In fact, my teams lost most of them. He loved the game, had fun when he played it, and he brought the best out in me. I thank every one of you for being a part of my journey.Wayne Chrebet, your underdog mentality, your work ethic and your passion for the game made you one of my all‑time favorite teammates, and I appreciated being your teammate, and I thank you.As I begin, I must first tell you that I'm a proud Southerner from Leesville, Louisiana.John is not here, but he's never forgotten, and we love you.Respect your opponent, but don't ever give them too much respect. “I loved putting on my uniform and cleats. And it's not just good enough to be a pro, but be a professional in all that you do.
Everybody's boarding the plane, laughing and joking around. That faith led me to the New York Jets and launched me into this Hall of Fame career. You allowed me to continue on to fulfill a dream of a childhood, and I thank you. My career is over, but our friendships remain, and I thank you guys.‑‑ and giving me the opportunity to play in the NFL, and you made my childhood dream become a reality.My biggest regret is that our brother, John, never got a chance to see me play in the NFL and celebrate this night with us today. You're the greatest example of how it is to be a man that I could ever asked for. Amid surging COVID-19 cases in Ohio, the NFL preseason opener between the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers in Canton on August 6 has been cancelled. When he answered it and I told him who I was, he started crying. I learned that the commitment in the weight room in week 16 was just … To my mom and dad, David and Linda Mawae.You taught me to take responsibility for myself, don't blame others, and if you aren't going to do anything about it, then don't complain about it.I remember in 1998 we played the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead, and we beat the Chiefs. I didn't bring you here to beat the Chiefs. It taught me discipline, sacrifice, and selflessness.
He played college football for Louisiana State University (LSU), where he was a four-year starter. I learned to love the preparation, the plays, and the puzzle. You showed me that a coach doesn't have to degrade you, dog cuss you, and demean his players to get them to perform.Mom, you were tough, and you demanded the best out of us. He was picked by the Seattle Seahawks in the 1994 NFL Draft, and also played for the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans. Know this: I will be forever LSU.Mark, for every Wampus Cat Friday night where we called before kickoff, and, Scott, for every postgame critique, whether you were on the oil rig or not, you are my best friends.You married Tracy and I, and nearly every significant decision in my career was made with prayer and counsel with you. Kevin Mawae played 16 seasons in the NFL, earning eight Pro Bowls and three All-Pro honors. Thank you.To the men on the stage and those who are no longer with us or could not be here, I thank you guys.
You're my greatest fan, you're my greatest cheerleader, and you're by best friend. It is there that I played for the black and gold of the Leesville Wampus Cats.That journey that started 40 years ago on a European continent and took me to the deep south, the northern corners of this great country, and parts in between, the journey that encompassed many miles, many friends, numerous lessons, and a lifetime of memories, today that journey finally ends. And just as my football journey has taken many steps, you taught me literally that offensive line play is built upon a thousand tiny steps.On an occasion such as this, there are groups of people who must be recognized. Bill, I thank you for what you did for my career.
Forks up, Coach.Still hate the Patriots. Dad, I love you. Known for his ruggedness, intelligence and versatility, Mawae, who played his college ball at LSU, played 177 consecutive games at one point. There you go. You never cut corners, and you never looked unprepared. You're one of the best drill generals I ever had the privilege of playing for. We sweat, we bled, we cried, and we rejoiced together.
You taught me that if you love your players, they will return it with effort and execution. He looks at me and said: Hey, Mawae, what the (pausing) are you smiling at? Today I thank you for allowing me the honor of being your teammate for life.
Thanks, John.To my brothers Scott and Mark, outside of my wife, Tracy, and Mom and Dad, you are my greatest fans and my largest critics. I'm here today because what you and Dad instilled in me from the very beginning, and I love you and I thank you.Herm Edwards. On May 5th, 1996, our brother was tragically killed in an alcohol‑related car accident. But I believe God has a special place in the skybox he's looking down on us right now.But the most important thing that you ever taught me was family, to love and respect one another and to put family first. More than all of that, you're the greatest lesson and the greatest person that I could have had.God gave me a gift in you, and you believed in me with or without football. I could never thank you enough for all the love and support and for all you've done for Tracy and I.