Post by prossman on Feb 4, 2009 11:52:16 GMT -7
DC.COM: Hall Passes; Notes: Irvin Thrilled Hayes Headed For Canton
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Hall Passes
Notes: Irvin Thrilled Hayes Headed For Canton
Rob Phillips
February 3, 2009 3:59 PM
IRVING, Texas - Come August, Michael Irvin won't be the only Cowboys receiver enshrined in Canton - and he can't wait for some company.
Irvin developed a strong friendship with Bob Hayes when he first arrived in Dallas, picking his brain about how to become a great NFL receiver.
Besides excelling at the same position, the two men had something else in common. Both grew up in Florida - Irvin in Miami, Hayes in Jacksonville. It's fitting both of their Hall of Fame elections were announced in their home state (Irvin was named to the 2007 class during Super Bowl XLI week in Miami).
"We talked that stuff - Florida boys," Irvin said Saturday in Tampa Bay, the site of Super Bowl XLIII. "There's nothing like Florida boys and we always talked about that. He actually told me, 'Dallas is a great city. It really is. You have to do the right thing and be careful, but Dallas is a great city.' What a great warning that was. It was great advice that I didn't necessarily follow all the way, but it was great advice.
"What's interesting about Bob is that we spent those moments together. We had time to spend those moments together talking in his apartment (earlier in his career), and now we'll get a chance to spend many nights in that busts room (in the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton) still partaking in that discussion that we talked about in the apartment."
Who's Next?
Emmitt Smith, another Florida native turned Cowboys great, is a virtual lock for the 2010 class in his first year of eligibility. The NFL's all-time leading rusher should have some elite company next year.
Jerry Rice, the league's all-time leading receiver, also should gain first-ballot entry. Other candidates include wide receiver Tim Brown, former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, tight end Shannon Sharpe, wide receiver Andre Reed and running back Eddie George.
Family Controversy?
Hayes' Hall of Fame election has been somewhat clouded by reported family and friend accusations that Lucille Hester, who spoke on Hayes' behalf at the Super Bowl, is not his biological sister.
At Saturday's Hall of Fame press conference, Hester read an emotional Hall of Fame acceptance letter she claimed Hayes wrote and signed in 1999, three years before he died from prostate cancer and liver ailments.
"Thanks to everyone in Jacksonville and in Florida, and everyone especially on the east side of Jacksonville," the last portion of the letter read, referring to Hayes' hometown. "Thanks to everyone in the city of Dallas and in Texas. And I just thank everyone in the whole world. I love you all. - Bob Hayes."
Familiar Role
Irvin recently had a guest role in the USA Network series "Burn Notice." He played a high school football coach whose star player is being threatened by a thug.
Irvin has taken an interest in acting since his retirement. In 2005, he starred in a remake of the football classic The Longest Yard.
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Hall Passes
Notes: Irvin Thrilled Hayes Headed For Canton
Rob Phillips
February 3, 2009 3:59 PM
IRVING, Texas - Come August, Michael Irvin won't be the only Cowboys receiver enshrined in Canton - and he can't wait for some company.
Irvin developed a strong friendship with Bob Hayes when he first arrived in Dallas, picking his brain about how to become a great NFL receiver.
Besides excelling at the same position, the two men had something else in common. Both grew up in Florida - Irvin in Miami, Hayes in Jacksonville. It's fitting both of their Hall of Fame elections were announced in their home state (Irvin was named to the 2007 class during Super Bowl XLI week in Miami).
"We talked that stuff - Florida boys," Irvin said Saturday in Tampa Bay, the site of Super Bowl XLIII. "There's nothing like Florida boys and we always talked about that. He actually told me, 'Dallas is a great city. It really is. You have to do the right thing and be careful, but Dallas is a great city.' What a great warning that was. It was great advice that I didn't necessarily follow all the way, but it was great advice.
"What's interesting about Bob is that we spent those moments together. We had time to spend those moments together talking in his apartment (earlier in his career), and now we'll get a chance to spend many nights in that busts room (in the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton) still partaking in that discussion that we talked about in the apartment."
Who's Next?
Emmitt Smith, another Florida native turned Cowboys great, is a virtual lock for the 2010 class in his first year of eligibility. The NFL's all-time leading rusher should have some elite company next year.
Jerry Rice, the league's all-time leading receiver, also should gain first-ballot entry. Other candidates include wide receiver Tim Brown, former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, tight end Shannon Sharpe, wide receiver Andre Reed and running back Eddie George.
Family Controversy?
Hayes' Hall of Fame election has been somewhat clouded by reported family and friend accusations that Lucille Hester, who spoke on Hayes' behalf at the Super Bowl, is not his biological sister.
At Saturday's Hall of Fame press conference, Hester read an emotional Hall of Fame acceptance letter she claimed Hayes wrote and signed in 1999, three years before he died from prostate cancer and liver ailments.
"Thanks to everyone in Jacksonville and in Florida, and everyone especially on the east side of Jacksonville," the last portion of the letter read, referring to Hayes' hometown. "Thanks to everyone in the city of Dallas and in Texas. And I just thank everyone in the whole world. I love you all. - Bob Hayes."
Familiar Role
Irvin recently had a guest role in the USA Network series "Burn Notice." He played a high school football coach whose star player is being threatened by a thug.
Irvin has taken an interest in acting since his retirement. In 2005, he starred in a remake of the football classic The Longest Yard.
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