Tom Nalen To Be Inducted Into Broncos’ Ring of Fame

The Denver Broncos have their 24th Ring of Fame member. Welcome former center Tom Nalen to the club.

Nalen played 14 seasons for the Broncos and anchored an offensive line that was among the best in the NFL. He played in the third-most regular season games (194) in team history, and his 188 starts are second only to John Elway.

Nalen will be honored on September 29 at halftime when the Broncos host the Philadelphia Eagles.

Drafted in the seventh round of the 1994 draft out of Boston College, Nalen made five Pro Bowl appearances, which is the most by an offensive lineman in franchise history. He was part of seven playoff teams, three division champions, and two Super Bowl winners.

Nalen blocked for 1997 NFL MVP Terrell Davis’ memorable 2,000-yard year in 1998 and helped clear holes for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year performances by Mike Anderson (2000) and Clinton Portis (2002).

The only other offensive lineman to be elected to the Ring of Fame is Gary Zimmerman.

"“That’s pretty cool,” Nalen said of the honor. “My name’s going to be in the stadium.” –DenverBroncos.com"

The team’s Ring of Fame was created by Pat Bowlen in 1984 to recognize former players and administrators who played significant roles in the franchise’s history.

My guess as to who the next Ring of Fame member will be after Nalen? None of than Ed McCaffrey.

Here’s a look at other inductees:

Year Inducted

2013

Rod SmithWR1994-2007

2012

Shannon SharpeTE1990-99, 2002-03

2009

Terrell DavisRB1995-2002

2007

Steve AtwaterS1989-98

2005

Gary ZimmermanT1993-97

2003

Karl MecklenburgLB1983-94

2001

Dennis SmithS1981-94

2001

John ElwayQB1983-98

1999

Louis WrightCB1975-86

1993

Tom JacksonLB1973-86

1992

Randy GradisharLB1974-83

1989

Craig MortonQB1977-82

1988

Haven MosesWR1972-81

1988

Jim TurnerK1971-79

1988

Billy ThompsonS1969-81

1987

Charley JohnsonQB1972-75

1986

Paul SmithDT1968-78

1986

Frank TripuckaQB1960-63

1986

Gerald H. PhippsOwner1961-81

1985

Austin “Goose” GonsoulinS1960-66

1984

Rich JacksonDE1967-72

1984

Floyd LittleRB1967-75

1984

Lionel TaylorWR1960-66

1984

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