Rayfield Wright

NFL Hall of Fame Induction Speech

"My grandmother taught me the power of prayer and what that prayer meant to me. And it's still in front of me today."

"During my college years, I excelled in both football and basketball, but basketball was still my preferred sport, as I averaged over 20 points a game and 21 rebounds per game. In fact, the Cincinnati Royals tried to sign me my junior year to come and play basketball for them, but I declined that invitation because I needed to stay in school and get my education."

"My senior year, I received a telephone call from a gentleman by the name of Mr. Gil Brandt of the Dallas Cowboys. And he stated that the Cowboys was interested in drafting me. And I asked him, for what? I had my sights set on the NBA."

"But I realized that potential, playing for the Cowboys, was a God-given opportunity, and I couldn't ignore it. I decided to attend the Cowboys training camp which was in July. The Royals camp didn't start till August. And I kind of figured that if I didn't make the Cowboys team, I could go right to the NBA."