Mike Shanahan aside, who should go in next?
Just a short 13-years ago, when I wrote this article, the Broncos Hall of Fame landscape looked vastly different than it does today. While the last decade hasn’t been great for Broncos football on the field, Denver’s representation in Canton has blossomed. …Not that we should get complacent about our deserving players.
Here’s a list of eligible greats and their selection committee status:
The Dark Ages (1960-1975)
Lionel Taylor, WR [Senior Committee]
Rich Jackson, DE [Senior Committee]
Austin “Goose” Gonsoulin, S [Senior Committee]The Orange Crush (1976-1980)
Randy Gradishar, ILB [Senior Committee]
Tom Jackson, OLB [Senior Committee]
Billy Thompson, S [Senior Committee]
Louis Wright, CB [Senior Committee]The Reeves Era (1981-1994)
Dennis Smith, S [Eligible for Standard Selection until 2019]
Karl Mecklenberg, OLB/ILB [Eligible for Standard Selection until 2019]
Dan Reeves, Coach [Eligible for Standard Selection until 2028]The Shanahan Age (1995-Present)
Steve Atwater, S [Eligible for Standard Selection until 2024]
Terrell Davis, RB [Eligible for Standard Selection until 2027]
This is the list of eligible and deserving players as it existed in 2012. The “Dark Ages” is a tough period to pull a HOFer since, like in recent history, they were just awful to watch. Last year, the Orange Crush defense got a nod with Randy Gradishar finally getting his due recognition. Unfortunately, like Coach Dan Reeves, the Broncos are underrepresented for those 80’s AFC Championship teams. The “Shanahan Age” is probably the best news on the list with both having made it.
With the additions of Terrell Davis (2017), Champ Bailey (2019), Pat Bowlen (2019), Steve Atwater (2020), Peyton Manning (2021), John Lynch (2021), Demarcus Ware (2023), and finally Randy Gradishar (2024) there’s a lot of bronze in Canton that represents Denver well (Yes, I’ll even count John Lynch among them).
If you had to add to this list, say a “Post Kubiak Era,” whom would you add? Von Miller is a slam dunk, but who else? The problem with lean decades like the Broncos just endured and like they went through in the 1960’s is that great players are hard to come by when the team stinks. Anyone else deserving come to mind? How would you define the eras since Shanahan?
Headlines
Denver Broncos linebacker Drew Sanders undergoes foot surgery | 9news.com
His recovery timeline is uncertain, but Broncos head coach Sean Payton said last week Sanders would be out “north of four to six weeks.”
Denver Broncos’ defensive lineman Zach Allen agrees to 4-year, $102M extension | 95.3 X95 -#1 Hit Music Station
Denver Broncos’ defensive lineman Zach Allen agrees to 4-year, $102M extension
‘Sixth man of the year’ Malcolm Roach brings energy, leadership, production to the Broncos’ defense
“You hear him before you see him,” Head Coach Sean Payton said Thursday. “And I like that energy about him.”
Brandon Beane: “Disappointed” James Cook missed practice, I wish we weren’t here – NBC Sports
Cook said “business” was the reason he didn’t practice Sunday.
Tyreek Hill’s call for a change at short-yardage tailback had already happened – NBC Sports
Receiver Tyreek Hill’s failure to show up in time for the team stretch only two days after saying it’s “very important” to do so wasn’t the only unusual wrinkle for the Dolphins this weekend.
NFLPA turns to David White, who finished second to Lloyd Howell, as interim executive director – NBC Sports
Union takes an apparent mulligan on the mistaken decision to hire Howell.
Sean McVay says Rams hope to ease Matthew Stafford back to football in the near future – NBC Sports
“He is able to do a little bit more, which is good, and things are progressing well,” McVay said of Stafford.
Lions need to see more from backup QBs, Hendon Hooker will start next preseason game – NBC Sports
The two Lions competing to be Jared Goff’s backup turned in poor performances in the Hall of Fame Game, and coach Dan Campbell says both want to show they can be better.
Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones will each “play a good amount” in first two preseason games – NBC Sports
The Colts have been splitting first-team reps for quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones during training camp and the plan is to do the same through the team’s first two preseason games.
Alex Highsmith being evaluated for a groin injury – NBC Sports
Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith could miss some time with a groin injury.
NFLPA elects David White as interim executive director – ESPN
The NFL Players Association on Sunday night elected David White as its interim executive director, 17 days after the resignation of Lloyd Howell Jr.
Seeking deal, Cook sits out Bills’ practice – ‘Just business’ – ESPN
Bills running back James Cook did not participate in a mandatory practice for the first time since seeking an extension this offseason.
Colts RB Salvon Ahmed carted off with severe lower leg injury – ESPN
Colts backup running back Salvon Ahmed suffered a severe injury to his lower right leg after a hip-drop tackle during practice and was taken to a hospital for X-rays.
Dolphins, DT Zach Sieler reach 3-year, $67.75 million extension – ESPN
The Dolphins and defensive tackle Zach Sieler agreed to a three-year extension worth up to $67.75 million, making him the team’s highest-paid defensive player.
Source – Raiders S Lonnie Johnson Jr. has broken leg – ESPN
Raiders safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. has suffered a broken fibula and will get an MRI to determine if there is additional damage, a source told ESPN.