Levy, Swann Make Football Hall of Fame

C A N T O N, Ohio, Aug. 4, 2001 -- Marv Levy learned toughness, preparation anddiscipline from his father, a Chicago grocer who was a Marine inWorld War I. The lesson he learned himself was how to coach.

"It's nothing to do with a pep talk or a one-day speech. Idon't think you bludgeon them. I don't think you grab them by theshirt and kick butt," Levy said of his coaching philosophy. "Thatis a concept that many people have of what leadership is. I don'tbelieve it is at all." For the lessons he passed on to his players during 11½superlative seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Levy is being inductedinto the Pro Football Hall of Fame today. Joining him in theclass of 2001 are defensive linemen Nick Buoniconti and JackYoungblood, offensive linemen Mike Munchak, Jackie Slater and RonYary and wide receiver Lynn Swann.

Not Just Angry White, Haired Man

Younger fans probably formed their image of Levy from televisionfootage of an angry white-haired man arguing a call with anofficial, often punctuating his points with arms waving or fingerspointing. In reality, he is probably one of the most thoughtful andmild-mannered NFL coaches. "Leadership is the ability to get other people to get the bestout of themselves," said Levy, who has a master's degree fromHarvard. "It's manifested by getting them not to follow you but tojoin you." The Bills of the 1980s and 1990s were models of consistency anddisciplined play — thanks to the tutelage of Levy. Levy's Bills averaged 10 wins a year but are best remembered forfour losses — in consecutive Super Bowls, including one to theGiants in 1991 when Scott Norwood's 47-yard field-goal attempt onthe game's final play went wide right. Levy never looked at those as defeats but as experiences fromwhich to learn. "It takes tremendous qualities of character to get sodisappointed, to get so knocked down, and then to pick yourself upand then go through all the hard work and dedication it takes toget back there," he said. "It was a very resilient group, guyswho stuck together."

From ‘No-Name’ to Fame

Buoniconti wasn't drafted by the NFL and had to wait until the12th round of the AFL draft in 1963. Thought to be undersized, hewent on to become a block of granite for the Boston Patriots forseven years before anchoring one of the great defenses in NFLhistory in Miami. Buoniconti was the lynchpin of the Dolphins' "No-NameDefense," which helped the team to a perfect season in 1972. As a"no name," it was probably fitting he was overlooked forselection for years before being selected this season by a seniorscommittee. "This is a wonderful way to culminate a career," he said."After the induction, the Buoniconti chapter and book will beclosed. And I think I will have accomplished an awful lot." Buoniconti will be presented for induction by his son, Marc, whowas paralyzed from the neck down in a 1985 football accident. Itpromises to be an emotional moment when the younger Buoniconti iswheeled to the podium near the front steps of the hall to introducehis father.

Tough Guys

In 14 years with the Rams, Youngblood was All-NFC eight timesand was the league's defensive MVP in 1975. Munchak, Slater and Yary labored as dominant blockers on greatteams. They also received their share of individual honors. Munchak was named first- or second-team All-Pro 10 times for theHouston Oilers. Slater played 20 superlative seasons with the LosAngeles Rams — still an NFL record for longevity with one team.Yary was All-Pro six times with the Minnesota Vikings. All were physical and enjoyed the contact up front. "I loved being knocked down as much as knocking someone down,"Yary said.

Legendary Catches

Swann saved his best for the big games with the PittsburghSteelers dynasty of the 1970s. In the Steelers' 21-17 Super Bowlvictory in 1975, he had four receptions for 161 yards, including a64-yard catch and run that provided the winning score. Youngblood, Swann and Munchak each will be presented by formerteammates: fellow Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen, John Stallworth andBruce Matthews, respectively. Yary's line coach at Minnesota, John Michels, will introducehim, while Slater will be presented by his coach with the Rams,John Robinson. Levy selected longtime friend and Indianapolis Coltspresident Bill Polian to make his presentation speech. The new inductees also will be introduced during Monday night'sannual Hall of Fame exhibition game between the Dolphins and St.Louis Rams.