The 23rd annual Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place Thursday, Nov. 5, at Live! Casino and Event Center in South Philadelphia. A true who's who of famous athletes, media members and even the original Philly Phanatic, all with ties to the Philadelphia area, were honored and celebrated for their accomplishments.
On a night filled with emotion, stories and perspective, it was evident how much being inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame meant to everyone involved.
A particularly emotional Jon Runyan, who spent nine seasons playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, was the last to take the stage.
"I'm just going to cry," Runyan said to a roaring ovation. "I'm full of gratitude; emotions. I consider everyone in this city that is a fan of any sport in the city to be part of the family. It's all about adding to the recipe of what makes this one of the greatest sports towns in the country."
The 2026 class included Agnes Stegmuller, Art Still, Ben Shibe, Bobby Smith, Carli Lloyd, Dave Raymond, Edith Houghton, Gina Procaccio, Hugh Douglas, Jack Bauerle, Jim Lynam, Johnny Gaudreau, Jon Runyan, Lisa Salters, Sal Paolantonio, the 1926 NFL champion Frankford Yellow Jackets and the 1970 NCAA College Division men's basketball champion Philadelphia Textile team.
Among those honored was the late Johnny Gaudreau, the South Jersey native and seven-time NHL All-Star who starred for the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets. Known as "Johnny Hockey," Gaudreau grew up in Salem County and attended Gloucester Catholic High School before becoming one of the NHL's most recognizable stars.
Gaudreau's family accepted the honor on his behalf, with his mother, Jane, sharing that her son had always hoped to finish his NHL career with the Philadelphia Flyers, even if it meant signing a one-day contract. "He would be so incredibly proud and so thankful to everyone," she said.
"I remember going to a lot of the Philadelphia sports team's games with my parents and family, and just living, and breathing, and watching all of the Philadelphia sports teams," soccer legend Carli Lloyd said. "Being inducted along with a whole slew of 20-some years of other amazing people that have been in and around this area is truly an honor."
Before the ceremony began, those in attendance were able to meet with the inductees and recount the memories they created during their respective careers. Many media members, athletes and previous inductees were there to celebrate Philadelphia's storied sports history.
"I feel very lucky and honored to be part of this incredible class of Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame," longtime reporter and former Eagles beat writer Sal Paolantonio said. "To me, the greatest four words in the English language are 'You want Philly Philly?' and then the second greatest four words are, 'Yeah, let's do it,' " alluding to the sideline conversation between Nick Foles and Doug Pederson that led to the iconic Philly Special play, which helped bring the Eagles their first Super Bowl championship.
Paolantonio then shared a special moment with the crowd, once again reciting Foles' famous question and having everyone in attendance shout back Pederson's response.
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