Notes From Harry

The Election to The Hall of Fame

2/27/2006

Since my election to the Professional Football Hall Of Fame I have been extremely honored at the outpouring of support that I have received from so many people. Many of you have called, sent faxes, emailed, signed my guest book or have spoken with me face to face offering your "congratulations". I truly appreciate all of you even taking time to share your joy and excitement. I was so touched that I spent most of my time during the actual Super Bowl game responding to the many 300 emails I received from around the world since the announcement was made on February 4th. Ironically, I had no idea of the outcome of the results until very early the next day when I first arrived in Hawaii for my vacation. I've heard from many of my coaches and teammates on all levels as well as many players I've played against in the National Football League. To be recognized as one of the best among this group is what this honor is all about!

It has been a joy for me to see and hear the excitement that many of you have shared in regard to this personal recognition. But to me it is not something just for me! This honor is one that will be shared with all of you who in some way have inspired me to be the player I was and the person I am. Often I've reflected of my growth and development as a kid growing up in South Carolina and I know full well that I was not the best athlete among my peers. But for whatever reason many people (knowingly or unknowingly) touched me along the way to help keep me on track through elementary, junior, high school, college and then on to the NFL. I knew early during my career that I was there to represent where I came from and the people who helped me to get to that point.

I was proud to be a New York Giant and only had three goals as a player. The first was to be the best I could be on the field. The second, to represent the organization well both on and off the field. And the third, to hopefully one day be mentioned in the same breath as those other great Giant players who preceded me. I think I played the game of football hard and with a sense of passion. I know I played the game fairly and I left the game on my own terms feeling good for what I accomplished personally. The one thing that no one might be able to understand is what I treasured the most; being a leader of those players (my guys) I played with. Whether it was the 3-12-1 team or the World Championship team as their Captain I was honored to push myself through 13 training camps, share time with them in the locker room and lead them onto the field each week representing them. They inspired me and my proudest moment was being the lone Captain to represent them during the coin toss before playing Super Bowl XXI. This Hall of Fame recognition is shared with all of my teammates as well all of those players I played against, many of whom have called to congratulate me and to tell me that when I was elected they felt that they were elected as well. They were!

To have the opportunity to play in the National Football League is a dream come true for many youngsters. I feel very fortunate to have had that opportunity. For doing so I know that I've played with and against some of the highest quality individuals I could ever know. I am a part of a fraternity that few ever get to be a part of. In the light of the joy of this honor, my emotions are tempered because I am sadden at the plight of many former players who feel betrayed and left behind by the NFL in regards to pensions and benefits. I cannot in good conscience be "over the top" happy about this honor when I understand the plight of all players who are "My Guys"!

Unless you've played the game as we have I do not expect you to understand my feelings regarding this matter. But almost every player whether he's a Hall of Famer or he only played one game understands where I'm coming from. It is my intent to use this honor as a platform (in a very tactful way) to verbalize the need for the NFL to do more to provide for all former players and their families who have sacrificed greatly to help make the League what it is today.

Sincerely,
   Harry Carson