Welcoming Committee: Steve Young

By Jim Kelly, Class of 2002
Special to Profootballhof.com

Editor’s Note: Jim Kelly and Steve Young were involved in two very memorable shootouts. The first one occured in the USFL in 1985. The other one came during the 1992 NFL Season.

Steve, we go way back to the USFL days. And, I certainly remember one game in particular – that wild one in 1985. What I remember most about that game was that Sports Illustrated referred to it as the ‘The Greatest Game No One Saw.” I recall that we were down by about three touchdowns after you rallied your team. Fortunately for me, the Gamblers had a corps of receivers called the “Three Musketeers,” and boom, boom, boom – we connected on three long passes to win that one.

That sure was a great one and I only wish that when it was all over, that more people had seen it. It would have been great if it was recorded as it would be a perfect fit for ESPN Classic.

My memory also takes me back to 1992 when we got into another great wild one – this time at Candlestick Park. I remember that there were no punts in that game. I told our punter that he should donate his check to the offensive linemen. They did such a great job; that he didn’t even need to take a paycheck that week.

For sure, we didn’t want to give you many opportunities because not only could you beat us with your arm and your accuracy, but you could beat us with your legs, and your mind. I always looked at guys like you, Steve, and wondered what it would be like to run like a Michael Vick or a Steve Young or a Randall Cunningham.

You were one of those guys that had everything that every quarterback would like to have. You had, with out a doubt, a good arm – your accuracy was unbelievable. And your wheels – being able to make things happen like the way you did, we’d sit back and say, ‘wow.’ You were always exciting to watch. I loved watching you play.

Perhaps most importantly, you had the qualities of a leader. You know that when you’re trying to be the leader of a team with whether its big egos or whether it’s just trying to get the team’s respect, it’s not always what you say. You had the ability to communicate to your teammates. And best of all, you led by example. You sure had an approach that motivated the team around you.

Steve, it’s an honor to have a great player to be alongside me in the Hall of Fame. We came out from the USFL when some people doubted that league, and the players. But, that started it all for you and now you can look back at successful career that has earned you the respect you deserve – induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame!

You’ve earned every right to be in the Hall of Fame. You’ve done it all. Now, when the time comes, you can sit back with your grandchildren, in your rocking chair, and say, ‘hey guys, let’s look at some highlights of grandpa!’

Congratulations Steve.