For one group of Hall of Famers, it’s all about ‘The U’
Hall of Famers
Published on : 1/19/2026
Football often has been called a unifier — a sport that can bring together individuals of all ages, shapes, sizes and backgrounds no matter their personal beliefs.
Fans come to share a bond with people they have never met before and might not see again away from their favorite team’s games.
The same sentiment rings true for those who stepped between the white lines. It can start as a high school football player but solidifies in college and the pros.
A look along the sidelines during the 2025-26 College Football Playoffs illustrates how “The U” serves as a perfect example of this deep camaraderie.
The University of Miami has produced its share of talented players who not only have made it to the National Football League but also to the sport’s pinnacle: the Pro Football Hall of Fame. With 11 individuals enshrined in Canton, Miami shares third place with Ohio State and Michigan, each close behind co-leaders Notre Dame and Southern California with 14 each.
From 1979 until 2005, the Hurricanes’ roster featured a future Hall of Famer in all but four years (1983-84 and 1990-91).
With their alma mater facing the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football National Championship game, graduates of “The U” shared their thoughts on what it meant to see their school make this season’s special run.
Edgerrin James (Hall of Fame Class of 2020): “We watched these kids grow up playing youth ball and always knew if you keep our talent home, this where we'll end up — in the big games. … When we say ‘Canes4Life’ we really mean it. When I went on stage before my Hall of Fame speech, my Hurricane brothers were there on stage and gave me that game day confidence.”
Devin Hester (Class of 2024): “Having an outside view is almost like watching your younger brothers playing.”
Ed Reed (Class of 2019): “Seeing ‘The U’ back in the National Championship is like being a proud uncle.”
Jim Kelly (Class of 2002): “It’s great camaraderie we have (with Miami alumni) at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. You know what? To get together with everybody, it’s awesome.”
No matter the result in the title game, Kelly reminded the current Hurricanes, “It’s all about ‘The U’!”
Fans come to share a bond with people they have never met before and might not see again away from their favorite team’s games.
The same sentiment rings true for those who stepped between the white lines. It can start as a high school football player but solidifies in college and the pros.
A look along the sidelines during the 2025-26 College Football Playoffs illustrates how “The U” serves as a perfect example of this deep camaraderie.
The University of Miami has produced its share of talented players who not only have made it to the National Football League but also to the sport’s pinnacle: the Pro Football Hall of Fame. With 11 individuals enshrined in Canton, Miami shares third place with Ohio State and Michigan, each close behind co-leaders Notre Dame and Southern California with 14 each.
From 1979 until 2005, the Hurricanes’ roster featured a future Hall of Famer in all but four years (1983-84 and 1990-91).
| Years at Miami | Pro Football Hall of Famer |
| 1957-59 | JIM OTTO |
| 1966-68 | TED HENDRICKS |
| 1979-1982 | JIM KELLY |
| 1985-87 | MICHAEL IRVIN |
| 1988-89 | CORTEZ KENNEDY |
| 1992-94 | WARREN SAPP |
| 1993-95 | RAY LEWIS |
| 1996-98 | EDGERRIN JAMES |
| 1998-2001 | ED REED |
| 2000-02 | ANDRE JOHNSON |
| 2003-05 | DEVIN HESTER |
With their alma mater facing the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football National Championship game, graduates of “The U” shared their thoughts on what it meant to see their school make this season’s special run.
Edgerrin James (Hall of Fame Class of 2020): “We watched these kids grow up playing youth ball and always knew if you keep our talent home, this where we'll end up — in the big games. … When we say ‘Canes4Life’ we really mean it. When I went on stage before my Hall of Fame speech, my Hurricane brothers were there on stage and gave me that game day confidence.”
Devin Hester (Class of 2024): “Having an outside view is almost like watching your younger brothers playing.”
Ed Reed (Class of 2019): “Seeing ‘The U’ back in the National Championship is like being a proud uncle.”
Jim Kelly (Class of 2002): “It’s great camaraderie we have (with Miami alumni) at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. You know what? To get together with everybody, it’s awesome.”
No matter the result in the title game, Kelly reminded the current Hurricanes, “It’s all about ‘The U’!”
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