Presenters for Class of '08

Almost immediately after learning about their election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in early February, each of the newest members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame turned their attention to who they would ask to serve as their presenter at the annual enshrinement ceremony in Canton, Ohio on Saturday, August 2.

Class of 2008 Presenters

Fred Dean – Eddie DeBartolo Jr., former San Francisco 49ers owner Darrell Green – Jared Green, Darrell’s son Art Monk – James Monk, Jr., Art’s son Emmitt Thomas – Derek Thomas, Emmitt’s son Andre Tippett – Robert Kraft, New England Patriots Chairman & CEO Gary Zimmerman – Pat Bowlen, Denver Broncos President & CEO List of presenters, 1963-present>>>

The presenters chosen by the Class of 2008 Enshrinees – Fred Dean, Darrell Green, Art Monk, Emmitt Thomas, Andre Tippett and Gary Zimmerman all played a significant role in their lives and careers. This year’s group of presenters includes two NFL owners, one former owner, and three sons.

Dean, who spent the first six-plus years of his career with the San Diego Chargers, was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 1981. The deal provided him with the opportunity to earn two Super Bowl rings with the 49ers. So, it came as no surprise that he has selected the team’s former owner Eddie DeBartolo, Jr., to present him for induction. This marks the third time that DeBartolo has served as a presenter. He presented quarterback Joe Montana in 2000 and coach Bill Walsh in 1993.

Green has selected his son, Jared, to present him for induction on August 2. Jared is a sophomore at the University of Virginia where he earned a scholarship to play wide receiver for the Cavaliers.

Monk, like his former teammate, also selected his son, James Monk, Jr., to serve the role of his presenter. James is the Youth Leadership Director at the South Orlando (FL) YMCA.

Pat Bowlen

Thomas’ son Derek will serve as his father’s presenter. Derek, the father of four, was recently appointed the assistant basketball coach at the University of Detroit.

Tippett, who has continued to work for the New England Patriots following his playing career, asked the club’s Chairman & CEO Robert Kraft to serve the role as his presenter. Kraft purchased the Patriots in 1994 and since that time no team has won more games in the NFL than New England.

Pat Bowlen, the Denver Broncos’ President & CEO for 25 years, will present Zimmerman for induction. Bowlen played a pivotal role in acquiring Zimmerman via trade in 1993 which ultimately led to the Broncos winning their first Super Bowl championship.

Each presenter will deliver a presentation that is a combination of live and filmed remarks. Also, each of the new enshrinees, prior to stepping to the podium to make their acceptance speech, will join his presenter at center stage for the dramatic unveiling of his bronzed bust.

In addition to their Enshrinement Ceremony responsibilities, presenters also play a key role during the Enshrinees Dinner on Friday, August 1. It is at this event that they present their enshrinee with his gold Hall of Fame blazer.

For the second straight year, the Enshrinement Ceremony will be conducted in primetime evening hours. Scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., the grand ceremony will be televised nationally by both ESPN and the NFL Network.

Tickets for the ceremony are still available. Sideline tickets are $27 and a limited number of floor seats still for sale are $55. Order now>>>

 

Related Links 
2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Info – schedules, parking, special events, and more>>>
 Broncos.com - Pat Bowlen's Bio
 Patriots.com - Robert Kraft's Bio

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