Thaindian News

By Meena Kar
Aug 8, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Jerry Rice delivered one of the most powerful speeches at the induction ceremony that saw him enter the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday. Considered one of the greatest wide receivers of all time, the acceptance speech of the player who had a 20 year old career, came as a surprise to many of the fans.

In the meticulous and powerful acceptance speech Jerry Rice admitted that it was fear, more than other things, that forced him to succeed. He said that it was the fear of disappointing his parents, later his coaches, then team mates and fans that drove him towards success. He said that even before he started playing he was always running and he did not know why. He added that he realized later he was preparing himself for something bigger and something that was his destiny. He said that Saturday was the proof that he could finally never stop running. The entire 16 minute presentation by the player was a far cry from the speeches by the other inductees. Jerry Rice’s speech was contained, calm and the player’s attention to detail was well evident.

In the speech, Jerry Rice paid respects to his deceased father and also his 72 year old mother who is on a wheelchair now. His mother, however, looked in the best of spirits in spite of the failing health and said that she was thankful to god that she could be here for the induction ceremony of her son. Near the end of the speech Jerry Rice was seen becoming slightly more casual when he revealed that he felt like dancing.