Chris Berman returns as Hall of Fame Enshrinement host; Class of 2024 speech order is set
CANTON — A trio of NFL defensive legends will kick off the speaking order for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2024 Enshrinement, with a special unveiling of Steve McMichael's bronze bust being a part of that.
Dwight Freeney will be the first speaker Saturday, Aug. 3, when the event begins at noon at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. After Freeney speaks, McMichael's bust will be unveiled at home as part of the enshrinement. McMichael is unable to attend the enshrinement for health reasons as he battles ALS.
The Hall announced the order of speeches Thursday afternoon. Ohio native and former Ohio State star Randy Gradishar, who starred in the 1970s and '80s with the Denver Broncos, will speak third.
The Hall, broadcast partner ESPN and the McMichael family have arranged for the bust to arrive at McMichael’s house Saturday morning. Misty and Macy McMichael, Steve’s wife and daughter, respectively, will be on hand. They also will present Steve with his gold jacket.
The Class of 2024 features seven members to bring the total number of enshrinees to 378. This year's enshrinement will air nationally on ESPN and NFL Network.
After Freeney's speech, the telecast will cut away from Canton to the McMichael home in suburban Chicago for his formal enshrinement.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Enshrinement speech order
Dwight Freeney
Steve McMichael
Randy Gradishar
Devin Hester
Patrick Willis
Julius Peppers
Andre Johnson
Enshrinees are asked to keep their remarks to about 10 minutes each, similar to recent ceremonies.
ESPN's Chris Berman is Hall of Fame Enshrinement master of ceremonies
ESPN personality Chris Berman will return as the master of ceremonies for the enshrinement, continuing a role in which he has served for more than two decades.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Enshrinement presenters
The presenters for each member of the Class of 2024, which were previously announced, are:
Freeney – Jim Irsay, Indianapolis Colts owner & CEO
Gradishar – Tom Jackson, Randy’s former Denver Broncos teammate
Hester – Juanita Brown, Devin’s mother
Johnson – Gary Kubiak, Andre’s former Houston Texans head coach
McMichael – Jarrett Payton, Steve’s longtime friend and sports anchor
Peppers – Carl Carey, Julius’ longtime friend, mentor and agent
Willis – Ernicka Willis, Patrick’s sister
Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Enshrinement tickets available
A limited number of remaining tickets for the enshrinement are available at http://www.profootballhof.com/tickets.
More on the Hall of Fame: What to know: 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival guide
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement speech order set for 2024
