Pro Football Hall of Fame Experience 2018
Written by: Mills
There are times in our lives that we feel like we’ve been groomed for. Years preparing for that one moment that defines us in ways we can only dream. Finally meeting a childhood hero is one of those occasions - a person you’ve looked up to for years makes an appearance at the right time and place so that you have the exclusive chance to look them in the eye, shake their hand and let them know just what an impact they had on your life.
This wasn’t one of those moments.
When EA Sports informed me about the opportunity to participate in a development panel in Canton, Ohio I jumped at the chance. It was a chance for a GameChanger to interact with a developer (Ben Haumiller), a host (Kyle Brandt) and a living, breathing Hall Of Famer. When I arrived at the Pro Football Hall Of Fame I was prepared - I got to show off my knowledge of Madden and at the same time impress an NFL legend. That’s when it happened.
The Bus.
As a Ravens fan since they moved to Baltimore there is one player that epitomizes everything about the purple and black - Ray Lewis. But every bit his equal on the offensive side of the ball was Jerome Bettis. And some of the battles that ensued were ones that showed why both men now don the gold jacket. From Lewis flattening Bettis on a screen pass from Kordell Stewart in the 2002 AFC Divisional Playoff (a game that, admittedly, the Steelers won) to Bettis gaining almost one thousand yards in sixteen career games against Baltimore. And there he was, standing in front of me, a man that I was taught to loathe because he wore the black and gold proudly.
Kyle knew before Bettis ever walked in what was going to happen. Being the consummate professional that he is he was aware of the opening that would be available. There were Ravens fans in the room, the biggest sitting at the table across from him. Jerome sat down at the table and prepared himself for the panel. He started talking about his history with Madden (as you’ll see it was a history that almost cost him a portion of his football career), then pre-panel session turned to his kids and how he was allowing his son to play multiple sports and not force him in any direction, or his son’s video game habits. I wanted to dislike him Ravens fans - I really did. But the man sitting across for me, the guy that gave me Saturday night nightmares for nine years was exactly what everyone in Pittsburgh, South Bend or even his original draft city Los Angeles already knew he was: a stand up guy whose smile is infectious and words are spoken like a true chronicler of the amazing life he has experienced to this point.
The panel was extremely successful. Kyle plays to a live crowd about as well as any I’ve seen, Ben was on top of every single aspect of Madden and is the expert’s expert. Outside of a major gaff on a current Steeler wide receiver (you’ll see) I felt like this experience is one that I will able to reach back on for inspiration for years to come. I sat feet away from these two and one of the best players to ever grace the grass on Sundays and lived to tell the story. I consider that a win.
We traded barbs at times, but this panel shows why Jerome is beloved wherever he goes. His blue collar attitude mixed with his ability to be a raconteur of NFL history creates what every person with a bust in Canton should aspire to be. I’ll always be against the Steelers, but I’m now at the front of the line when it comes to a ticket to The Bus fan club.
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