CANTON, Ohio -- The original plan was for legendary Vikings center Mick Tingelhoff to give a short speech Saturday night when enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Instead, presenter Fran Tarkenton spoke for him.
Tingelhoff, 75, has had health issues and memory problems in recent years. His wife, Phyllis, had said a week ago his induction speech would be "short and sweet.''
But the plan was changed. It was decided to have his former Vikings quarterback do all the talking during the induction at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
"Mick's a man of little words,'' said Tarkenton, a fellow hall of famer.