CANTON, Ohio -- Mick Tingelhoff's granddaughter said Sunday it was a "last-minute'' decision that the legendary Vikings center didn't give a speech when enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The original plan was for Tingelhoff to say a few words during his induction Saturday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. However, his presenter, hall of fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton, ended up speaking on Tingelhoff's behalf and fought back tears.
Tingelhoff and Tarkenton are best friends from having been teammates for 12 seasons with the Vikings during the 1960s and '70s. Tingelhoff, 75, has had health problems, including memory issues, in recent years.