CANTON, OHIO – Eddie DeBartolo Jr. was at the podium for nearly 27 minutes. It was his moment. His time.
But that’s not how the former owner of the San Francisco 49ers operates. DeBartolo had no plans to bask in the innumerable accomplishments that warranted his hall of fame induction: an average of 13 wins per season from 1981-98, 13 division championships, and five Lombardi Trophies. Ho hum.
Instead, his speech focused on those – players, staff, family, friends and otherwise – who helped him reach the pinnacle of the pro football world. Because for DeBartolo, it has been, and always will be, about people.