Eddie DeBartolo Shares Amazing Bill Walsh Story at HOF Induction

As he stood on a box to reach the microphone in Canton, Ohio former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo woke up the crowd with amazing story after story. But one story from the Hall of Fame owner stood out the most.

DeBartolo spoke about how he sat at the legendary head coach Bill Walsh’s death bed in 2007, and how his former coach told him he would one day make the Hall of Fame.

When “Mr. D” was officially elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he received a package in the mail. Inside was a miniature San Francisco 49ers helmet, and a letter.

Prior to his death in 2007, Walsh wrote Eddie DeBartolo a letter congratulating him on his induction into the Hall of Fame, and instructed his son to mail it to Eddie once he reached the Hall. It only took nine years for the letter to arrive at Mr. D’s door.

It was an amazing moment, straight out of “Back to the Future.”

In a lighter moment, Eddie DeBartolo poked fun of Jerry Rice. Actually, he poked fun at Jerry Rice several times, saying he used to change his uniform multiple times during games, and had a special nickname given to him by his teammates.

During his 23-year ownership of the San Francisco 49ers, Eddie DeBartolo’s teams won five Super Bowls within 14 years. He was always known for assisting players, coaches, and employees in need and always being someone they could go to for help.

Eddie DeBartolo was one of eight legends inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Other inductees include legends Brett Favre, Ken Stabler, Tony Dungy, Marvin Harrison, Orlando Pace, Dick Stanfel, and Kevin Greene.