Bill Polian enters Hall of Fame

CANTON, Ohio (AP) – Bill Polian, the architect of two major rebuilding projects in Buffalo and Indianapolis is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The 72-year-old Polian was inducted on Saturday night following a career in which he showed a knack for giving struggling clubs a needed boost.

“I’m being inducted as a contributor, but the game has given me more,” said Polian after his bust was unveiled. “I was blessed with a great owner, Jim Irsay, and some of the best coaches around, including America’s coach, Tony Dungy. The players who may follow me here, Saturday, Mathis, Edgerrin, Marvin and Reggie, and if course the incomparable Peyton Manning. There’s a mural atop Lucas Oil Stadium that says built by champions..yes you are. I’ll wrap up quoting the great Lou Gehrig. Today, I’m the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”

Polian began his career as a scout for Kansas City before eventually taking over as general manager in Buffalo in 1984. He put together the building blocks that became the core of a franchise that went to four consecutive Super Bowls.

Polian later worked similar magic in Indianapolis after coming on as general manager in 1998. He selected quarterback Peyton Manning and finally captured that elusive Super Bowl when the Colts won it all in 2007. Polian was presented by Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy.