Shula, Winningest Coach in NFL, Puts on Game Face for Induction

His famous jaw never slackened. His eyes never teared. Don Shula was the epitome of the great coach Saturday as he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Shula was in full control as he recounted his 67-year journey from Grand River, Ohio, to “the ultimate honor.”

He reflected on the great triumphs as the winningest coach in pro football history--and the disappointments, but at no time was Shula off-stride. And that’s just what anyone who played for or against him would have expected.

“I was able to do something for a lifetime that I enjoy doing,” said Shula, who along with New York Giant owner Wellington Mara, Raider and Patriot cornerback Mike Haynes and Pittsburgh and Kansas City center Mike Webster were inducted into the Hall in ceremonies delayed by a morning deluge.

Shula became the first inductee to be introduced by two people--his sons, David and Mike, both of whom have followed him into the NFL as coaches.

Mara, 80, joined his father, Tim, the founder of the Giants, as the first father-son duo in the Hall. With tears welling in his eyes, he spoke reverently of his brother, Jack, who died in 1965 of a heart attack.

“I overwhelmingly feel I come to you as a surrogate,” he said. “If not for his untimely death, Jack Mara would certainly have taken his place to form the first father-and-son team.”

Haynes, considered the best cover cornerback in the NFL in his time, was, in essence, the first significant free agent in league history. In 1983, he forced a trade from the Patriots to the Raiders after his contract expired with New England.

Called “the greatest defensive back who ever played the game” by Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts, Haynes at first claimed he won a bet with several other members of the Hall that he wouldn’t break down at the podium. Then he admitted to “crying like a baby” before the ceremonies began.

Webster was introduced by his former quarterback and another member of the Hall, Terry Bradshaw, who asked Webster to “just one more time, let me take that snap.” He then produced a football, which Webster dutifully snapped to him before they embraced.

Webster, who recently has been through difficult times because of mental, physical and financial problems, gave an inspiring, though rambling speech in which he implored the audience to “finish the game.”

“You don’t fail unless you don’t finish the game,” he said. “If you finish, you win.”

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MIKE HAYNES

* Cornerback, New England 1976-82, Raiders 1983-89: Intercepted 46 passes during 14-year career, returning them for 688 yards and two touchdowns. Recovered 12 fumbles and had 112 punt returns for 1,168 yards and two scores. A No. 1 pick out of Arizona State, Haynes intercepted eight passes his first year, led the NFL in punt-return yardage, played in the Pro Bowl and was elected rookie of the year. After playing out his option and going to the Raiders, he intercepted a pass in 1984 Super Bowl victory.

WELLINGTON MARA

* Contributor, New York Giants 1937-present: Son of the late Timothy J. Mara, Giants’ founder and Pro Football Hall of Fame charter member, his induction marks the first father-son team in the hall. Giants have won 16 divisional and six NFL titles, including victories in the 1987 and 1991 Super Bowls. Started as secretary of the Giants in 1937, has also served as vice president, president and co-chief executive officer. Has served on many NFL committees. President of the NFC from 1984 to present.

DON SHULA

* Coach, Baltimore 1963-69, Miami 1970-95: With the most victories of any NFL coach, Shula finished his 33 seasons with a record of 347-173-6, a winning percentage of .665. He coached in a record six Super Bowls, winning the 1972 and 1973 games. Guided Dolphins to a perfect 17-0 record in 1972. Had a winning record in 24 of his 26 seasons in Miami. Played cornerback in the NFL, intercepting 21 passes, before beginning his coaching career. Became the youngest head coach in NFL history in 1963.

MIKE WEBSTER

* Center, Pittsburgh 1974-88, Kansas City 1989-90: The Steelers’ strongman--famed for his bulging muscles and short-sleeved jersey--Webster came out of Wisconsin as a fifth-round pick and ended up playing in every game for 10 consecutive years. He was a mainstay in four Super Bowls and six AFC title games. Played in nine Pro Bowls and was elected Steelers’ offensive team captain nine times. Missed only four games (with elbow injury in 1986) in his first 16 seasons.