CANTON -- These five didn't need more garages for their cars, or extra storage space for trophies, or extra foundation for a TV shoot. No, not these five. These five needed more Advil. And an open door to the training complex at 6 a.m. And even, yes, more ego. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has inducted more handsome, glossy, and sexy groups, but the Class of 2002 is less Brad Pitt and more Bruce Springsteen. Perfectly so, too. They made it here because they were tough. Because of their teammates. Because of gorgeous luck.

No? Jim Kelly almost went to Penn State as a linebacker. Dave Casper started his career as an offensive tackle. Dan Hampton was plucked from his high school band onto the football field. George Allen's coaching inventions, like the nickel and dime defense, were so far ahead of his time he nearly coached his way out of coaching. John Stallworth, a fourth-round pick, was worried he wouldn't even make the team.

	Dan Hampton played his entire career with the Chicago Bears.

Today's crowd was estimated at around 20,000, the largest ever. Figures. Without a good supporting cast, none of these guys would be here. Just ask them. The best thing about Hall of Fame ceremonies is that they are honest. Numbers don't lie. Neither do the inductees. The players are no longer players, but citizens instead. The crow's feet have grown, the hair a little thinner and a little whiter. Years of reflecting upon their careers bring a clear perspective. They know you don't wear a gold jacket and reach around to pat yourself on the back. Help was needed. Saturday morning, when Sen. George Allen said his late father "got strength from people," he spoke for everyone. The coach of every player inducted today is in the Hall, too.

Together, the Class of '02 is as tough as No. 4 sandpaper. Hampton had 12 knee surgeries. Casper ripped his hamstring early in his career. Stallworth missed all of 1983 due to a knee injury, and in 1984, at age 32, had the best season of his career. Kelly missed time with shoulder and knee injuries. Allen was tough, too, in a different way. The day he died, on December 31, 1990 at age 72, he was still coaching at Long Beach State. Before he passed, he gave a little-known tailback from San Diego a chance to play. An NFL and Super Bowl MVP later, Terrell Davis is thankful.

All did what Hall of Famers are supposed to do: They changed the game they played. Allen's nickel and dime defenses, which were used against Kelly's K-Gun offense. Hampton was the pointman for the 46 defense.

And they sacrificed. When Casper was traded to Houston late in his career, when no other tight end had caught as many touchdown passes, he became a blocker for Earl Campbell. Hampton played both end and tackle, allowing Mike Singletary to make the tackles and get the glory. "Some of these highlight films about the Bears defense, I'm not even in the picture," he said. Now, he is. Finally, they won. Kelly went to four Super Bowls in a row. John Elway and Dan Marino, numbers one and two in career wins, couldn't beat Kelly and the Bills come January. Stallworth won four Super Bowls in six years. Hampton and Casper each have a ring. Allen never had a losing season in his career, a record of 118-43-5.

Whatever they're leaving pro football with, it's being passed on. When Drew Bledsoe was introduced as Buffalo's quarterback, he was grateful to be following Kelly, one of his "idols." Defensive tackle is an en vogue position after a generation of kids watched Hampton and the Bears. The '80s and '90s featured the tight end as a weapon. Allen's free-spirited coaching inspired those who today inspire the likes of Mike Martz.

The Class of '02 gave us a lesson today: Take an opportunity if it's offered. You never know where it might lead. In Casper's second year in the league, 1976, he rarely played. He didn't know if he'd be kept on the team. When a Raider kickoff coverage guy went down, he ran to take the spot, unbeknownst to John Madden. Madden started flipping out, so loudly Casper could hear him over the crowd. "What's he doing out there?" he screamed.

Too bad for the coach, the ball was kicked, before he could get Casper out of there. The returner was drilled flat at the 15. Getting up off the ground, the donor of the wicked hit, was Casper. For once, Madden was silent.

Today, Madden introduced Casper. "A great player," the coach called the him.

He spoke for all five. Finally, people know exactly why the Class of '02 was out there.

Seth Wickersham covers the NFL for ESPN The Magazine.