'I Feel Like I'm Dreaming': Eagles Legend Harold Carmichael Voted Into Pro Football Hall Of Fame
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The greatest wide receiver in Philadelphia Eagles history is finally heading to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Harold Carmichael has been voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the NFL's Centennial class.
Carmichael played an incredible career with the Eagles from 1971-83. He is the organization's all-time leader in career receptions (589), receiving yards (5,879), and receiving touchdowns (79).
The Pro Football Hall of Fame posted a phone recording on Twitter of Hall of Fame President David Baker telling Carmichael he was going to have a bronze bust in Canton.
"I feel like I'm dreaming," Carmichael said. "I don't know what to feel. I feel so numb. The first thing I thought about was growing up and the people that I was around and it just went from Jacksonville, Florida up to New Jersey now and just thinking about all the people that I would like to share this with. Because it wasn't just me by myself, there were times when I wanted to quit but people said keep going. This is such an honor, something that everybody that played in the NFL, are playing in the NFL, this is where they want to get and it's a blessing to me to be able to be a part of it, the gold jacket guys."
Eagles owner Jeffery Lurie says Carmichael's induction is a well-deserved honor.
Carmichael was a seventh-round pick from Southern University and played 180 games with the Eagles, including a franchise-record-tying 162 consecutive games.
During his career, he was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, a three-time Second-Team All-Pro, the 1980 NFL Man of the Year, and named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade team.
Carmichael was inducted to the Eagles Hall of Fame in 1987, but Lurie says his contributions to the organization go beyond his on-field accomplishments.
"Harold served as a role model, mentor, and friend to so many during his four-plus decades in Philadelphia as a player, executive and ambassador," Lurie said. "He is a one-of-a-kind person who loves this organization, who loves this city and its fans, and who treats everyone with dignity and respect. We are excited to celebrate this honor with Harold and his family."
Former Eagles' Mike Quick and Ike Reese congratulated Carmichael on Twitter.
Quick called his former teammate's induction to the Hall of Fame a "big day."
"This is a big day. My friend and brother finally gets his just due. Big H will have a bust in the Pro Football Hall of Fame," Quick tweeted.
Reese exploded with excitement for his friend and mentor.
"I'm so PROUD and HAPPY right now!!!! This man is so humble and kind. Not to mention he was one of if not the BEST WR to play during his era. Met #HaroldCarmichael in 1998 when I first arrived in Philadelphia. He's been a big bro, mentor and most importantly a friend," Reese tweeted.
Former Eagles running back Brian Westbrook say the induction was "long overdue."
Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz also congratulated the Eagles great.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame induction will be held on Aug. 8 in Canton.
