Pro football shrine gets a new class
A special weekend

Their emotions and feelings are what makes the Hall of Fame weekend so special, and why the events of the three days are so compelling. - NFL Football -
Highlights for the players include receiving their Hall of Fame jackets Saturday night at the Enshrinees Dinner at Canton Memorial Civic Center and another round of honors Monday night, when the Bears play the Dolphins in the annual Hall of Fame game. - NFL Football -
Even a casual fan would find it hard not to get caught up in the emotions.
Lions fans got firsthand exposure last year when running back Barry Sanders was enshrined. With more than 20,000 fans on hand, Fawcett Stadium had the rollicking atmosphere of game day as Sanders, John Elway, Bob Brown and Carl Eller made speeches. - NFL Football -
In the heartland of football's birthplace, heartstrings were tugged and plucked.
Green has covered many such events, but he has also had his share of recognition. He has won numerous writing awards and has been nominated by The News for a Pulitzer Prize for commentary. In 2003, he was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.
Green's streak of 39 Super Bowls is a remarkable achievement. He plans to cover Super Bowl XL on Feb. 5, 2006, at Ford Field. - NFL Football -
"I can understand why Cal Ripken wanted to keep playing," Green said. "It's a rarity. I think it defined my career."

Mike O'Hara / The Detroit News