[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENT OF EDDIE DEBARTOLO JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 14, 2016

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Eddie DeBartolo 
Jr., who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on September 
6, 2016. DeBartolo was known for building a winning organization with 
the 49ers and was credited by Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young for 
working to create the strongest relationships between players and 
owners throughout the NFL. In addition to his teams averaging 13 wins 
from 1981 through 98 his teams would win 13 division championships, 
five Lombardi Trophies, and win league championships in the 1981, '84, 
'88, '89, and '94 seasons.
   Eddie is not only known for building great football programs, but he 
is also known for his love and compassion for players, family, and his 
community. When his moment came to speak during his induction ceromony 
DeBartolo had no intentions to bask in the accomplishments that granted 
him access into the hall of fame, but instead he spent 27 minutes 
focusing on the players, staff, family, friends, and others who gave 
him the strength and courage to reach the pinnacle of the pro football 
world. He understood that success was not only just on the owners and 
players, but everyone on the staff from the equipment managers and 
groundskeepers who worked hard every day all the way to the owner's 
box.
   Eddie is a man who sees deeper than the game of football itself, 
saying ``We weren't just a family on Sundays, we were a family every 
single day.'' So again, I would like to congratulate Eddie on this 
well-deserved recognition. He makes Ohio proud.

                          ____________________