Masood Mortazavi says this:
...Apparently, Jon had the good fortune of attending Peter Hirshberg's birthday party during which Peter showed off some of the new cool things about Technorati, but what grabbed my attention was Peter's discussion of the way Technorati is constraining its tag system.
For some reason, I never read about these constraints anywhere else when I first started using the tags. Here's a quote from Jon's article:
Lest omnivorous bloggers try to game the system and claim they cover subjects they rarely write about, they can declare expertise in only 20 subjects, and a feedback mechanism lets users suggest that blogs be removed from certain categories. Because Technorati scans 16.4 million blogs, all it takes is those bloggers spending a few minutes with the database "for the entire system [to] get smart and correct itself very quickly," says Hirshberg.
What this means is that if there are enough users organized to remove someone from a particular topic, they'll be able to do it. This is rule of the masses, not the rule of the free expression of ideas, and while I don't have anything against the masses, I have always found suppression of ideas quite reprehensible. What is even worse in my case is my prolific use of the tags, which have taken me to several dozen different topics. I find it ridiculous that the writer is limited to the use of only 20 tags. That might work for an advertising agency working for a corporation but it doesn't quite work for the free-wheeling blogger. As a lite-relativist, I've always had trouble with expertise being defined in such narrow ways. I spent my graduate years trying to escape it and now here we have a system that can do quite a bit of good in bringing you to greater number of readers but that puts restraints on how you stream your thoughts and what you write about. So, I'm out.
At least for right now, I have to say: Goodbye To Technoratic Tags!!!
No longer, will I bother and waste time with them. They may be good for category writers but not for me unless policies such as those above change.
Jon Fine's column is available online for free. By the way, in it, Fine mentions some Technorati competitors.
This is very disturbing news given Technorati's size. Dave Sifry should alter this ASAP!
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Alien Behind Post Grabs Boy - Fake Video Looks Real
I read this video was made in Mexico and the producers admitted it was fake. Either that or the producers are lying and they are aliens. You never know.
But check this out:
But check this out:
Wall Street Journal Names Moguls Of New Media, Gets It Wrong
The Wall Street Jounal, looking to get a lot of links, asked John Jurgensen to pen an article pointing to the "Moguls of New Media."
Give me a break.
Hey, I'm glad they gave Amanda Congdon some more exposure-- too much is not enough in this case -- but John forgets her ex-partner Andrew Baron. Big mistake.
But it underscores what a joke of an article this is. The definitions of Mogul are:
-a bump on a ski slope
-a member of the Muslim dynasty that ruled India until 1857
-baron: a very wealthy or powerful businessman; "an oil baron"
None of which is listed in the Wall Street Journal's "mogul" list. But considering the WSJ and its author think New Media's just a terms for kids on MySpace -- which is featured in his article and prominently -- it's no wonder this pap was released. It does no one any good at all.
This video asking real New Media players -- people a bit more on the Mogul level -- what New Media is, has the definition in it and does a better job than the WSJ.
...But hey, it's expressed in a new media way, so what should I expect!
Give me a break.
Hey, I'm glad they gave Amanda Congdon some more exposure-- too much is not enough in this case -- but John forgets her ex-partner Andrew Baron. Big mistake.
But it underscores what a joke of an article this is. The definitions of Mogul are:
-a bump on a ski slope
-a member of the Muslim dynasty that ruled India until 1857
-baron: a very wealthy or powerful businessman; "an oil baron"
None of which is listed in the Wall Street Journal's "mogul" list. But considering the WSJ and its author think New Media's just a terms for kids on MySpace -- which is featured in his article and prominently -- it's no wonder this pap was released. It does no one any good at all.
This video asking real New Media players -- people a bit more on the Mogul level -- what New Media is, has the definition in it and does a better job than the WSJ.
...But hey, it's expressed in a new media way, so what should I expect!
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Marlin Jackson - Colts Corner May Get Starting Job
This shows that the Colts' 2005 draft effort's paying off. Jackson's the first round pick; the Michigan DB was selected to challenge his secondary mates and improve the defense.
Rather than move to safety, Colts' top 2005 draft pick might supplant David
By Mike Chappell
mike.chappell@indystar.com
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- Marlin Jackson appears to be on the move, but not from cornerback to safety. Instead, his next stop could be in the starting lineup, at right corner.
Rather than switching positions, as was contemplated earlier this year, the Indianapolis Colts' 2005 first-round draft pick is working his way up the depth chart during training camp at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
A nickel back throughout his rookie season, starting just one game, Jackson has been getting more work as the right cornerback with the No. 1 unit.
He and incumbent Jason David have been splitting repetitions. Jackson was the starter during 11-on-11 work at the end of Friday morning's practice; in the afternoon they were back to alternating.
Jackson declined to predict he'll supplant David for the Sept. 10 regular-season opener. But it's clear that's his goal.
"In my mind, yeah, it can happen," Jackson said.
"I'll just say I want to be on the field. I'm champing at the bit to be on the field so much more."
Jackson appeared in 15 regular-season games as a rookie, with 52 tackles and one interception. David, a fourth-round draft pick in 2004, has started the past two seasons. He drew criticism for giving up some long receptions as a rookie but was solid last year with 41 tackles and two interceptions.
Coach Tony Dungy downplayed Jackson's increased work with the No. 1 unit.
"Marlin's doing fine," he said. "He obviously knows a lot more about our defense this year. That's going to help him.
Shaun King - QB Throws TD In Colts Blue / White Game
Saturday, August 5
BIG FINISH
By John Oehser - Colts.com
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - It was one pass at the end of one altered game at the end of a very hot week in August.
But the pass mattered very much to Shaun King and Brian Hare.
And the play put a memorable finish on the first week of 2006 Colts Training Camp, with King, a reserve quarterback, throwing a 14-yard touchdown to Hare – a reserve wide receiver – with no time remaining to give the offense a 16-15 victory in a Blue-and-White game with a modified format and an interest-capturing ending.
“Every rep I get is golden,” King said Saturday, shortly after the controlled scrimmage in front of about 3,000 fans at Cook Stadium at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
“I'm just trying to make the best of them.”
BIG FINISH
By John Oehser - Colts.com
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - It was one pass at the end of one altered game at the end of a very hot week in August.
But the pass mattered very much to Shaun King and Brian Hare.
And the play put a memorable finish on the first week of 2006 Colts Training Camp, with King, a reserve quarterback, throwing a 14-yard touchdown to Hare – a reserve wide receiver – with no time remaining to give the offense a 16-15 victory in a Blue-and-White game with a modified format and an interest-capturing ending.
“Every rep I get is golden,” King said Saturday, shortly after the controlled scrimmage in front of about 3,000 fans at Cook Stadium at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
“I'm just trying to make the best of them.”
Jon Kitna's Positive Attitude Lands Start For Detroit Lions
Aug. 2, 2006
By Clark Judge
CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions are halfway through practice when quarterback Jon Kitna takes a snap, retreats several steps, then uncorks a pass to his right -- a perfectly wound spiral that travels 30 yards before hitting Mike Furrey just before he steps out of bounds.
Journeyman Jon Kitna gets another shot as a starting quarterback. (Getty Images)
There is nothing extraordinary about the completion ... until what happens afterward.
Kitna turns to pat his center on the back. He shakes hands with his tight end. And he rushes to Furrey to congratulate him, with Kitna grinning as he pulls off his helmet.
So what? So it is everything you didn't see from the Lions a year ago, and I'm not talking about execution. I'm talking about harmony, with the quarterback and his teammates acting as if they actually belong together -- or, as they did not in 2005.
Of course, those were the days of Joey Harrington, and I don't know why he didn't fit in with the Lions or why coaches disliked the guy. All I know is that he's gone, and the Lions ... and Harrington ... are better for it.
Now they're in the hands of Kitna, who served the last two years as Carson Palmer's caddy in Cincinnati, and having him here is a good thing. In fact, it could be a very good thing.
Forget that he has the trust of a coaching staff. What's critical is that he's liked and admired by teammates who tired of Harrington. The difference is that they see Kitna as one of them -- someone who is tough, resilient, competitive and determined to do the right thing.
"What I like about him, more than the fact that he's bright, is that he's confident," said new head coach Rod Marinelli. "He knows how to lead, and the No. 1 thing this team needs is directional leadership."
That is what makes Kitna the right man at the right moment for Detroit. The Lions were short in the leadership department until Marinelli stepped into the picture, hired two top-notch coordinators -- Mike Martz and Donnie Henderson -- and put the club on alert that he would tolerate no nonsense.
Now look at them.
Detroit Lions
Out of Nowhere Man
DE Kalimba Edwards
OK, so he's not exactly an unknown, but look for Edwards to make an impact as a pass rusher. OK, so he led the team with seven sacks last year. Big deal. The Lions think he can do more, a lot more, which is why they re-signed him when Cleveland started courting him in the offseason. Now, Detroit has him paired with defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson, and that's a good thing. Henderson coached John Abraham in New York, and Edwards -- who played behind Abraham at the University of South Carolina -- is determined to outplay his former teammate. Well, here's your chance, Kalimba.
Five things you should know
"Coach Marinelli doesn't let any little thing go," said Kitna. "There is nothing that will handle itself; he handles it right up front."
He proved it by hiring Kitna and firing Harrington, and what a difference. The black cloud that hung over this franchise much of last season has lifted -- and maybe it's only because it's training camp -- but players, coaches and front-office staff seem more comfortable with the new order.
Maybe Marinelli's style flies. Maybe it doesn't. But it's worth a try, especially if it has players rallying around the quarterback.
"I'm glad we have a veteran guy here," cornerback Dre' Bly said of Kitna. "He's more of a leader. Guys seem to respond well to him, and that's what has to happen for you to be a winning team or a playoff team."
Wait a minute, did he say playoff team? The last time the Lions won anything was 2000 when they were 9-7. The last time they were in the playoffs was 1999. But if the Detroit Tigers can jump to the top of the major league standings, I guess anything's possible.
"Can we reach the playoffs?" said Bly. "Damn right, because we have the talent. The same thing happened to us in St. Louis when I got drafted (1999). The year before we were 4-12, and we were able to turn it around just like that because we believed and we were prepared. This is the same situation. We have the playmakers."
But it's not a shortage of playmakers that handicapped the Lions. As Kitna pointed out, "It's not about talent; it's about attitude and having 53 guys pulling together."
That's where the Lions belly-flopped a year ago, with the coaching staff and front office in a tug-of-war over Harrington.
The results were predictable. The club swooned, players griped and coaches were fired. Now there's peace and stability, with Marinelli announcing at the beginning of camp that he was committed to one quarterback ... and it was Kitna.
"From day one, he told us how it was going to be," said Bly. "Either we were going to abide by his rules or we weren't going to be here. We're not going to slow up and wait for guys; we're going to keep moving -- and that's a difference from the past.
How will the Lions fare in the NFC North?
Third place
Second place
In the cellar
Division champs
"'Mooch' (Marinelli's predecessor, coach Steve Mariucci) won in San Francisco, but I guess that system wasn't meant for the guys we have. I love 'Mooch.' But I'm a veteran guy, and the older you get the more you understand what you need to do to prepare. With Coach Marinelli he doesn't sugarcoat anything. It's his way or the highway, and that's what we need."
They could also use a quarterback who makes plays, something that hasn't happened in years. Look at the history of the position here. Any idea how many times the Lions produced a Pro Bowl quarterback since Bobby Layne in the 1950s? Try once. Greg Landry in 1972.
Kitna doesn't have to be a Pro Bowler. All he must do is act as a compass for others to follow. I don't know if he does, but I know he can. He helped resurrect the hapless Cincinnati Bengals in 2003, with the club producing a non-losing season for the first time in seven years.
Coaches there were sad to see him leave this year, and Detroit's Martz is so happy with his play he can't quit rhapsodizing about him.
"This is his moment," Martz said. "He's everything I want in a quarterback. I'd ride him into the sunset."
He'd rather ride him to the playoffs. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think there's a chance -- and not just because of Jon Kitna. But because of what Marinelli has accomplished already in a few months, exorcising a sad-sack mentality and replacing it with accountability, precision and --- dare we say it? -- teamwork.
Imagine. Hey, if it can work for Jim Leyland, why not Rod Marinelli? "There's pressure on my shoulders," said Kitna, "but not because of the history or legacy of this team. It's because you're the starting quarterback, and whatever you do everyone is living with you.
"You can say whatever you want, whatever you do you're taking everyone with you -- and I love that. If you don't want that you shouldn't play quarterback. I know there are some guys like that, but that's not me.
"My faith means a lot to me, and I really believe God used my first 10 years in the league to prepare me for this situation. Two years ago I wouldn't have been ready for this situation and what they're asking me to do; not to abuse the freedom they give me and to be the leader they ask me to be. Now I can't wait to go out there and play and finish the process that was started."
By Clark Judge
CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions are halfway through practice when quarterback Jon Kitna takes a snap, retreats several steps, then uncorks a pass to his right -- a perfectly wound spiral that travels 30 yards before hitting Mike Furrey just before he steps out of bounds.
Journeyman Jon Kitna gets another shot as a starting quarterback. (Getty Images)
There is nothing extraordinary about the completion ... until what happens afterward.
Kitna turns to pat his center on the back. He shakes hands with his tight end. And he rushes to Furrey to congratulate him, with Kitna grinning as he pulls off his helmet.
So what? So it is everything you didn't see from the Lions a year ago, and I'm not talking about execution. I'm talking about harmony, with the quarterback and his teammates acting as if they actually belong together -- or, as they did not in 2005.
Of course, those were the days of Joey Harrington, and I don't know why he didn't fit in with the Lions or why coaches disliked the guy. All I know is that he's gone, and the Lions ... and Harrington ... are better for it.
Now they're in the hands of Kitna, who served the last two years as Carson Palmer's caddy in Cincinnati, and having him here is a good thing. In fact, it could be a very good thing.
Forget that he has the trust of a coaching staff. What's critical is that he's liked and admired by teammates who tired of Harrington. The difference is that they see Kitna as one of them -- someone who is tough, resilient, competitive and determined to do the right thing.
"What I like about him, more than the fact that he's bright, is that he's confident," said new head coach Rod Marinelli. "He knows how to lead, and the No. 1 thing this team needs is directional leadership."
That is what makes Kitna the right man at the right moment for Detroit. The Lions were short in the leadership department until Marinelli stepped into the picture, hired two top-notch coordinators -- Mike Martz and Donnie Henderson -- and put the club on alert that he would tolerate no nonsense.
Now look at them.
Detroit Lions
Out of Nowhere Man
DE Kalimba Edwards
OK, so he's not exactly an unknown, but look for Edwards to make an impact as a pass rusher. OK, so he led the team with seven sacks last year. Big deal. The Lions think he can do more, a lot more, which is why they re-signed him when Cleveland started courting him in the offseason. Now, Detroit has him paired with defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson, and that's a good thing. Henderson coached John Abraham in New York, and Edwards -- who played behind Abraham at the University of South Carolina -- is determined to outplay his former teammate. Well, here's your chance, Kalimba.
Five things you should know
"Coach Marinelli doesn't let any little thing go," said Kitna. "There is nothing that will handle itself; he handles it right up front."
He proved it by hiring Kitna and firing Harrington, and what a difference. The black cloud that hung over this franchise much of last season has lifted -- and maybe it's only because it's training camp -- but players, coaches and front-office staff seem more comfortable with the new order.
Maybe Marinelli's style flies. Maybe it doesn't. But it's worth a try, especially if it has players rallying around the quarterback.
"I'm glad we have a veteran guy here," cornerback Dre' Bly said of Kitna. "He's more of a leader. Guys seem to respond well to him, and that's what has to happen for you to be a winning team or a playoff team."
Wait a minute, did he say playoff team? The last time the Lions won anything was 2000 when they were 9-7. The last time they were in the playoffs was 1999. But if the Detroit Tigers can jump to the top of the major league standings, I guess anything's possible.
"Can we reach the playoffs?" said Bly. "Damn right, because we have the talent. The same thing happened to us in St. Louis when I got drafted (1999). The year before we were 4-12, and we were able to turn it around just like that because we believed and we were prepared. This is the same situation. We have the playmakers."
But it's not a shortage of playmakers that handicapped the Lions. As Kitna pointed out, "It's not about talent; it's about attitude and having 53 guys pulling together."
That's where the Lions belly-flopped a year ago, with the coaching staff and front office in a tug-of-war over Harrington.
The results were predictable. The club swooned, players griped and coaches were fired. Now there's peace and stability, with Marinelli announcing at the beginning of camp that he was committed to one quarterback ... and it was Kitna.
"From day one, he told us how it was going to be," said Bly. "Either we were going to abide by his rules or we weren't going to be here. We're not going to slow up and wait for guys; we're going to keep moving -- and that's a difference from the past.
How will the Lions fare in the NFC North?
Third place
Second place
In the cellar
Division champs
"'Mooch' (Marinelli's predecessor, coach Steve Mariucci) won in San Francisco, but I guess that system wasn't meant for the guys we have. I love 'Mooch.' But I'm a veteran guy, and the older you get the more you understand what you need to do to prepare. With Coach Marinelli he doesn't sugarcoat anything. It's his way or the highway, and that's what we need."
They could also use a quarterback who makes plays, something that hasn't happened in years. Look at the history of the position here. Any idea how many times the Lions produced a Pro Bowl quarterback since Bobby Layne in the 1950s? Try once. Greg Landry in 1972.
Kitna doesn't have to be a Pro Bowler. All he must do is act as a compass for others to follow. I don't know if he does, but I know he can. He helped resurrect the hapless Cincinnati Bengals in 2003, with the club producing a non-losing season for the first time in seven years.
Coaches there were sad to see him leave this year, and Detroit's Martz is so happy with his play he can't quit rhapsodizing about him.
"This is his moment," Martz said. "He's everything I want in a quarterback. I'd ride him into the sunset."
He'd rather ride him to the playoffs. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think there's a chance -- and not just because of Jon Kitna. But because of what Marinelli has accomplished already in a few months, exorcising a sad-sack mentality and replacing it with accountability, precision and --- dare we say it? -- teamwork.
Imagine. Hey, if it can work for Jim Leyland, why not Rod Marinelli? "There's pressure on my shoulders," said Kitna, "but not because of the history or legacy of this team. It's because you're the starting quarterback, and whatever you do everyone is living with you.
"You can say whatever you want, whatever you do you're taking everyone with you -- and I love that. If you don't want that you shouldn't play quarterback. I know there are some guys like that, but that's not me.
"My faith means a lot to me, and I really believe God used my first 10 years in the league to prepare me for this situation. Two years ago I wouldn't have been ready for this situation and what they're asking me to do; not to abuse the freedom they give me and to be the leader they ask me to be. Now I can't wait to go out there and play and finish the process that was started."
John Madden, Troy Aikman, Rayfield Wright, Warren Moon, Reggie White, Harry Carson - Six For The NFl Hall - NFL.com
Sara White (for Reggie White) and John Madden gave speeches that just brought the house down, although having met Troy Aikman, it was rare to see such a person under control show such moving emotion.
NFL.com wire reports
CANTON, Ohio (Aug. 5, 2006) -- Amid the tributes and the tears, one thing stood out: the chants.
"REG-GIE, REG-GIE."
On a day when Troy Aikman easily had the most jerseys in the crowd, the fans' passion was reserved for the late Reggie White as they joined Warren Moon, John Madden, Rayfield Wright and Harry Carson in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Troy Aikman was the winningest QB of the 1990s to go along with his three Super Bowl titles.
When master of ceremonies Chris Berman introduced White's widow, Sara, and when White's son, Jeremy, presented his father, the fans chanted his name. It didn't matter if they were dressed in Packers or Eagles green -- a collection of current Eagles, including Donovan McNabb, sat in the crowd wearing White's No. 92 -- or even Cowboys, Giants or Oilers blue or Raiders black.
They all stood and cheered for the "Minister of Defense," including Dallas' three-time Super Bowl champion quarterback.
"I too am saddened by the absence of Reggie White, a great player and a man who left us too soon," Aikman said in concluding the inductions. "It's an honor to be a member of the Hall of Fame class that includes five men I have so much admiration and respect for. They played the game the way it should be played, and John Madden coached the game the same way."
Jeremy and Sara White shared tears and a long hug after unveiling Reggie's bust before a rapt audience. An hour later, the usually unflappable Aikman's voice cracked as he explained his emotions:
"I was able to live a dream. I played professional football," he said. "That I was able to do so with so many great players and coaches and win three championships and wind up here -- it is almost too much to believe. I am humbled to be welcomed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame."
White, who died in December of 2004, was an ordained minister as well as an NFL superstar. White was a two-time defensive player of the year who made 13 straight Pro Bowls. He was the career sacks leader with 198 when he retired -- Bruce Smith since has passed him -- and won a Super Bowl with Green Bay in 1997 after starting his illustrious career in the USFL, then moving to Philadelphia.
"It's not how we die, it's how we live. I encourage you to live like Reggie lived.
"Reggie was not phony. Reggie stood for what he believed in. Whatever you believe in, you stand on your principles," his widow told the crowd. "We knew Reggie's history in football. His legacy will live on through you."
Aikman won 90 games in the 1990s, the most by any quarterback in one decade.The top overall pick in the 1989 draft, he guided the Cowboys to three Super Bowl titles in four seasons, made six Pro Bowls and, as proof of his skill under pressure, had four 300-yard passing games in the playoffs, ranking third in NFL history.
He saved his strongest praise for his teammates, including NFL career rushing leader Emmitt Smith, who was in the audience and certainly will be on the stage for his own induction someday.
"I did what was asked to help the team win," he said, "and after a career of putting team goals first, it is so extremely gratifying to receive the highest individual honor a player can receive."
Earlier, Moon became the first black quarterback in the Hall, Madden brought comic relief and Carson made a pitch for more help for retired players and more diversity.
Warren Moon had some of the gaudiest quarterbacking stats after he played in Canada.
Moon is the only one of the six inductees not to win an NFL title. But he captured five straight Grey Cups for the Edmonton Eskimos after being undrafted out of the University of Washington.
"I was not really invited to the Combine and no coaches came out to give me workouts," Moon said. "It was a foregone conclusion quarterback was not in my future in the NFL, but changing positions was. I was going to play quarterback and I was looking for somebody who would let me do that.
"Thank you Canada."
Moon came back to the United States as a free agent in 1984 and spent 10 seasons in the Houston Oilers' run-and-shoot offense. He also played for Minnesota, Seattle and Kansas City in 17 NFL seasons, passed for more than 70,000 yards (over 42 miles) and ranked fourth in TD passes, third in attempts, completions, yards passing and total offense when he retired at age 44.
"A lot has been said about me being the first African-American quarterback in the Hall of Fame," he said. "It's a subject I am uncomfortable with at times, because I want to be judged only as a quarterback.
"But significance does come with that, I accept that. I remember all the guys before me who blazed that trail to give me the inspiration. I always had that extra burden that I had the responsibility to play the game for my people. I carried that burden proudly."
It took nearly a quarter century for Madden to make it to the Canton shrine, and when the moment came, he got "goofy."
"I started thinking about this after I was voted to the Hall of Fame, and now I know," said Madden, elected by the senior committee for a coaching career in which he went 103-32-7, never had a losing season and won the 1977 Super Bowl. "At night, when the fans and visitors all leave, then the workers start to leave, then just one person turns out the light, locks the door, and I believe the busts talk to each other. And I can't wait for that conversation.
"We'll be there forever and ever talking about whatever. That's what I believe will happen and no one is ever going to talk me out of that."
Madden might be best known now for his announcing and his video game, but as his presenter, Raiders owner Al Davis, noted, Madden was 36-16-2 against other coaches in the Hall. Davis said he never doubted a 32-year-old Madden could handle the "Just Win Baby" legacy the team was building.
"He loved the game, his team, the Raiders, this league -- and especially his players," Davis said. "At a time when our country needed it, John Madden saw no color."
Except the Raiders' Silver and Black.
Carson became the first inside linebacker from a 3-4 defense to make it to Canton. It was a long-awaited honor -- he retired in 1988 after 13 seasons, nine Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl title with the New York Giants -- that Carson recently had given up on.
Two years ago, after making the final 15 candidates for the sixth straight year but not being elected by a panel of sports writers, Carson asked to have his name withdrawn from consideration. It wasn't, and he finally made it this year.
"To represent all who preceded me and those who will come after me ... to know there is absolutely nothing beyond their reach," Carson said, explaining the meaning of being a Hall of Famer.
Carson gave his presenter, son Donald, a long hug before addressing the crowd. Donald Carson suffers from a rare blood disorder.
"This isn't about me, this is about my family," Carson said. "I am so thankful my son presented me this afternoon; he is definitely a man. He's been through so much in the last seven months, more than I could ever have gone through. I never knew needles could be so long."
Carson also called on the NFL and the players' union to upgrade its treatment of retired players and to continue "bringing a great sense of diversity" to the sport.
Wright also played 13 seasons, and won two Super Bowls in five appearances. He retired in 1979 and was chosen for the Hall by the seniors committee.
A former college basketball player expecting to play in the NBA, Wright was a tight end who was "stunned" when coach Tom Landry said he was being moved to tackle. Wright made his first start against Deacon Jones -- only the most feared member of the Rams' Fearsome Foursome. Obviously, it didn't faze "Big Cat," who went on to make six consecutive Pro Bowls and help the Cowboys win 10 division titles.
Wright cited the poem "The Road Not Taken" for inspiring his career.
"Through this poem I discovered life would give me choices. It was recognizing those choices that proved to be the greatest challenge," he said in a teary speech. "My instinct was to always take the easy road, but the easy road never came my way.
"I'm privileged to be in such a stellar class."
NFL.com wire reports
CANTON, Ohio (Aug. 5, 2006) -- Amid the tributes and the tears, one thing stood out: the chants.
"REG-GIE, REG-GIE."
On a day when Troy Aikman easily had the most jerseys in the crowd, the fans' passion was reserved for the late Reggie White as they joined Warren Moon, John Madden, Rayfield Wright and Harry Carson in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Troy Aikman was the winningest QB of the 1990s to go along with his three Super Bowl titles.
When master of ceremonies Chris Berman introduced White's widow, Sara, and when White's son, Jeremy, presented his father, the fans chanted his name. It didn't matter if they were dressed in Packers or Eagles green -- a collection of current Eagles, including Donovan McNabb, sat in the crowd wearing White's No. 92 -- or even Cowboys, Giants or Oilers blue or Raiders black.
They all stood and cheered for the "Minister of Defense," including Dallas' three-time Super Bowl champion quarterback.
"I too am saddened by the absence of Reggie White, a great player and a man who left us too soon," Aikman said in concluding the inductions. "It's an honor to be a member of the Hall of Fame class that includes five men I have so much admiration and respect for. They played the game the way it should be played, and John Madden coached the game the same way."
Jeremy and Sara White shared tears and a long hug after unveiling Reggie's bust before a rapt audience. An hour later, the usually unflappable Aikman's voice cracked as he explained his emotions:
"I was able to live a dream. I played professional football," he said. "That I was able to do so with so many great players and coaches and win three championships and wind up here -- it is almost too much to believe. I am humbled to be welcomed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame."
White, who died in December of 2004, was an ordained minister as well as an NFL superstar. White was a two-time defensive player of the year who made 13 straight Pro Bowls. He was the career sacks leader with 198 when he retired -- Bruce Smith since has passed him -- and won a Super Bowl with Green Bay in 1997 after starting his illustrious career in the USFL, then moving to Philadelphia.
"It's not how we die, it's how we live. I encourage you to live like Reggie lived.
"Reggie was not phony. Reggie stood for what he believed in. Whatever you believe in, you stand on your principles," his widow told the crowd. "We knew Reggie's history in football. His legacy will live on through you."
Aikman won 90 games in the 1990s, the most by any quarterback in one decade.The top overall pick in the 1989 draft, he guided the Cowboys to three Super Bowl titles in four seasons, made six Pro Bowls and, as proof of his skill under pressure, had four 300-yard passing games in the playoffs, ranking third in NFL history.
He saved his strongest praise for his teammates, including NFL career rushing leader Emmitt Smith, who was in the audience and certainly will be on the stage for his own induction someday.
"I did what was asked to help the team win," he said, "and after a career of putting team goals first, it is so extremely gratifying to receive the highest individual honor a player can receive."
Earlier, Moon became the first black quarterback in the Hall, Madden brought comic relief and Carson made a pitch for more help for retired players and more diversity.
Warren Moon had some of the gaudiest quarterbacking stats after he played in Canada.
Moon is the only one of the six inductees not to win an NFL title. But he captured five straight Grey Cups for the Edmonton Eskimos after being undrafted out of the University of Washington.
"I was not really invited to the Combine and no coaches came out to give me workouts," Moon said. "It was a foregone conclusion quarterback was not in my future in the NFL, but changing positions was. I was going to play quarterback and I was looking for somebody who would let me do that.
"Thank you Canada."
Moon came back to the United States as a free agent in 1984 and spent 10 seasons in the Houston Oilers' run-and-shoot offense. He also played for Minnesota, Seattle and Kansas City in 17 NFL seasons, passed for more than 70,000 yards (over 42 miles) and ranked fourth in TD passes, third in attempts, completions, yards passing and total offense when he retired at age 44.
"A lot has been said about me being the first African-American quarterback in the Hall of Fame," he said. "It's a subject I am uncomfortable with at times, because I want to be judged only as a quarterback.
"But significance does come with that, I accept that. I remember all the guys before me who blazed that trail to give me the inspiration. I always had that extra burden that I had the responsibility to play the game for my people. I carried that burden proudly."
It took nearly a quarter century for Madden to make it to the Canton shrine, and when the moment came, he got "goofy."
"I started thinking about this after I was voted to the Hall of Fame, and now I know," said Madden, elected by the senior committee for a coaching career in which he went 103-32-7, never had a losing season and won the 1977 Super Bowl. "At night, when the fans and visitors all leave, then the workers start to leave, then just one person turns out the light, locks the door, and I believe the busts talk to each other. And I can't wait for that conversation.
"We'll be there forever and ever talking about whatever. That's what I believe will happen and no one is ever going to talk me out of that."
Madden might be best known now for his announcing and his video game, but as his presenter, Raiders owner Al Davis, noted, Madden was 36-16-2 against other coaches in the Hall. Davis said he never doubted a 32-year-old Madden could handle the "Just Win Baby" legacy the team was building.
"He loved the game, his team, the Raiders, this league -- and especially his players," Davis said. "At a time when our country needed it, John Madden saw no color."
Except the Raiders' Silver and Black.
Carson became the first inside linebacker from a 3-4 defense to make it to Canton. It was a long-awaited honor -- he retired in 1988 after 13 seasons, nine Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl title with the New York Giants -- that Carson recently had given up on.
Two years ago, after making the final 15 candidates for the sixth straight year but not being elected by a panel of sports writers, Carson asked to have his name withdrawn from consideration. It wasn't, and he finally made it this year.
"To represent all who preceded me and those who will come after me ... to know there is absolutely nothing beyond their reach," Carson said, explaining the meaning of being a Hall of Famer.
Carson gave his presenter, son Donald, a long hug before addressing the crowd. Donald Carson suffers from a rare blood disorder.
"This isn't about me, this is about my family," Carson said. "I am so thankful my son presented me this afternoon; he is definitely a man. He's been through so much in the last seven months, more than I could ever have gone through. I never knew needles could be so long."
Carson also called on the NFL and the players' union to upgrade its treatment of retired players and to continue "bringing a great sense of diversity" to the sport.
Wright also played 13 seasons, and won two Super Bowls in five appearances. He retired in 1979 and was chosen for the Hall by the seniors committee.
A former college basketball player expecting to play in the NBA, Wright was a tight end who was "stunned" when coach Tom Landry said he was being moved to tackle. Wright made his first start against Deacon Jones -- only the most feared member of the Rams' Fearsome Foursome. Obviously, it didn't faze "Big Cat," who went on to make six consecutive Pro Bowls and help the Cowboys win 10 division titles.
Wright cited the poem "The Road Not Taken" for inspiring his career.
"Through this poem I discovered life would give me choices. It was recognizing those choices that proved to be the greatest challenge," he said in a teary speech. "My instinct was to always take the easy road, but the easy road never came my way.
"I'm privileged to be in such a stellar class."
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