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Highlights from Bill Polian’s Hall of Fame Induction

By Luke Schultheis

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Former renowned Indianapolis Colts general manager Bill Polian was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame yesterday evening, in front of his old owners, coaches, and players including Jim Irsay, Tony Dungy, and Peyton Manning among others.

The 72 year old Polian was the team’s GM from 1997-2009. During that span, Polian accumulated a 134-74 (.644) record, making the playoffs in 10 of his 13 seasons including most notably a Super Bowl XLI Championship.

Perhaps the gold standard for talent evaluation, Polian drafted highly successful first rounders in the likes of Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James, Reggie Wayne, Dwight Freeney, Dallas Clark, and even Anthony Castonzo. Additionally, he also selected Bob Sanders in the 2nd round of 2004.

Not to mention, Polian discovered late round sleepers like Robert Mathis, Cato June, Antoine Bethea, Pierre Garcon, and Pat McAfee, while finding undrafted free agent gems such as Jeff Saturday, Gary Brackett, and Dominic Rhodes. Some of those players are clearly more important in Colts history than others, but the fact remains the same that Polian had the “Midas touch” for an extended period of time as the Colts lead executive.

Polian started his induction speech with a notable quote from Winston Churchill:

"“Never has one person owed so much to so many.”"

Among the highlights, Polian thanked Irsay:

"“Jim Irsay had a vision for his Colts and allowed us to help make it a reality. His generosity and loyalty gave us the tools to succeed. Thank you, Jim.”"

Then his former Colts assistant coaches:

"“So many great assistant coaches who contributed to our success. A few gave me my grounding in pro football…Ted Marchibroda, Mike Murphy, John Teerlinck, Leslie Frazier, Tom Moore, and Howard Mudd,” said Polian. “We would not have succeeded and we would not be here without these valued colleagues and friends.”"

Moving to former Colts head coaches:

"“Jim Mora, who built a culture of discipline that lasted throughout our time in Indianapolis,” said Polian. “Jim Caldwell. He followed a legend and took us to a Super Bowl and continues that great work today in Detroit,” added Polian."

Including, most notably Tony Dungy:

"“Tony Dungy, America’s coach,” said Polian. “What a joy to work with him. Many of our players felt because of Tony’s faith, the almighty did him a favor from time to time. Like steering storms away from training camp, so two-a-day practices could continue uninterrupted.”‘That, nor our many miraculous second half comebacks, was not Tony’s greatest feat,” added Polian. “He did the unthinkable. The undoable. Because of my immense respect for him, he cleaned up my vocabulary. You didn’t have to applaud on that line (crowd claps). We never doubted for a minute that through all of the heartache and heartbreak, we would win a Lombardi Trophy.”“Tony’s example of courage, class, dignity, and dedication in the speak of unthinkable tragedy made us a better football team and more importantly, better people,” noted Polian. “I look forward to his enshrinement in this hall.”"

Also, some of his highly regarded Colts players:

"“With the Colts, those I know will merit consideration for this hall. Jeff Saturday, Dallas Clark, Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis, Adam Vinatieri, Edgerrin James, Reggie Wayne, and the incomparable Marvin Harrison,” said Polian. “And of course, #18, Peyton Manning.” proclaimed Polian. “If you keep playing, I may not be around for your introduction. But wherever I am, I’ll be thrilled and proud.”"

Finally concluding:

"“The impossible dreams have all come true. I began by paraphrasing Churchill, I’ll close by quoting the pride of the Yankees Lou Gehrig, ‘Today, I am the luckiest man on the face of the Earth,’ Thank you.”"

Aug 8, 2015; Canton, OH, USA; Bill Polian (right) poses with bust and Peyton Manning during the 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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