Randy Gradishar counts his blessings after 35 years of waiting to go into the Hall of Fame [Video]

After a 35-year wait, Randy Gradishar entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. His speech was filled with thanks for dozens of people, along with blessings and scripture.

One of those who meant the most to him was Jay Cimino, president and CEO of Phil Long Dealerships, who hired Gradishar in his public relations department more than 30 years ago. Cimino had continued to keep Gradishar’s candidacy in the public eye as the years passed.

“Year after year, for almost three decades, Jay and a few other men presented my case to the HOF Selection Committee. They believed I was a worthy candidate for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Gradishar said. “Jay’s 30-year vision and labor came to fruition. On January 26, I received the news I had waited 35 years to hear: I was chosen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I immediately …