When you insert "pretend" into your statement, it polled poorly with me. Perception of Jim's mindset provided in your statement was that not being in BYU's HOF was eating, eating, eating at him for 30 plus years. I don't believe that was the case.

Your sentence was written poorly if you truly are excited at the news. To me your sentence was a stab at him for pretending not to care. It was smarmy.