn't know was how it worked on the inside. Who were the Rooneys? There I grew in every aspect of my life. Dan was a visionary leader. He never missed a teaching moment and inspired those around him. The Rooneys were about community and doing the right thing, and isn't that what this Hall of Fame family is all about? Let's use this platform to make a difference. Winning was a by product of Dan. In 2005, prior to our historic run as the first sixth seed to ever win a championship, that Monday he came into me, and Dan Rooney gave me these rosary beads. I said Dan, I'm not catholic. Dan said to me without missing a beat, “Coach, it doesn't matter. Every little bit helps.” Well, Dan, I still have them today. To those who unfortunately aren't with us, my parents, my wife kay, Marty, and Dan and Pat Rooney, you are here in spirit. I feel you, I love you, and hope you're as proud of me as I am of you.
Thank you Steeler Nation.