Canton, Ohio — The Pro Football Hall of Fame welcomed four new legends on Saturday, as Jared Allen, Sterling Sharpe, Antonio Gates, and Eric Allen were officially enshrined in the Class of 2025 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
The evening kicked off with a special dinner on Friday, where the inductees received their iconic gold jackets. The night was also a celebration of host Chris Berman, who emceed the enshrinement ceremony for the 25th time. Pittsburgh Steelers legend Lynn Swann, a Hall of Famer himself (Class of 2001), presented Berman with a commemorative silver anniversary football.
Jared Allen Leads Off the Inductions
Jared Allen was the first to take the stage. Introduced by his father, Ron Allen, Jared walked up with his signature cowboy hat and a grin, jokingly admitting he felt guilty for offering bad advice to young athletes. “Like telling parents to feed their kids three jalapenos before a game,” he quipped.
Finally inducted in his fifth year of eligibility, Allen, who amassed 136 career sacks with the Vikings, Chiefs, Bears, and Panthers, gave heartfelt thanks to his wife and daughters, whom he described as his true legacy. His on-field persona, which included a memorable calf-roping sack celebration, was a hallmark of his unapologetically fun and fierce playing style.
Honoring Coach Marv Levy
Before the next inductee took the stage, a special moment occurred as the Hall of Fame recognized Coach Marv Levy, who celebrated his 100th birthday on Sunday. Thurman Thomas, a Hall of Famer from the Class of 2007, paid tribute to Levy, calling him “the best coach I ever had” from their time together with the Buffalo Bills.
Sterling Sharpe: A Family Affair
Next, it was Sterling Sharpe’s turn. He was presented by none other than his brother, Shannon Sharpe (Class of 2011), marking the first time in Hall of Fame history that brothers were inducted together. Sharpe, who won the NFL’s receiving triple crown in 1992 with 108 receptions, 1,461 yards, and 13 touchdowns, thanked his mother for the unique name “Sterling,” which helped him stand out growing up in rural South Georgia. Despite a career cut short by a neck injury in 1994, Sharpe’s legacy as one of the game’s top receivers remains intact. His 112 catches in 1993 broke his own NFL record for receptions in a season.
Eric Allen’s Humble Journey
Eric Allen, who was introduced by his son Austin, took the stage next. The former standout cornerback thanked his mother and grandmother for teaching him the values of kindness and hard work. Though Allen played for the New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders, it was his seven seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles that he particularly honored. Known for his exceptional cover skills and ability to read the game, Allen ended his career with 54 interceptions, including eight returned for touchdowns. He led the NFL in pick-sixes in 1993 and 2000.
Antonio Gates: A Historic Path to Canton
The final speaker of the evening was Antonio Gates, who was presented by Los Angeles Chargers owner Dean Spanos. Gates, the all-time leader in touchdown catches for a tight end with 116, took a moment to acknowledge the quarterbacks who made his career possible, particularly Philip Rivers, who connected with Gates for 89 of those touchdowns. Gates’ path to the Hall of Fame was unconventional—he is the first player to be inducted into Canton without ever playing college football. A former basketball player at Kent State, Gates was undrafted, yet his remarkable career with the Chargers made him a Hall of Fame fixture.
A Historic Evening for Four Football Legends
The Class of 2025 is a testament to the diverse and incredible journeys these players took to reach the pinnacle of their careers. Each of them overcame obstacles and redefined their positions in the game, leaving legacies that will resonate for generations to come. Their induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame solidifies their place in history and immortalizes their remarkable contributions to the sport.
