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WATCH: What Jets legend Kevin Mawae said during Pro Football Hall of Fame induction

The seven-time First-team All-Pro center is extremely thankful for the honor

Rolando Rosa

WATCH: What Jets legend Kevin Mawae said during Pro Football Hall of Fame induction
WATCH: What Jets legend Kevin Mawae said during Pro Football Hall of Fame induction /

On Saturday, Kevin Mawae officially joined the ranks of the greatest players in the history of the NFL. 

The legendary Jets center has his gold jacket, bronze bust and is now inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. 

Mawae was presented by his wife Tracy. When it was Mawae's turn to address the audience, he gave a passionate speech praising everyone along the way who contributed to his success. 

Mawae's induction is a testament to his outstanding career. Mawae, a Jet from 1998-2005, is in the franchise's ring of honor. 

The seven-time First-team All-Pro center blocked for thirteen 1,000-yard rushers and contributed to ninety-two 100-yard rushing games. The ironman amassed 177 straight appearances and made 238 starts. 

Mawae's humility during his speech was a joy to behold and why he's such a class act. This is a special night that Mawae and his family will never forget. 

Here's a sampling of what Mawae said during his induction speech: 

Family

On his mother: 

"What other mom plays tackle football in the front yard with her sons? She hit hard."

On his father:

"You're the greatest example of how it is to be a man that I could've ever asked for."

Jets

On Bill Parcells:

 "Many people thought Bill Parcells was crazy for paying a center what he did when I became a free agent in 1998. I think this moment right now proves that Bill was right all along...Bill I thank you for what you did for my career. I'll never forget the lessons I learned from you and I appreciate you."

On Herm Edwards:

"You taught me it was okay to be you. To play with a passionate that's individually inherent to your own personality but not to the detriment of the team or to disrespect the game." 

On Vinny Testaverde:

"I will never forget you drawing plays on your chest during a game in the Monday Night Miracle...You're one of the best field generals I ever had the privilege to play for...You remain my all-time favorite quarterback."

On Wayne Chrebet: 

"Your underdog mentality, your work ethic and your passion for the game made you one of my all-time favorite teammates."

On Curtis Martin: 

"We will forever be linked by our time with the New York Jets...Being a part of the year in which you were the oldest player to win the rushing title still stands out above all memories. Knowing you did that and your longest run of the season was only 25 yards still amazes me."

Division rivals

On Bill Belichick:

“I never felt more challenged than when I faced your team. ... I still hate the Patriots.”

On Zach Thomas: 

“When they ask me who should be in the Hall of Fame, I think of No. 54 from the Miami Dolphins.”

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Rolando Rosa
ROLANDO ROSA

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