"Andre Tippett Night" Remarks
October 20, 2008
Tonight is "Andre Tippett Night" at Gillette Stadium in honor of Tippett's enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2008. The Patriots and their fans honored the legendary linebacker in a ceremony on the field at halftime, during which Robert Kraft presented Tippett with his Hall of Fame ring. Tippett was joined on the field by his family, 16 of his former teammates and the Sharon, Mass. Pop Warner team he coaches.
Halftime ceremony remarks:
Patriots Chairman & CEO Robert Kraft:
In 1982, the Patriots used their second round draft choice to select a young linebacker out of the University of Iowa named Andre Tippett.
I am proud to say that 26 years later, Andre Tippett remains a New England Patriot!
As a fifth-degree black belt in karate, Andre used his martial arts training to become the most intimidating player in the game. Patriots fans will always remember him as the most dominant defender in franchise history with his 100 career sacks.
In August, Andre gave me the honor of presenting him for his Hall of Fame induction. Tonight, it is my honor to present him with his Pro Football Hall of Fame ring.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinct honor and privilege to introduce one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history, Pro Football Hall of Famer, Andre Tippett.
2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee Andre Tippett:
Thank you. This is incredible!
Thank you to my family, my Pop Warner team and my former teammates for being here.
I have been a New England Patriot for 27 years, and I have never been prouder to be a Patriot than I am tonight.
The last few years, culminating tonight, have reinforced for me something I have known for a very, very long time -- that Robert Kraft is the best owner in the NFL; that the New England Patriots are the best organization in the NFL; and that Patriots fans are the best fans in the NFL!
This has been an amazing journey for me, starting two years ago when I was first named a finalist for the Hall of Fame. Over that time, so many of you have offered your best wishes and congratulations. I have been thrilled to meet each and every one of you.
Your support helped me get to the Hall of Fame. I share this with you. This is for you.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
