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| 'Blue Collar
Guy' Offers Thanks to Many |
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Here
is the text of Mike Munchak's induction speech.
"I've been sitting up here for the past hour, nervous as heck, envisioning that at
any moment, someone from NFL security is going to show up and say, 'Hey Munchak, what are
you doing up here? Get off that stage. It's for Hall of Famers. You're just a blue-collar
guy from Scranton, Pennsylvania.' |
I say this because
it was my initial thought when I was told of my election. How could I be part of this
elite group right here? Heck, I was thrilled when I was a kid just to have their football
cards. We'd even fight over them in the neighborhood -- flip them, start fights for them.
To be part of this legendary group ... you have to be kidding me.
Well, since nobody's here to throw me out, I guess I can go ahead and continue with my
speech. I think I'm OK.
First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me and letting me stand here today to
receive this great honor.
It's been an unbelievable experience these past six months. Since the Hall of Fame
election, there's been a whirlwind of congratulatory calls from friends and family, the
media attention and making plans for this wonderful week in Canton.
I thank the city of Canton for its warmth and hospitality these past couple of days, and
specifically the Hall of Fame committee, especially Tammy Owens, for her hard work getting
the whole Munchak group here. And it looks like we all made it.
Thanks also to the Hall of Fame selection committee, and especially John McLain of The
Houston Chronicle for his convincing presentation in January that helped me get here
today. John, thanks also for all the kind words over the years with the Oilers.
Next, I'd like to congratulate my fellow inductees in the class of 2001. Jack, Lynn, Nick
and Ron, I don't want to age you guys, but I watched you as I grew up. And Jackie, I also
watched you as I grew up, I watched you when I played and I still watched you after I
retired. And Marv, as head coach in Buffalo, unfortunately you beat us in a lot of
memorable games on your way to the Super Bowl, but I would have loved playing for you.
It's truly an honor to be with all of you today.
I've always loved pro football.
From as far back as I can remember, I spent Sundays watching the NFL on TV with my dad. My
favorite part was watching that 60-minute highlight show of the past week's action,
narrated by John Facenda. His famous voice, describing the hard-hitting action, the
slow-motion replays and that great NFL music that went perfectly with the game action,
gave me the chills. It still does, as I watched some of the highlights last night. That
same feeling inside made me feel like I was 10 years old again.
It made me wish that, someday, I could be one of those great warriors. After the games,
we'd go outside with my friends and pretend to be those guys. We'd pretend to be Bart
Starr, throwing a touchdown pass. Or Lynn Swann making the acrobatic catch. Or Jack
Youngblood sacking the quarterback. Or Nick Buoniconti leading the No-Name Defense.
You know, it's funny. Jackie and Ron, I never pretended to be an offensive lineman. I
guess now, I really know who the most important guys are.
I stand here alone to receive this recognition, but there are so many people who
influenced me along the way that I want to thank them now and let them know how much I
appreciate them.
Going back to Pop Warner League days -- my first in football -- a group of neighborhood
dads, including my own, who formed and coached our team, the Scranton Apollos. Mr.
Chapman, Mr. Gavern, Mr. McCarthy, Mr. Donashay and my dad taught me the fundamentals of
the game, and they made it fun.
In high school, at Scranton Central, I was a fullback and a linebacker -- hard to believe,
I know. Head coach Emil "Moe" DeCantis and his staff, especially assistant coach
Ed Chase, helped my further my development as a player and a college prospect. They were a
positive influence on a young teen-age boy and helped to keep me in line, which I needed
at times, I guess.
Then on to Penn State. I had the opportunity to play for the great Joe Paterno. Joe was
determined to find my niche.
He moved me from tight end. He said I wasn't quick enough. I was there one day.
To defensive tackle. I was a little too slow to play there. He moved me out three days
later.
To offensive tackle. I was a little short. To center. I'm not sure why he moved me out of
there. And then, finally, to offensive guard. So I thank Joe again for finally finding me
a home.
After I was moved to the offensive line, I was coached by Dick Anderson. And since I never
played on the line before, he sure had his work cut out for him. I thank Dick for teaching
me the techniques that guided me through the rest of my career. Going against Bruce Clark
and Matt Millen didn't hurt, either, in practice. Those two had a lot to do with helping
me.
And to my ex-teammates, especially Chet, Rick, Leo, Scotty, what an experience. I wouldn't
have made it without you guys. Thanks for your help over the years.
In 1982, I was drafted by the Houston Oilers. I am truly grateful to owner Bud Adams, and
general managers Ladd Herzeg and Mike Holovak for drafting me into your fine organization
and for the opportunity to block for Earl Campbell, a lineman's dream.
Thank you, Mr. Adams, and the entire Oilers organization, for giving me the privilege to
work for you for the past 20 years as a player and a coach.
I'd also like to recognize the Houston Oilers fans -- Love Ya Blue -- for their support
throughout the years. You truly made the dome a House of Pain for visiting teams.
It was an honor to play for three very talented offensive line coaches while I was at
Houston. Bill Walsh in the early years, Kim Helton right in the middle and the late Bob
Young finished up the last four years. Each had their own unique styles of how to prepare
mentally and physically for life in the trenches. Their guidance is what allowed me to
become the player that I was. I've incorporated their techniques and philosophies into my
coaching today.
I've had two very special -- and crazy -- strength coaches. Dan Reilly at Penn State, who
through his weight training helped me to gain over 30 pounds in less than two years, which
allowed me to compete on the offensive line. And Steve Watterson, with the Oilers, who for
eight years not only helped me increase my strength and size, but also helped me rehab my
knees, which allowed me to get ready to play every Sunday. I want to thank both of you
guys.
The thing I miss most about playing in the NFL is the camaraderie with my teammates. The
offensive line is generally a tight-knit group. Ours was no exception
Our weekly Thursday night get-togethers and frequent practical jokes in the locker room
allowed us to bond in a way that carried over to our success on the field. What a great
group of guys. I miss playing with them all. To Bruce Matthews and Dean Steinkuhler -- the
three of us played together for a long, long time. We shared so many unforgettable
memories, and I thank them for that.
I put a great deal of thought into who would be my presenter today. There have been so
many people that have influenced my career over the last 18 years. But my relationship
with Bruce Matthews made it an easy choice. We were with the Houston Oilers for 11 years.
And the first time I saw him play, I knew that we had a lot in common. We were both old
school -- good, old smashmouth football. We respected the game and how the game was
supposed to be played. Bruce and I had a similar work ethic and mutual respect. We pushed
each other to the next level. We were never satisfied. I credit Bruce on making me a
better player.
Through football, we became great friends. He is someone I can always talk to about
anything -- our families, our faiths, football, our joint business ventures, life in
general. Our families have become close. Our kids grew up together. Bruce is like a
brother to me. I love this guy.
Thanks for sacrificing, Bruce, those five days of training camp to come here and present
me.
Almost 400 strong, they joined me here in Canton this weekend. Many of my relatives have
made the trip. Special thanks to my uncle A.J., my godfather, for all his support
throughout my career.
Many of my friends have also traveled a long way. Unfortunately, I can't mention them all.
But specifically, I'd like to mention my high school friends Robbie, John, Joe, Cliff, Tom
and Mike. Thanks for your friendship throughout those years.
I need to especially thank now my hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, for all the support
they've shown me throughout my career. For 12 years, they piled on buses to go to away
games all over the east coast. And they even flew to Houston when I retired. I think that
kind of following is unheard of, especially for an offensive lineman. It is greatly
appreciated. Thank you all.
I know that I would not be the man I am today without my parents. Their unconditional love
for each other -- and for me and my sisters -- and their commitment to their 44-year
marriage taught me how to be a good husband. I've never taken for granted the sacrifices
that they made for me. They taught me integrity and to do the right thing. They never
pushed me to be what they wanted. They only encouraged me to make my own decisions. I
thank God every day for blessing me with the two of you.
I am very thankful for the special relationship I have with my five sisters. Sue, Sharon,
Jill, Melissa and Tracy, I cherish our closeness and the times that we spend together.
Thanks for spoiling me all these years. I love you guys.
Yep, football has been a big part of my life. But the most important part -- without a
doubt -- is my relationship with my wife, Marci, and my daughters, Alex and Julie.
They are the loves of my life. Alex and Julie, words can't express how much happiness you
bring to my life. I am so proud to have you two as my daughters, and I'm really enjoying
watching you grow up. Thanks for being here with us.
Marci, you should be standing up here with me today. Because this would not have been
possible without you. For 20 years, you helped me survive the pressures of the NFL to win
and perform, by being supportive and understanding.
You played nurse and psychiatrist as you helped me deal with the injuries and surgeries
that came with playing in the NFL. I know it's not easy.
Thanks for being my partner, my best friend and for being such a great wife and mother.
You're the best. I love you.
In closing, I'd like to thank all the other NFL players that came before me, especially
the Hall of Famers who are here this morning, for your contributions in making this league
as dynamic as it is today. Without your efforts, I never would have had my opportunity to
live out my boyhood dream -- to be standing on the steps of the NFL Hall of Fame, the home
of the greatest men ever to play this game.
It's proof that dreams do come true.
I'm humbled to be a member of this team.
Thank you.
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| İScranton Times
Tribune 2001 |
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