Will Shields thanks family, former Chiefs teammates in Hall of Fame speech

Former Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Will Shields was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, and the 12-time Pro Bowler thanked former coaches, teammates, Carl Peterson and the Hunt family during his induction speech.

Shields was presented by his close friend Adrian Lunsford, who celebrated Shields' quiet leadership and consistent play before unveiling his Hall of Fame bust.

Video: Will Shields HOF speech

Throughout his speech, Shields not only thanked those who helped support him along the way toward NFL greatness but also shared encouragement and advice for others. He also gave some insight into his personality as a "drama kid," recalling memories that "people used to think twice when you have, at that point, a 260 pound man break out into song in show choir and jazz choir and in the school plays."

Shields also said his very first jersey only had two initials on it: 'JR' for Junior, since he had to pay for each letter on the back of a uniform with money from his paper route. Shields also said that Coach Gibbs never wanted to draft him.

Shields singled out former head coach Dick Vermeil, who he also said is still a close friend, and his fellow offensive linemen that he "went to war with every day and I loved every minute of it."

Shields also profiled each of his children with meaningful words as well as a touching, sincere moment of thanks to his father and mentor who served two tours of duty in the military.

Shields, now 43-years-old, played 14 seasons with the Chiefs and started an incredible 223 of 224 possible regular season games in that stretch of time. Only seven players have more Pro Bowl nods in their career. In addition, he was noted for being an example off the field and won the 2003 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

Shields had been named a finalist for potential inclusion into the Hall for the last three years before finally being inducted in 2015. He is being enshrined this year alongside Jerome Bettis, Tim Brown, Charles Haley, Bill Polian, Junior Seau, Mick Tingelhoff and Ron Wolf.