"This is the happiest day of my life," Carter said. "When people said, 'Aw, you know, it really doesn't matter, you're a Hall of Famer in my eyes,' I said, 'It's more important that I'm a Hall of Famer in the Hall's eyes.' And I really, really wanted this."
Carter played 16 seasons, becoming only the second player in NFL history to reach 1,000 receptions in a career. He caught at least 70 passes in 10 seasons, and totaled 130 touchdown receptions from 13 passers.
In 41 games with the Eagles, he caught 89 passes, 19 for touchdowns, for 1,450 yards. He was cut by the Birds just before the start of the 1990 season and was claimed on waivers by the Minnesota Vikings. He stayed there for 12 seasons and caught 110 touchdowns before finishing his career with one season in Miami.
Parcells, elected on his fourth try, reversed the fortunes of four teams - the New York Giants, New England Patriots, New York Jets, and Dallas Cowboys - during 19 years as a head coach. He finished with a record of 172-130-1, most notably leading the Giants to Super Bowl titles in 1987 and 1991.
"He's one of the best coaches in NFL history," said Giants president and CEO John Mara. "He turned our franchise around."
Sapp played 13 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders. He amassed 961/2 career sacks despite playing on the interior of the defensive line, including double-digit sack totals in four seasons.
Allen played 203 games over 14 seasons, spending the bulk of his career with the Cowboys. He played every position on the offensive line except center and was a first-team all-pro seven straight seasons.
Ogden played a dozen seasons with the Ravens, a lineman who led the way for Jamal Lewis to become just the fifth running back in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. Ogden was a six-time all-pro and was voted to 11 Pro Bowls.
Sapp, Allen, and Ogden were first-year selections.
Culp was a defensive stalwart for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1960s and '70s and also played for the Houston Oilers and Detroit Lions. He started at tackle in Kansas City's Super Bowl win over the Vikings in 1970 and was selected to six Pro Bowls.
