August 5, 2006

Thank you very much. I’d like to first of all say that I’m very pleased to see all the people who have stuck around here today. I know it’s been a long day. I know it’s hot. I know a lot of you have come to watch other inductees and have reason to leave, but you stuck it out, and I appreciate that very much.

I’d also like to say that the people in Canton, Ohio, have been absolutely terrific. Over the last three days we’ve been here, the hospitality that they’ve shown myself and family has been nothing short of spectacular. I look forward to many return trips to the Canton area in the future years. I don’t anticipate missing many Hall of Fame weekends. Thank you for the hospitality and thank you for the courtesy you’ve shown me and my family.

It’s said you’re judged by the company you keep. If that’s true, I’m in great standing today. It’s an honor to be a member of a Hall of Fame induction class that includes five men for whom I have such admiration and respect. Warren Moon, Reggie White, Harry Carson and Rayfield Wright played the game the way it should be played. John Madden coached the game the same way.

I would have loved to have had any one of them on my team.

I, too, am saddened by the absence of Reggie White, an amazing player and even better man who left us far too soon. Reggie, Warren, Harry, Rayfield, and John represented the game with class, just as Lesley Visser, the first female recipient of the Pete Rozelle Award, brought respect and professionalism to the field of journalism for her work in print and broadcasting. It makes me proud to be in their company today.

I’m also honored to have Norv Turner here today as my presenter. Norv was my coach for three years. That’s it. I started playing football at the age of seven and retired when I was 34. Of all those years, Norv and I were together for only three. Yet there’s no doubt in my mind that if Norv Turner had not entered my life, I wouldn’t be joining these men in the Pro Football Hall of Fame today.

He meant that much to my career and to the Dallas Cowboys. Norv came to Dallas as an offensive coordinator in 1991, my third season, and turned around one of the worst offenses in the National Football League, and gave guidance to a young quarterback who was in desperate need of some direction.

We went to the playoffs that season, and over the next two years won back to back Super Bowls. At a time when coaches are guarded about getting too close to their players, Norv proved you could be both a great coach and a great friend. Yet it’s our friendship that is most special because it has endured long after he stopped coaching me in Dallas. He’s the big brother I never had. And I thank him for having the biggest single influence on my career. Thank you, Norv. I wouldn’t be here without you.

When I was a kid, all I ever wanted to be was a professional athlete. It wouldn’t have happened without the help of a lot of great coaches. I was blessed to be coached by some of the game’s best, beginning with my earliest years of junior All American football in Cerritos, California, with the Suburban Hornets.

Mario Orasco, Rod Davis, Manny DeSalvo taught me the fundamentals of the game and what it meant to be a good sport. As I moved on to junior high and high school ball in Henrietta, Oklahoma, with the Henrietta Hens that’s right, our mascot was the Hens, Fighting Hens as if maybe that instilled a little bit of doubt in our opponents’ minds.

Anyway, Bill Holt in Henrietta taught me about the sacrifices that must be made to excel. Following high school, I attended Oklahoma University and was coached by one of the winningest coaches in college football history, Barry Switzer.

It was also while as Oklahoma that I got coached by Mack Brown, current head coach of the defending national champions Texas Longhorns.

Although my time at Oklahoma was brief, it was there that I first learned how difficult playing the quarterback position could be. It was through those disappointments, however, that led to me transfer into UCLA. That decision would turn around my career.

I owe so much of my success to UCLA and to my head coach there at the time, Terry Donahue. Coach Donahue represented UCLA with class and integrity and was a great example for the young men that he coached. His impact on me was significant. He would often tell me and the team, ‘Things are never as good as you think they are or ever as bad as you think they are.’ Sound advice that I would have to remind myself of often during my early years in Dallas.

Coach Donahue, thank you for providing me an opportunity at UCLA and having such a positive influence on my life.

So many other coaches are responsible for my development as a player. Rick Enis, Danny Spurlock, Ken Lackey, Steve Axman, Rick Neuheisel, Jerry Rhome, Hudson Houck, Joe Avazzano. Joe has been a great friend to me and my family for many years. I thank him for his support throughout my career.

Ernie Zampese, my offensive coordinator in Dallas for four years, including when we won Super Bowl XXX. Was one of the best offensive minds and greatest people that this game has ever known. Ernie couldn’t be with us today. I know he’s watching. Ernie, I say thank you for everything.

Then of course there was Jimmy. Jimmy Johnson and I arrived in Dallas the same year, 1989, both fresh from college, both eager to prove ourselves. Didn’t take long to see that Jimmy was unique, and it wasn’t just because of his hair.

What struck me most about Jimmy was his fearlessness. Some coaches play not to lose. Jimmy always played to win. Some guard against overconfidence. Jimmy insisted on it. Jimmy’s boldness set the tone for a young group of players who didn’t know much about winning but were eager to learn. Jimmy was the right coach at the right time for the Dallas Cowboys, and I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity to play for him.

I was also fortunate to have played for a franchise whose owner was as committed to winning as anybody on the field. Every move Jerry Jones made was done with the sole purpose of helping the Cowboys win championships. That’s what he was about then, and still is to this day.

As a quarterback, the player who more than any other is ultimately judged on his ability to win, I couldn’t have asked for anything more from an owner. It was a privilege to play for Jerry and the rest of the Jones family, and I appreciate the opportunity they gave me and their commitment to making the Cowboys a championship organization. Thank you very much.

In addition to great coaching and ownership, I had the pleasure with playing with a very gifted and special group of players. It’s no wonder we enjoyed so much success in the ’90s considering all the talent we had. I enjoyed the best seat in the house as I watched Emmitt Smith run his way to the NFL’s all time rushing record. Michael Irvin, whose work ethic was second to none, was one of the most special teammates I’ve ever had the opportunity to play with.

I always took great pride in being a part of the triplets with Michael and Emmitt. There were so many other special players that I had a chance to play with, guys such as Jay Novacek, the irreplaceable and unsung hero of our franchise, Daryl "Moose" Johnston, the blue collar guy who I’m not ashamed to say was better at his job than any other player on the team was theirs, including myself.

Charles Haley, no one came more prepared to play or played harder on game day than Charles did. Jason Garrett, my confidant and greatest ally on the field and quarterback meetings for the majority of my career. Dell Hellestrae, not only was he the best long snapper in the league, but he also proved to be a great listener to my many frustrations on a many a Saturday night. Thank you, Strapper. Golf game hasn’t gotten any better.

I was also protected for many years by one of the best offensive lines of all time. Mark Tuinei, Nate Newton, Mark Stepnoski, John Gesek, Eric Williams, Larry Allen, and Kevin Gogan. As talented as all of these players were, however, they were even better teammates. When I look back at my football career and the championship seasons, I think of all my teammates from Henrietta to UCLA to Dallas that shared in all those moments. I thank all of you. I certainly would not be here without you.

As I look at the men on this stage behind me, I think about the many great moments that they helped produce. The championships their teams won and the fans they entertained. They all made significant contributions to their teams, and that’s why they’re here.

In Dallas, my role as the quarterback was to move our team down the field and score points. Sometimes that meant passing the ball, sometimes it meant handing it off. We had a good system in Dallas. Although it wasn’t one that allowed me to put up big numbers, that was fine. I did what was asked to help the team win. So it is extremely gratifying that after a career of putting team accomplishments in front of personal achievement, today I am receiving the greatest individual honor a football player could ever receive.

I didn’t seek it, and yet I’m here. I’m so grateful to the NFL, to the Cowboys, to my teammates, and to my coaches, for helping me get here.

There are two other people that deserve mention. The first is Leigh Steinberg. Leigh was my agent throughout my career. I was always proud to have him as well as Jeff Moorehead represent me during contract negotiations. There’s not a better example of Leigh’s support for his clients than the fact that Warren Moon selected him to be his presenter today.

The second person is my long time business advisor, Mark Grigg. I’ve known Mark since I was 22 years old. Since that time I’ve not met a finer, more trustworthy person. Mark, thank you for the commitment and support over the last 17 years.

I’m also very grateful to my family. My mother, Charlynn sacrificed so much for myself and my two sisters, shuttling us to practices, attending our games, fixing meals, keeping our uniforms clean, and basically always being there for us whenever we needed her, regardless of whatever else might have been occupying her time at the moment.

Mom, you’re an amazing woman. You’ve always given more than you’ve gotten, yet I don’t think you’d have it any other way. The older I get, the more I understand how much you sacrificed, and your children will forever be indebted to you.

My father, Ken, taught me early on that through hard work I could achieve anything I wanted in life. Dad, you were right. You taught me about discipline, toughness, and life’s most important lesson: To never quit. My intensity on the field was a reflection of you and your impact on my athletic career was greater than you’ll ever know.

I was also lucky to grow up with two terrific sisters, at least most of the time (smiling). Terri and Tami were pretty good athletes themselves. Since I didn’t have a brother, they were the ones who satisfied my need to get better by playing catch, running routes, rebounding baskets, and doing pretty much everything else little brother needed. I thank both of you for all the support and love you’ve shown me through the years.

There’s now a new team of Aikman women in my life. My wife, Rhonda, is my best friend. She inspires me daily in ways that no one ever has before. The past eight years have been without question the best years of my life. Rhonda, you’re a wonderful mother, an example to our three daughters, Rachel, Jordan, and Alex. The four of you make me so proud and give my life purpose, I’m so thankful to have such a wonderful family.

I’d also like to thank the many friends, family and fans who have traveled great distances to share this moment with me today. Thank you. Your friendship and support means so much to me as it did throughout my career. Football is a great game that has afforded me many things and provided much happiness. But my greatest blessings in life have been my family and friends.

A high school coach once told me, In life you have a lot of acquaintances but very few friends. For most, that’s probably true, but not for me. The many friendships in my life are what made me feel every single day like I’m the luckiest guy in the world, and I thank all of you for being here today.

In closing, I’d like to share something that a close friend used to tell me back when I was playing. He’d say this when times were tough, maybe we’d lost a close game, I’d thrown the deciding interception or the grind and the rigors of the season were beginning to take their toll on me. What Norv Turner would say was this:

Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that these are the jobs we’ve always dreamed of having. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that these are the jobs we’ve always dreamed of having.

Norv was right. For as long as I can remember, all I ever wanted was to play pro sports. A lot of kids want that, but very few actually get the chance. I was able to live a dream. I played professional football. That I was able to do so with so many great players and coaches and win three World Championships and wind up here today with all these great men in gold jackets, well, it’s almost too much to believe. I am humbled to be welcomed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and I thank you.

August 5, 2006

First of all, I’d like to give praise and thanks to our father in heaven and through his son Jesus Christ that has given me the ability to play sports.

I learned a poem in the eighth grade entitled, The Road Not Taken. It’s about two roads. One was well traveled, the other was grassy and wanted wear. Through this poem, I discovered that life would give me choices. It was recognizing those choices that proved to be the greatest challenge. Looking back, my instinct was to always take the easy road. But the easy road never came my way.

You see, I grew up in Griffin, Georgia. My mother and my grandmother raised me, my brothers, and my sister. We didn’t have much money or any luxuries to speak of. Times were tough, and I recognized at an early age the struggles that we faced.

I remember getting on my knees when I was 10 years old beside my grandmother, and I simply asked God something. I asked him if he would just give me the ability that I could do something, that I could help my mother and my grandmother, and I could help other people. My grandmother taught me the power of prayer and what that prayer meant to me. And it’s still in front of me today.

Back in the ’50s, kids in my neighborhood didn’t wear hundred dollar tennis shoes, and never went to sporting camps. After chores and homework, you’d find us in an empty field playing football, basketball, baseball. We didn’t have golf in our community. If we had, we would have learned how to play that.

My brother Lamar taught me the basics of sports. Even then something in my spirit told me that sports would be my chosen path. But success didn’t come my way instantly. In fact, I went out for football in high school and I couldn’t make the team my first three years.

Now, basketball was a different story. I loved playing basketball. Another recognized my ability and passion for the game. In fact, Loyola University wanted me to come play basketball for them. But due to financial hardships, I selected a career in the Air Force to serve this great country and to continue my education and play basketball.

As I came to learn, that wasn’t God’s plan for me. About the same time, a gentleman by the name of Mr. Stan Lomax was hired to coach at Fort Valley State College. Coach Lomax had learned of my athletic ability from my cousin, John Willis. Through Coach Lomax’s persistence, I was offered an athletic scholarship. Coach Lomax, I thank you for always treating me and believing in me, treating me like a son.

And to my cousin, John Willis, I wouldn’t be standing here today without you. God bless you, brother. I love you.

During my college years, I excelled in both football and basketball, but basketball was still my preferred sport, as I averaged over 20 points a game, 21 rebounds per game. In fact, the Cincinnati Royals tried to sign me my junior year to come and play basketball for them, but I declined that invitation because I needed to stay in school and get my education. And I did just that.

And I knew I was headed for the NBA. But, again, I found myself traveling yet another road. My senior year, I received a telephone call from a gentleman by the name of Mr. Gil Brandt of the Dallas Cowboys. He stated that the Cowboys was interested in drafting me. I asked him, For what? I had my sights set on the NBA.

But I realized that potential, playing for the Cowboys, was a God given opportunity, and I couldn’t ignore it. I decided to attend the Cowboys training camp which was in July. The Royals camp didn’t start till August. I kind of figured that if I didn’t make the Cowboys team, I could go right to the NBA.

That year, 1967, the Dallas Cowboys had 137 rookies in training camp. Gil Brandt was signing everybody that could walk. Only five made the team that year, and I was one of the five.

I thank you, Mr. Brandt, for giving me the opportunity to play for the Dallas Cowboys.

My career started as a tight end. Don Meredith was our quarterback at the time. Recently I asked Don. I said, ‘Don, you remember throwing me a touchdown pass against the Eagles?’ He laughed and said, ‘Rayfield, I wasn’t throwing the ball to you, you was just so tall, you got in the way.’

Two years later, Coach Landry called me into his office and said, ‘Rayfield, I’m going to move you to offensive tackle.’ I looked at him and I said, ‘Coach, I never played that position before in my life.’ He said, ‘I know, but you’re quick, you learn fast. Besides, we got a young quarterback coming to the team this year, and his name was Roger Staubach, and he don’t stay in the pocket. He runs around a lot, and he needs a little bit more protection.’

But I was never one to question the authorities of elders. Coach Landry, I believed in his decision, and that was good enough for me.

Now, offensive linemen are taught to protect the quarterback the same way that the secret service protects our nation’s president. In this case, Roger Staubach was our president. The director of the secret service was our offensive line coach Jim Myers. He built an offensive line that was unmatched. And today I cannot accept this honor without bringing Coach Myers and his offensive line into the Hall with me. That line consists of John Fitzgerald, Tony Liscio, Dave Manders, Ralph Neely, John Niland and Blaine Nye.

Gentlemen, I’m proud to call myself your teammates. I share this enshrinement with you.

And to our defense, you were the Doomsday. I’m thankful that I only had to face you guys in practice. I remember Coach Landry once telling me, Rayfield, no matter how many awards or accolades you receive, you will be never greater than the team. The Dallas Cowboys was a team, and what a team the Cowboys had during the dynamic decade of the ’70s.

I have 13 years of players and coaches I’d like to acknowledge today. But I’ve been told that I’m not to go into overtime. We had a lot of shares of playing games in overtime back in the glory days. You can understand the pressure that I face up here right now.

But we played together as a team in 12 playoff games, five Super Bowls. Guys, you know who you are. I know who you are. The Cowboy fans around the country know who you are. I always remember that we were winners, and I treasurer those moments and memories.

Fans always ask me who my toughest opponent was, how tough they were, who they were. I played against the best. My body still hurts when I hear their names called. But I wouldn’t be here today without these great players. Deacon Jones, thank you for your gracious welcome into the NFL. In case you’re wondering, Deek, the answer is yes, my mother knows I’m here.

Claude Humphrey, you were a brut, a strong and physical player. LC Greenwood, your long arms and quickness made Sunday afternoon a chore. Jack Youngblood, you played with finesse, and I tried always to try and outsmart you. Bubba Smith was a mountain of a man. Carl Eller, if you ever need a ride from Bloomington to Minneapolis, give me a call, my friend. But this time, I’ll drive you in my car.

I have some angels here today that are enshrined in the heavens’ Hall of Fame. My first angel probably arrived here at 4:00 this morning to make sure that everything was in place. That angel is my grandmother. We called her Big Mama. In essence, Big Mama was my first coach. I know she’s very proud of me.

The spirit of my youngest brother Phillip is also here. He was a great athlete with a big heart. He left this world much too soon. Cowboy fans would give the next angel a warm welcome because he is coach Tom Landry. However, you may not recognize him today because he’s smiling. Thank you, Coach Landry, for your inspiration on and off the field. On the sideline was coach (inaudible), our distinguished defensive coach.

Next to Coach Landry and Coach Stockner are two Cowboy legends, Harvey Martin and Bob Hayes. Harvey was one of the most accomplished defensive ends to ever play the game. Bully Bob Hayes forever changed the game of football. Harvey and Bob, my hope and prayer is that someday you will both join me into and be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

I’ve had many mentors in my life who always said, Let honor and success come to you only if it’s deserved, not because it’s sought after. Being enshrined today is, indeed, an honor. I extend my gratitude to the selection committee for nominating me, with special thanks to Mr. Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News. Some say that patience is a virtue. After 22 years of eligibility, God knows that I’m not a saint, but I am a Dallas Cowboy. And today I acknowledge my 2006 inductees. I’m privileged to be in such a stellar class. I would give thanks and shout to our troops who are protecting this great nation. May God keep you safe. To thank everyone who is playing and who has played a vital role in my life would take me 60 years, so I’ll try to keep it brief.

I wish to tip my helmet to the Dallas Cowboy fans, especially the ones who remember my playing days and America’s team of the ’70s. To the Bob Hayes family, I thank you for your support and continued support over the years. To my former teammates, the ones who are here today, to those who have reached out to me over the past several months. I love you guys, and I thank you.

To Jeannette DeVadder, the coauthor of my book and my friend, thanks for keeping me real. To my classmates and teammates from Fairmont High School, and Fort Valley State college, we are connected through the gifts of education and knowledge. To my uncles, my aunts, my cousins, to everyone in Griffin, Georgia, you are a vital link to my past and a solid bridge to my future.

To Mr. David Walker, my Boy Scout master, who always taught me to be prepared. To my brother Lamar and my sister Erline, my children, La Ray, Anisha, Larry, Arial, and my grandchildren, Iesa and Taylor, you nourish my soul and I love you from the bottom of my heart.

And to my mother, Mrs. Opel Wright, from the day I was born, you watched me take the road less traveled. Mom, you are my rose garden, you watered each day with your love, with your faith, and with your prayers. Your roots are deeply instilled in me, and your soul is so beautiful, in spite of all the painful thorns that life has put in your way.

Now, parents, teach your children well. Encourage them with your faith and leadership. Remember that you are the windows through which your children see this world. Take notice of yourself and the things that you do in hopes that your example will stir their hearts and souls.

To every young athlete within the sound of my voice, it takes courage to dream your dream. Don’t let them sit in the locker room. Take a leap of faith. Listen to your parents and respect your elders. Learn from your successes and your losses. Defeat is possible and as a challenge to do better next time. Be satisfied you gave the game everything that you had and remember this: Don’t be afraid to travel the road less traveled because Larry Rayfield Wright did, and you can, too.

May God bless you and may he keep you and may his countenance shine down upon you and give you peace. God bless you. I love you.