Tony Boselli is first Jaguar inducted in Pro Football Hall of Fame

Looking resplendent in his tailor-made gold jacket, Boselli handled his induction speech with the composure he showed on the field. The offensive tackle was introduced by Mark Brunell, the quarterback he helped take the Jags to two division titles and four consecutive playoff seasons.

Acknowledging Everyone

With the classic humility that epitomized his career, Boselli made sure to thank everyone he could think of. It began with his family; his wife Angi, and his five children Andrew, Adam, Ashli, Alexis, and Ansli. But even then, he was keen to praise how they were welcomed in Duval County:

“Angi and I are both incredibly blessed to call Jacksonville our home. It is where four of our five children were born, and all were raised. It’s a beautiful city where the Bosellis have made lifelong friends. You won’t find a better football town.”

Continuing the family theme, Boselli reflected on the childhood that set him on his journey to stardom. He referred to his upbringing as ‘harmonious’, and how his siblings would keep him grounded:

“My siblings taught me a valuable lesson … it wasn’t all about me. Without the influence of my family during my formative years, my life in football isn’t happening. No way am I standing in front of you at this moment.”

Bosell was drafted with the second overall pick out of USC. His head coach throughout his Jaguars career was Tom Coughlin, who was singled out for high praise:

“It all starts with Tom Coughlin. Tom was hard, demanding and had high standards. Tom made us winners. I am more grateful for Tom with each passing year.”

Thank yous and compliments were also reserved for his teammates. Brunel, who introduced him at the ceremony, was referred to as ‘a man of remarkable character and quality’. And Boselli was hopeful that running back Fred Taylor and wide receiver Jimmy Smith would join him in Canton one day.

A Fitting Ending

Bringing the speech full circle, Boselli chose to end his enshrinement by honoring his late father. Stating that the best part of his full name was ‘Junior’, Boselli got emotional:

“To my dad, Tony Boselli, Senior … whose brave fight against cancer was decided on May 31, 2021 … and whose impact on my childhood, career and life can never be adequately expressed … Thank you, dad. Thank you for everything. I am happy you are in the comfort of God. I know you are here … but I wish you were here. I miss you. I love you. And on this, one of the greatest days of my life, I honor your memory today, and thank you for the greatest gift of all: Family.”

Tony Boselli played 91 games for the Jacksonville Jaguars over six seasons. He was a five-time Pro Bowler, a three-time All-Pro, and named to the NFL All-Decade Team (1990’s). And on Saturday, he was fittingly enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Congratulations Tony, and DUUUUUUUVAL!

To see Tony Boselli’s Hall of Fame induction speech in full, click here.