Ralph Wilson

Ralph Wilson often said he never thought he'd live to see the day he would be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, but at 90 years of age, his time has finally arrived Many people familiar with the history of the NFL, and its merger with the AFL that turned it into the premier pro sports league in the world, think Wilson's induction is long overdue.

Most recently, Wilson was singled out for protesting the NFL's most recent labor agreement because it threatened the revenue sharing provisions so vital for small market franchises like Buffalo. Only a couple years later, owners were in unanimous agreement that Wilson was right to have his original misgivings, and changes have been made and will be made in the future based on Wilson's courage to speak out.

Ralph C. Wilson has long been one of the most influential NFL owners, and the man perhaps most responsible for standing up for the smaller markets, convincing the larger market owners that a well-balanced NFL is the key to the league's overall success. His foresight has more than paid off, and at long last, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. has been recognized for a long and distinguished role as an NFL contributor; a role he will continue.

Bruce Smith

Bruce Smith, who played in four Super Bowls with the Buffalo Bills, arrived at the podium Saturday with crumpled tissues in his right hand after he was voted into Pro Football’s Hall of Fame.

Hayes, the 1964 Olympic gold medalist in the 100 meters, parlayed his speed into an 11-year football career, playing all but his final season, in 1975, for Dallas. In the statement read by Hester, Hayes gave thanks to many before concluding, “Just thank everyone in the whole world.”

The 45-year-old Smith, who has no championship ring to show for his four Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s, gained entry into the Hall but tight end Shannon Sharpe, who starred on three Super Bowl-championship teams, did not. Receiver Cris Carter and the former N.F.L. commissioner Paul Tagliabue also failed to receive enough votes.

Rod Woodson

Rod Woodson, he is now, OFFICIALLY, a Hall of Famer From his early days in Pittsburgh he always provided a spark in every game he played in. Whether he was laying the wood on the opposition or taking and interception or punto to the rack, he commanded the attention of fans and opposing players alike.

Career sacks leader Bruce Smith, versatile defensive back Rod Woodson and four others made the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, while former commissioner Paul Tagliabue was denied entry for the third straight year.

Smith previously said making the hall would be a bigger honor if two other Bills, Wilson and wide receiver Andre Reed, also got in the same year. He got half of his wish. The 90-year-old Wilson is the only owner the Bills have had since they were a charter member of the AFL in 1960 Woodson is the career leader in interception returns for touchdowns with 12.

Randall McDaniel

Randall McDaniel's response a moment after he was announced as part of the six-member class of the star-studded 2009 Pro Football Hall of Fame class today in Tampa, Fla "I can't believe it," a stunned McDaniel said from his Twin Cities home. "You never set out thinking that's going to happen. A part of me is wondering if this is real. I'm a linemen, so no one ever tells a lineman the truth.

Joining McDaniel are Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Derrick Thomas, Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Rod Woodson, Dallas Cowboys receiver Bob Hayes and Bills owner Ralph Wilson "It's a humbling experience. It's a great honor to have," McDaniel said.

The 19th overall selection by the Vikings in the 1988 NFL Draft out of Arizona State, McDaniel went to an NFL record 12 consecutive Pro Bowls. He played for the Vikings until the 1999 season then finished his career with two seasons in Tampa with the Buccaneers It's not the end of the world," Randle said. "I was hoping for Randall. He deserves it.