The Weekly Tackle: August 8, 2011

by Joseph Landini
Sportsreageous.com
http://www.sportsrageous.com/the-weekly-tackle-august-8-2011-08-08-2011

This past week in football saw two shocking free agent signings, and a Hall of Fame ceremony no one will soon forget.

Shaun Ellis signs deal with New England Patriots. After 11 seasons in a New York Jets uniform, Defensive End Shaun Ellis will come to an agreement with the rival New England Patriots. After being offered a one-year, less than 1 million dollar deal from the Jets, Ellis agreed to terms with the Patriots. Ellis was as reliable as they come for the Jets, as he only missed six games since becoming a starter in 2001.

Derrick Mason picks Jets over former teams. Derrick Mason, after being cut two weeks ago by the Baltimore Ravens, has agreed to terms with the New York Jets. Mason adds to an already talented core group, which includes fellow signees Plaxico Burress, Santonio Holmes, and tight end Dustin Keller. With 15 years in the league under his belt, Mason is still reilable, catching 61 balls for over 800 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Deion Sanders led an emotional night for the Hall of Fame induction ceremony this year. In his speech he complimented his mother for all of his success, and said that the game of football was the reason he is the man he is today. Sanders also had a small surprise for the fans, and his hall bust (hall of fame head). Sanders placed a black bandana on its head and told the crowd God bless. Shannon Sharpe had an even more emotional speech for the crowd. Sharpe is proud to be known as a self made man, as he was the only one who believed in himself. Sharper went on to say that he is the only player to be inducted to the Hall of Fame to be the second best player in his family. He was talking about Sterling Sharpe, who he paid major compliments to.