CANTON, Ohio (AP) — Willie Roaf was in an unfamiliar role — the center of attention in front of a large crowd, being singled out for something good.
No, make that: Something great.
With current Saints players standing and cheering, the former New Orleans offensive tackle led a group of linemen into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday night, a six-man induction that honored those who relish the less-than-glorious role.
Four linemen were inducted — Roaf, Chris Doleman, Cortez Kennedy and Dermontti Dawson, along with running back Curtis Martin and 1950s cornerback Jack Butler.
The lineman’s speech was short and humble, befitting those who played their stellar careers in the scrums rather than the spotlight.
