In the annals of professional football, few names resonate with the power and respect commanded by John Hannah. On July 27, 1991, a monumental chapter was added to his illustrious career as he was formally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This wasn’t just another accolade; it was the culmination of a lifelong journey, celebrated in a deeply moving ceremony where family, gratitude, and the love of the game took center stage. The honor was made even more poignant by the presenter – his father, Herb Hannah, whose heartfelt introduction set the tone for a truly unforgettable enshrinement.
Herb Hannah, visibly moved and overflowing with paternal pride, began the presentation. Addressing the Hall of Fame members, guests, and his son John directly, he confessed that being asked to present John was the “greatest thing that ever happened to me.” His emotional opening painted a picture of a close-knit family, blessed with four sons, four daughters-in-law, and seven grandchildren, most of whom were present to witness this pinnacle moment. He extended heartfelt thanks to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for their exceptional hospitality, recognizing the rarity of such an honor, bestowed upon only a select few from the thousands who have played professional football.
Herb Hannah recounted recognizing early on the exceptional qualities that defined John’s path to greatness. He recalled advising his son, upon John’s departure from Albertsville, AL to join the New England Patriots 18 years prior, that his potential was limitless, depending only on his own will. For 13 seasons, the proud father believed John was unparalleled in his position. He spoke of innate attributes – intelligence, physical talent, an unwavering winning attitude, a relentless pursuit of excellence, fierce competitiveness, and an extraordinary tolerance for pain – all gifts that seemed divinely bestowed upon John Hannah for the express purpose of dominating on the football field.
He painted vivid images of John in action: “exploding into a linebacker or a defensive lineman,” powerfully “leading the back-off tackle around end,” and steadfastly “dropping back on pass protection.” Every play was marked by 100% effort, executed with intense focus and unwavering adherence to the rules, devoid of unnecessary showmanship. Sunday after Sunday, John Hannah consistently performed at a level that, in his father’s eyes, surpassed any offensive lineman he had ever observed. With immense pride and joy, Herb Hannah concluded his heartfelt tribute by presenting “one of the newest candidates for induction into Pro Football Hall of Fame, my son, John Hannah.”
Taking the stage, John Hannah’s opening remark, a humorous anecdote about his father’s unconventional coaching methods involving a switch, immediately endeared him to the audience. “He didn’t tell you about the times he ran me around the house with a switch to improve my sweep.” This light-hearted beginning quickly transitioned into a deeply emotional expression of gratitude and the realization of a lifelong aspiration. For John Hannah, induction into the Hall of Fame represented the “one fulfillment of a life long dream,” an achievement that left him almost speechless with emotion.
He reminisced about his childhood in Albertsville, Alabama, recalling family trips to church followed by hurried returns home to watch football legends like Ray Nitschke, Gale Sayers, and Dick Butkus. He spoke of being mesmerized, wondering if he could ever reach their level of play. This childhood dream persisted into his NFL career, prompting him to ask his coach, Jim Ringo, a former player himself, if he could have competed with the greats of the 1960s. For John Hannah, this Hall of Fame induction was the ultimate validation – “I made the cut, I’m on the team.” He felt honored to stand alongside the “greatest heroes that ever played football,” believing that this award signified a contribution back to the game that had given him so much.
John Hannah reflected on the multifaceted gifts football had bestowed upon him. Firstly, it provided him with a platform to establish his identity, to become “John Hannah” in the world. Secondly, it allowed him to provide for his family by pursuing his passion. However, he emphasized that the most invaluable gifts were not the accolades but “the people and the lessons those people taught me.” He proceeded to acknowledge the profound influence of several key figures in his life, each shaping him into the man standing before them that day.
He began with Major Luke Worsham, his high school coach, whom he credited with teaching him the true meaning of love. Coach Worsham was more than a coach; he was a mentor who shouldered John’s problems, offered unwavering support, and provided correction when needed, always guiding him back on course. Next, he honored Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, who imparted the crucial lesson of setting ambitious goals and relentlessly pursuing them. Coach Bryant’s enduring message was the necessity of self-discipline, of mastering one’s own body to achieve greatness.
John Hannah then spoke of Coach Chuck Fairbanks, who instilled in him the importance of organization and surrounding oneself with talented individuals, fostering reliance on the strengths of others. Coach Fairbanks taught him the wisdom of collaboration and counsel in achieving success. Red Miller, his first offensive line coach in the NFL, taught him the simple yet profound joy of enjoying one’s work, leading to maximum effort and lasting satisfaction. Jim Ringo, perhaps his most influential offensive line coach, emphasized the need for constant growth and pushing beyond comfort zones to fully realize one’s potential. Finally, he acknowledged Raymond Berry, his last coach with the New England Patriots, who underscored the power of faith and the realization of dreams through unwavering belief.
The roll call of influential figures extended to his teammates. John Hannah expressed gratitude to Leon Gray, Bill Lenkatis, Booger Bob McKay, Andy Johnson, Sam Cunningham, Steve Grogan, Steve Nelson, Pete Brock, and the countless others who “covered up when I missed my blocks.” He also thanked friends like Joe Fallon, Steve Alpert, John Lund, and Howard Harrah, who provided support and camaraderie beyond the football field, demonstrating the enduring bonds of friendship.
Family, particularly his brothers Ron, Charlie, and David, held an irreplaceable place in John Hannah’s heart. He described them as his “best friends,” bound by a love that needed no demonstration, a brotherhood forged in childhood experiences of both camaraderie and rivalry. He fondly recalled the unwavering unity of the “Hannah boys,” always ready to defend one another. He recognized the constant presence of his parents, their boundless support exemplified by their tireless travel to watch him and his brothers play. Their love was a constant, even in discipline, which, in retrospect, John acknowledged as a crucial element in his upbringing. He specifically thanked his father for the invaluable lesson of perpetual self-improvement, of never resting on past achievements but always striving for future growth.
In closing, John Hannah turned to his wife, Page, and children, Seth and Marybeth, acknowledging their sacrifices and unwavering support throughout his career. He poignantly noted the joy of being recognized as “Marybeth’s and Seth’s daddy” rather than solely as “John Hannah,” the football player. He lauded Page as “the Hall of Famer,” for her steadfast love and support through every challenge. Finally, and with deep sincerity, John Hannah spoke of his faith, thanking God for the talent to play football, for the people placed in his life, and for a family that embodied the true meaning of family. He concluded with gratitude to the fans, the Football Hall of Fame, and professional football itself, expressing immense appreciation for the “great honor” bestowed upon him and offering a heartfelt “God Bless you.”
John Hannah’s Hall of Fame induction speech was more than just an acceptance of an award; it was a profound reflection on a life shaped by football, family, faith, and the invaluable lessons learned from coaches, teammates, and loved ones. It stands as a testament to his character, humility, and the enduring power of gratitude in the face of extraordinary achievement.
