Seth Udinski, FISM News
The NFL Hall of Fame Class of 2021 was enshrined in Canton, Ohio on Sunday. The weekend also included a ceremony for the Class of 2020, which did not partake in an induction ceremony last year due to the COVID-19 lockdowns. The Class of 2021 includes superstar quarterback Payton Manning, defensive back Charles Woodson, wide receivers Calvin Johnson and Drew Pearson, offensive lineman Alan Feneca, head coach Tom Flores, and scout Bill Nunn. Manning, Johnson, and Woodson each entered Canton in their first year of eligibility, five years after retirement from the league. 2020’s Class is highlighted by wide receiver Harold Carmichael and defensive back Troy Polamalu.
Many current and former players took to social media to show their appreciation for the Hall’s newest members, especially Manning. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, who as a player had battled with Manning in numerous big-game moments, posted a video congratulating his former foe for his induction:
Nobody respects Peyton's greatness like @TomBrady. 🤝
📺: @ProFootballHOF Class of 2021 Enshrinement — Tonight at 7pm ET on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/NOkqNpyZ8h
— NFL (@NFL) August 8, 2021
Peyton’s little brother Eli, also a recent retired quarterback and likely candidate for a future Hall of Fame class, posted a tongue-in-cheek congratulatory message on his Twitter account:
Peyton is not the only Manning to win an award today. Abby and I won the Consolation bracket of the B league in Mixed Doubles Tennis. This day just became even more special for the Manning family. Don’t tell Peyt, I don’t want to take anything away from his big day.
— Eli Manning (@EliManning) August 8, 2021
Hall of Fame weekend unofficially kicked off the NFL season, as the first preseason game took place on Thursday night in Canton, Ohio. The Pittsburg Steelers won the exhibition matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, 16-3.