Speech Order for Hall's Class of 2023 Induction Revealed

Former Miami linebacker Zach Thomas will be the first player enshrined at next month’s Pro Football Hall-of-Fame induction, the Hall announced Monday.

Thomas, who spent all but one season of his career with the Dolphins, will kick off the ceremonies that begin at noon on Aug. 5. Another Thomas, former Cleveland tackle Joe Thomas, will be the last to speak at the Class of 2023 induction.

The order of speeches is as follows:

-- Zach Thomas

-- Ken Riley *

-- DeMarcus Ware

-- Joe Klecko

-- Chuck Howley

-- Darrelle Revis

-- Don Coryell *

-- Ronde Barber

-- Joe Thomas

* Deceased.

The 2023 enshrinees have been encouraged to keep acceptance speeches to approximately 10 minutes, which was the protocol at last summer’s ceremony.

In addition to tribute videos for Coryell and Riley, Mindy Coryell Lewis – the daughter of Don Coryell – and Ken Riley II – the son of Ken Riley – will make remarks on behalf of their fathers, both of whom will be inducted posthumously. Howley’s son, Scott, will also represent his father on stage and deliver remarks after Chuck’s bust is unveiled.

The presenters for each member of the Class of 2023 are as follows:

-- Ronde Barber – Tiki Barber (brother)

-- Don Coryell – Dan Fouts (Hall of Famer)

-- Chuck Howley – Bob Lilly (Hall of Famer).

-- Joe Klecko – Marty Lyons (former teammate).

-- Darrelle Revis – Diana Askew (mother).

-- Ken Riley – Barbara Riley (mother).

-- Joe Thomas – Annie Tomas (wife).

-- Zach Thomas – Jimmy Johnson (Hall of Famer and former coach).

-- DeMarcus Ware – Jerry Jones (Hall of Famer and Dallas Cowboys owner).