Randy Gradishar cites Warren Champion roots, faith in Jesus Christ in Hall of Fame speech

Randy Gradishar started his football career on the high school fields of Trumbull County.

The newest member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame did not forget to thank his Champion Gooden Flashes sports coaches - both football and basketball-in his induction speech Saturday inside Tom Benson HOF Stadium in Canton.

The Champion grad who made his NFL mark as decade defensive leader of Denver’s Orange Crush defense even singled out his old coach Jerry Carleton who made the trip from Trumbull County to Canton for the ceremony.

In his 25 minute speech, Gradishar also paid tribute to his dad, who along with his uncle Bill, ran a well-known grocer where Randy began working at age 12.

‘’Dad would have been proud of me,’’ said Gradishar who noted that his father died in 1980 of an aneurysm.

Before going to Denver, Gradishar honed his defensive skills for the legendary coach Woody Hayes. He credited former college teammate Archie Griffin, two-time Heisman winner, who helped him in his spiritual life.

‘’Archie invited me to an Athletes for Christ meeting, and it lead me to find Jesus as my personal savior,” Gradishar said.’

Tom Jackson, Bronco teammate who presented Gradishar for induction, said character is one word to describe his honored colleague.

‘’Randy showed throughout that his life has been built around family, faith and hard work.’’ Jackson said.

Former gridiron foe and now fellow Hall of Famer Dan Fouts said he could remember Gradishar peering out of his helmet with a little smirk, noting he threw two interceptions to the Champion product.

‘’He was the best at going sideline to sideline.’’ Fouts said.

Gradishar also thanked his wife Beth whom he met through his friendship with late Denver teammate Norris Weese. He said Beth as a nurse took care of Weese in hospice.

The couple live in the Denver area and were accompanied by church friends and others.

Former Bronco defender Steve Atwater presented Gradishar his gold jacket at a dinner Friday night which was also attended by Champion school officials who were guests of Bronco organization.

Saturday’s three-hour induction ceremony was delayed two hours by heavy rains in northeast Ohio. But Gradishar said he didn’t mind the wait after trying to get into the hall for 35 years.

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This story was originally published August 3, 2024 at 11:52 PM.