Aug 2, 2013; Canton, OH, USA; Minnesota Vikings former wide receiver Cris Carter poses with his bust during the 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Cris Carter went into the Hall of Fame Saturday night and, as you would expect from a guy as verbose as Carter, he gave a memorable speech. Carter got pretty emotional right off the bat when recognizing his older brother Butch Carter and the rest of his family, including his sisters who “taught him how to be a gentleman.” He then moved to his friends from the hood including his pal Toogie (everyone should have a pal named Toogie).
Carter then did the old “career review” thing that all guys do during their speech. He began by apologizing to Ohio State for getting kicked out his senior season after signing with an agent. He then moved onto Buddy Ryan, thanking the former Eagles coach for cutting him, an experience that he said was a wake-up call.
It was the Vikings’ turn after that. Carter gave props to his teammates including former quarterback Warren Moon. He took a little shot at fellow Hall of Famer Gary Zimmerman, mentioning how Zimmerman never wanted to practice. Don’t let Percy Harvin hear that!
In closing Carter mentioned the most important people he met on the way to “football heaven.” His mama Joyce, who got a standing O from the crowd. Second, Carter mentioned his high school coach Bill Conley, who got him away from basketball by telling him he had a better chance to be Lynn Swann than Isiah Thomas. Third, Carter mentioned his wife of 33 years Melanie (no choice there). Fourth, Betty Triliegi, a woman who helped Carter get over drug addiction. Fifth, former Eagles teammate Reggie White.
See the full speech here at Vikings.com. Congrats Cris Carter on finally getting into the Hall where you belong.
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