It was a special night for many at the 2009 Hall of Fame induction ceremony. But what it meant to Darrion Thomas, who was able to take the stage as a family representative for the induction of his father, late Chiefs LB Derrick Thomas, was a little beyond words.

The Associated Press reports that about 3,000 people witnessed one veteran and a slew of rookies make big plays at the Dolphins’ scrimmage Saturday in Davie, Fla.

Former Bills defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell presented Bruce Smith for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and declared him “the best Buffalo Bill player ever.”

Former Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson gave a highly emotional speech about late LB Derrick Thomas, a 2009 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In typical Rod Woodson style, the Hall of Fame inductee walked to the podium and began his induction speech by saying his presenter “made me sound better than I am, I’ll tell you that.”

Hall of Fame QB Roger Staubach hits with an opening joke during an emotional tribute to late, great Cowboys teammate Bob Hayes .

I only have been at NFL Network for about six weeks and haven’t yet had the opportunity to work with Rod Woodson, but I feel like I already know him from the way everyone speaks about him.

Some Hall of Famers are always working. Ozzie Newsome, legendary tight end and accomplished general manager of the Baltimore Ravens, swung over to the green rooom area here off to the side of the stage where the Hall of Famers sit at Fawcett Stadium.

To anyone who knows or has met Randall McDaniel, it comes as no surprise that he barely spoke about himself during his acceptance speech as part the 2009 Hall of Fame class.

If you weren’t touched by the Hall of Fame acceptance speech delivered by Bills owner Ralph Wilson, I don’t know what you were watching.

Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson Jr. was first up for enshrinement at Saturday night’s Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremonies. Fitting that the oldest member of the Class of 2009.

One day after Tarvaris Jackson revealed that he “felt something pop for a quick second” in his left knee, Vikings coach Brad Childress said he isn’t concerned about the quarterback pushing himself too hard.

Expect an emotional speech today from Carl Peterson, the former Kansas City general manager who will be accepting and presenting for the late Derrick Thomas.

Hall of Fame WR Tommy McDonald has embarked on a second career as the highlight of the Pro Football Hall of Fame inductions.

NFL Network’s Rich Eisen began the 2009 Hall of Fame induction ceremony in this fashion: “Hello, Canton!”