Re: Buffalo Bills Talk
Thurman Almost Done With HOF Speech
Hall of Fame weekend for the Pro Football Enshrinement Class of 2007 is just over two weeks away and Thurman Thomas is making the final revisions on his Hall of Fame acceptance speech.
"It does have a little theme to it that starts it off," said the Bills all-time leading rusher. "I'm putting the finishing touches on it right now."
Thomas, who will be given eight to 10 minutes to speak at the enshrinement ceremony honoring him and his fellow inductees on Aug. 4 in Canton, estimates that his speech as its currently constituted is right around eight and a half minutes. Though he hasn't read it to anyone yet, he has gone over it more than once.
"I've done it on my own," said Thomas. "I read through it a couple of times. I'm not quite finished with it just yet, but I'm getting there."
Adding to the pressure of completing his speech is the knowledge that his presenter and former head coach, Marv Levy, is already done with his prepared remarks.
"I talked to Marv recently and he completed his about two months ago," said Thomas. "But I'm right on the verge of completing it."
Naturally Thomas wants it to be perfect, but with the time constraints he realizes that could be a challenge.
"I know I'll probably miss some people that won't appear in the speech, but it's a speech that's going to last all of eight and a half to nine minutes," he said. "I'll say what I have to say and get off the stage and enjoy the rest of the day with my family."
But much like Thomas was ready on game day, you can count on number 34 being ready when he steps to the lectern in 16 days.
"Come Saturday August 4th I'll be all prepared and ready to go," said Thomas. "It's something that I wanted to sit down and really think about. I just want to have a good time saying my piece."
buffalobills.com
