Photo Credit: Reese’s Senior Bowl

The Reese’s Senior Bowl has inducted five new members into its Hall of Fame.

On Sunday, June 30, the Senior Bowl celebrated its 35th annual induction ceremony, welcoming five former NFL athletes with the honor.

The 35th Hall of Fame class includes:

• Marty Lyons, former New York Jets defensive tackle
• Carson Palmer, former Arizona Cardinals quarterback
• DeMeco Ryans, former Houston Texans linebacker and current head coach
• Eric Weddle, former San Diego Chargers safety
• Roddy White, former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver

Together, these players have appeared in more than 700 NFL games and earned 17 Pro Bowl selections.

Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy expressed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to bring another accomplished group of Senior Bowl alums back to Mobile. Each of these men is among the greatest players in their respective NFL franchises’ histories and we are honored to celebrate their incredible careers.” 

Marty Lyons, a former New York Jets defensive tackle, underscored the significance of the Senior Bowl as a platform for showcasing talent to NFL teams. NFL Network host Rhett Lewis and Jim Nagy, who hosted the event, echoed this sentiment.

Houston Texans head coach and Hall of Fame inductee DeMeco Ryans expressed his gratitude for the Senior Bowl’s crucial role in allowing collegiate athletes to prove themselves against top-tier competition.

The ceremony also honored the 2023 Rookies of the Year: Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua for his record-breaking performance and Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end YaYa Diaby and Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Byron Young, who were named Co-Defensive Rookies of the Year.

Following the Hall of Fame induction, the Fourth Annual Senior Bowl Charities Celebrity Golf Classic took place on Monday, July 1, at the Lakewood Golf Club at the Grand Hotel.

Alabama Head Coach Kalen DeBoer and Defensive Coordinator Kane Womack participated in the golf tournament alongside the Hall of Famers and Rookies of the Year.

The tournament successfully raised $65,000 for local high school football programs through the Mobile/Baldwin Athletic Partnership. Marty Lyons emphasized the importance of giving back, noting that the event’s success is measured by the funds raised to support those in need.