Three Black legends enshrined into Football Hall of Fame on 40th anniversary

Jet, August 18, 2003

On the 40th anniversary of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Marcus Allen, James Lofton and Elvin Bethea were the Black legends enshrined into the 2003 class.

The Hall of Fame invited all 144 living members to attend this year's "NFL Homecoming" ceremony and 115 made their way to Canton, OH, to welcome their new members.

Allen, one of the game's flashiest running backs, rushed for 12,243 yards during his prolific 16-season career with the Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs. A six-time Pro Bowler, Allen won MVP honors in Super Bowl XVIII and retired in 1997.

Presented by his father Red, Allen began and ended his remarks by thanking family members. "Every inch, every yard, every hit, every hurt, every pain, every run, I did because of you guys," Allen said, his voice choked with emotion.

Like Allen, Lofton made his campaign for the Hall in 16 seasons as well. Lofton, a wide receiver known for his breakaway speed and deep catches, caught 764 passes in his career with the Packers, Raiders and Bills.

As the first NFL player to score a touchdown during the 1970s, '80s and '90s, Lofton earned eight Pro Bowl selections. He gave thanks to his family during his heartfelt speech. "On Dec. 31, 1979, my path to the Hall of Fame began when I met my wife, Beverly. My Hall of Fame is my family," Lofton said.

Bethea pounded his way to history as a defensive end for the Houston Oilers. Bethea had 105 career sacks while playing in 210 games during 16 seasons. His number of sacks remains the franchise record for the Oilers, now the Tennessee Titans.

Bethea, who began his career in 1968, said, "All I can say is I finally made it-and it feels good. Coach Bum Phillips used to always say you play like you practice, and that's what I did every day."

Others in 2003 Hall of Fame class are NFL coach Hank Stram and guard Joe DeLamielleure.