White casts long shadow on historic gridiron Hall of Fame induction

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2006

CANTON, United States (AFP) — Reggie White's posthumous induction into the gridiron Hall of Fame set the tone for an emotional induction ceremony for a star-studded class of 2006.

Nicknamed "The Minister of Defense" for his dominance on the field and his stature as an ordained minister, White is regarded as perhaps the greatest defensive lineman in National Football League history.

White, who died on December 26, 2004, at the age of 43, was represented by his widow, Sara White, at Saturday's ceremony.

"This will be the hardest speech I will ever make," Sara White said. "I am not here as Sara White, but as Reggie White."

A two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Reggie White was named to the NFL's 75th anniversary team and elected to the Pro Bowl a...