Andre Tippett was enshrined earlier this evening into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton Ohio. Tippett by far is one of my favorite all-time Patriots along with Steve Grogan, Stanley Morgan and a few of the current guys. He made the opposing running backs knees go weak with the mere thought of him uncoiling a hit on them. I really think even though the play different positions Rodney Harrison has some Tippett in him.
Tonight this is some of what New England owner Robert Kraft said while introducing Tippett into football immortality:
“I am a lifelong fan of the NFL and became a Patriots fan in 1960 when the team was founded. And in 1971, I became a season ticket holder and have enjoyed attending nearly every Patriots game with my family. Of all the players I watched and rooted for during that time, I can say without a doubt that Andre Tippett was the most dominant defender the Patriots have ever had and one of the greatest to ever play the game. Andre possessed the perfect combination of strength, speed and athleticism. In his prime, Andre was probably the most intimidating player in the game. I can’t think of a higher compliment for a linebacker. …”
Then came Tippett’s turn. Over the next several minutes he talked about many of the people who who helped him and his career over his 12 seasons in the league, including thanking former Patriots Director of Player Personnel Dick Steinberg, the Sullivan family, his former coaches Raymond Berry and Rod Rust. He then moved on to thanking the Kraft family, his former fellow linebackers, his high school coach Frank Verducci and his family.
Andre thank you from Patriots fans everywhere for giving it everything you had every time you stepped on the field.
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