CANTON, OHIO — The Steelers waved Terrible Towels as Dick LeBeau kicked off the induction ceremonies on Saturday night. LeBeau was introduced by his brother, Bob, who said that he immediately poured four fingers worth of single-malt scotch when he found out that Dick was inducted into Hall of Fame.

Which should make it no surprise that I will be hitting up the LeBeau’s post-induction party tonight.

LeBeau said that it was going to be tough to put almost 50 years of experience into a 10-minute speech. But LeBeau pulled it off. LeBeau said one of the proudest moments of his life was when he was singled out by President Barack Obama when the Steelers visited the White House following their win in Super Bowl XLIII.

LeBeau said it was fitting that the 44th president called out old No. 44. But even then, the Hall of Fame certainly topped that.

LeBeau closed by making note of his age. LeBeau, 72, said that if he had adhered to the retirement age he would have missed out on two Super Bowl titles, a No. 1 defense, having his high school number retired, a building named after him, being inducted into the Ohio State Hall of Fame, the Lions 75th anniversary team and now the Hall of Fame.

LeBeau mentioned that it was a great day to be alive and age was just a number. He certainly proved it.

And to be honest, LeBeau’s speech is going to be a hard act to follow.

– Adam Rank

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