A Look Ahead!

It's a warm day, the sky is blue and spattered with small white puffs. There is a cool breeze blowing in from the north. Unseasonably cool for an early August day, even for Canton, Ohio. A large crowd gathers in front of the stage anxiously awaiting the celebration. United States President Chelsea Clinton is in attendance along with some of her staff, and of course some Secret Service agents. Who knew she was such a football fan when her mom and dad resided at the White House.

Former NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell graced the crowd with his presence, but declined an offer to say a few words at today's ceremonies. Mr. Goodell isn't getting around well these days, even with the aid of his walker, so he declined Commissioner Bruce Allen's invite. Bruce, in his first year as Commissioner is excited about today. Not only is this his first induction ceremony as Commish, but today one of his very own will be inducted.

Today August 2, 2026, is much different than twenty years ago. Back then LeeRoy Selmon was the only Tampa Bay Buccaneer to own a yellow jacket with the NFL Hall of Fame insignia sewn on it, but today sitting behind the podium in the crowd of alumni are Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, Hardy Nickerson and John Lynch. I'm sitting thirty rows back, but I can still hear Warren Sapp talking trash to Brett Favre. I don't know if Hardy's teeth are still all his own, or if they are false, but that smile is as bright and wide as it ever was. The glare from them was blinding on such a sunny day.

We've sat through five speeches now, some good some bad. But now is the moment why myself and many other Buccs fans have made our journey to Canton for. Bruce Allen introduces the presenter of the next enshrinee. This presenter is none other than former legendary Buccaneer Head Coach John Gruden. John gets up from his chair to a raucous crowd, cheering frantically. I can see the sunlight sparkle off of his four SuperBowl rings as he strolls across the stage to the podium. His bright white hair almost sparkles as much. Jon stands in front of the podium and begins to speak.

"Thank you. Thank you all very much. Please settle down so we can get to the business at hand man. I appreciate the applause man, but save it for later. You know what I'm saying? I am very honored to be here today presenting a fine football player, a fine teammate, a fine Buccaneer, a fine human being. I had the privilege of coaching him for thirteen of his fifteen year career. A great example of a leader, a hard worker, a professional at his craft. He's probably one of the best players I have ever been around. It was a joy to watch this twelve time Pro Bowler beat his competition week in and week out for fifteen years. Sometimes sitting alone in my office in the wee hours of the morning watching game film, I would have to rewind, rewind, rewind and rewind again. Watching over and over again the power and dominance displayed in front of me. Most of the time I was awed."

"I could go on all day folks, but let's just get right to it. It's my honor and privilege to introduce to you today twelve time Pro Bowler, ten time All Pro, three time SuperBowl champion, the all time greatest offensive guard in Tampa Bay Buccaneer history, and new Hall of Famer Davin Joseph."
...JJC/ABuccsFan