"The 1983 first-round class — I made it. Dan Marino, (John) Elway, (Jim) Kelly, (Eric) Dickerson, (Bruce) Matthews, Green." — Darrell Green on joining five other first-rounders from '83 in the Hall.
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"I started playing as a defensive lineman because I was always one of the biggest kids. I always bugged them to at least give me an opportunity (with the ball)." — Art Monk, who became one of the NFL's most prolific receivers from 1980-95.
"I knew how people had spoken about him as a coach. I asked him, what are you going to do with me? It was probably my third year. He says, 'Nothing." "He said you were covering (Cardinals star receiver) Roy Green and I have seen how you cover. Basically, I am going to let you go into what you do." — Darrell Green on Emmitt Thomas, his defensive backs coach early in his career in Washington.
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"I think he suffered for a few years. But that's the way it goes. You can't get everyone in every year." — Former Redskins QB Doug Williams on Monk's eight-year wait to get voted into the Hall.
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"I didn't work for this. I worked for the love of the game." — Defensive end Fred Dean, one of the game's best sackmasters from 1975-85 with San Diego and San Francisco.
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"Those guys have high character. I'm proud to go in with them." — Emmitt Thomas, an assistant coach in Washington when Monk and Green played there, and one of the best cornerbacks of the 1960s and '70s with Kansas City.
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"I was trying to keep my composure. I'm emotional. I will cry at the drop of a hat. It was pretty overwhelming for me. I tried to keep it together as long as I could." — Andre Tippett, a star linebacker with New England in the 1980s who waited 10 years to be elected.
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"I never dreamed this day would come, and I've never looked at myself as being this caliber of player. I played with many great players. I think they are the ones that really helped me get to this spot. I just feel very honored, lucky — you name it." — Tackle Gary Zimmerman, elected in his sixth year of eligibility.
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