Recently, Raiders legend Tim Brown was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The iconic wide receiver joined a packed 2015 class that includes Steelers/Rams running back Jerome Bettis and the late Junior Seau. Brown took in the moment with a lengthy speech that gave thanks to everyone from his Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz, who considered Brown the most intelligent football player he had ever coached, to Raiders staff and owner Al Davis, despite their often tense relationship. He also gave credit to his youth football days on the streets of Culver, Texas where he learned his classic jukes and elusiveness.
Beside a final season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brown spent his entire career in the Bay Area. While with the Raiders, Brown set franchise records for receptions, receiving yards, and punt return yards. In addition to setting records, Brown boasts a career that includes winning the 1987 Heisman Trophy, nine Pro Bowl selections and playing for the Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII.
From an early injury in his career that almost derailed it all (“…the doctors literally told me we don’t know if we can get you walking straight, so playing football may be something that’s not in the plans for you anymore”), to emerging as a 3rd down and special teams threat to finally seizing the moment in his third year to solidify his starting role, Brown demonstrated the grit often appreciated by the Raiders’ die-hard Black Hole fans. Brown finished his 17-year career with 1,094 receptions for 14,934 yards and 100 touchdowns.
For a full transcript of Tim Brown’s speech, visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame.