By Trent Strafaci
As a kid, I used to dream of throwing a winning touchdown and playing with players who were bigger than life. I dreamed I could juke Jason Taylor out and out scramble LaDainian Tomlinson across the goal line. Unfortunately, I have had to settle for writing about them, but this year’s Hall of Fame proves that even as a child I could tell real talent. This year’s inductees include all-time greats such as Jason Taylor, Kenny Easley, Kurt Warner, LaDainian Tomlinson, and notables Terrell Davis, Morten Andersen, and Jerry Jones. These are men who not only exhibited great talent, but were also ambassadors of true NFL values. They represent the game and make their communities better places.
For die-hard Dolphin fans, Jason Taylor is one of the all-time greats not only on the field but also in the South Florida community. Apparently, the selection committee for the NFL feels the same way about Taylor.
Taylor’s stats prove he was one of the best defensive ends and linebackers in NFL history. Throughout Taylor’s career, he ranks fourth all-time in career sacks with 139.5, with his best year as a Dolphin being in 2002 with 18.5 sacks, (at least 1.5 sacks per game). Additionally, Taylor has given a lot back to the local community with the Jason Taylor Foundation, dedicated to “the personal growth and empowerment of South Florida’s children in need by focusing on improved health care, education, and quality of life,” according to the foundation. Taylor is a role model for young people.
Kenny Easley began his illustrious career early as a three-time all-American at UCLA. Drafted in the fourth round by the Seahawks in 1981, he was picked as Defensive Rookie of the Year and went on to become a member of the all decade team in the 1980’s as a safety. Throughout his career, he collected 32 interceptions, having a career year in 1984 with 10 interceptions. He, too, gives back to the community. Easley sponsors the GTA golf tournament that provides funds for Georgia charities.
Kurt Warner did not follow the path of his fellow Hall of Famers. He wasn’t drafted coming out of Northern Iowa, and played Arena Football – boy, did the NFL mess up.
He ended up signing with the St. Louis Rams in 1998 and set a Super Bowl record with 414 passing yards. He was named Super bowl MVP in 1999 when his team defeated the Tennessee Titans 23-16. Warner went on to appear in two more Super bowls, 2001 and 2008, with the Arizona Cardinals. He is the only quarterback to throw over 300 yards in three Super bowls. Warner also repays his community through his charitable organization “First Thing First” that provides financial and spiritual backing for those in need.
Anyone who has ever watched the San Diego Chargers knows LaDainian Tomlinson. He was the bolt that crossed the line before the other team knew what happened. He began his college career at Texas Christian and was later drafted the first round by the Chargers in 2001. He was named NFL’s most valuable player in 2006 where he 1,815 and 28 touchdowns. In 2003 he made NFL history by making 31 touchdowns, the most of any running back. His charity is the Touching Lives Foundation, which provides financial support for kids in need in the San Diego area and last year sent out 1,400 Thanksgiving dinners to needy families.
When I think about the times I pretended to outrun Tomlinson in my backyard and avoiding the tank Jason Taylor, I realize I had the good sense to choose great men who set records and have made differences in young lives. They were definitely part of the field of dreams.
