In Denver Broncos history, Tom Jackson is the greatest Bronco. That is a pretty lofty statement to make, with the likes of John Elway, Terrell Davis, Peyton Manning, and many others on the list of possible GOATs. But I think the argument can be easily made. TJ may not be the greatest player in the history of the franchise, but he is the greatest Bronco.
More from Broncos News
- Broncos coach predictions: Ranking candidates from least likely to most likely
- Denver Broncos blatantly ignoring maybe the best head coach candidate
- 3 roster moves that backfired on the Denver Broncos in 2022
- Broncos head coach search nearing its conclusion after Friday interview
- Forecasting a potential Broncos trade to acquire Sean Payton
A quick look at what TJ has meant to the people of Broncos Country can give you an idea of how people hold him in high regard. Beyond that, TJ goes on TV every Sunday and wears his love for the franchise on his sleeve. Now he has the opportunity to continue his legacy as the greatest Bronco, and cement his spot as the greatest teammate in Broncos lore.
Jackson is being honored at the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award. To be sure, Jackson will thank his friends at ESPN, and talk about his opportunity to work in football after his playing career ended. He will undoubtedly take the time to honor family and friends who have helped him along the way, and I hope he does one more thing.
Think about the greatness of the Denver Broncos, and ask yourself how this franchise can only have a small handful of players enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
I hope that Jackson uses his bully pulpit as an opportunity to ask the voters to look at his franchise one more time. I hope he makes a plea for some of his great teammates, and some of the great Broncos who have been ignored by the voters for so long. I hope he reminds them of how integral Pat Bowlen was to the prominence of the NFL. I hope he asks them to consider the greatness of this franchise, and to honor these men in the way they deserve to be honored.
Horseshoe Heroes
If you have lived the life of a Denver Bronco fan, you may feel slighted by the Hall of Fame. Young fans will certainly begin to feel the pain of wondering, as Terrell Davis continues to be passed over for lesser running backs each year. Older fans can tell you stories about players that retired as sure-fire candidates for the Hall, only to see their legacies fade in the eye of the voters.
Ask Floyd Little about enduring the long wait. Ask him if he thinks it was fair. I grew up on stories about Louis Wright, the original shutdown cornerback. Randy Gradishar retired as one of the best linebackers of his era and has been passed over for the Hall of Fame without so much as a whimper from voters. Steve Atwater was one of the most feared safeties in all of football for his entire career, but his chances of making it into the Hall of Fame seem highly unlikely.
I urge you to go look up information about these guys, and Tombstone Jackson, and Rick Upchurch. Think about the greatness of the Denver Broncos, and ask yourself how this franchise can only have a small handful of players enshrined in the Hall of Fame. It is a travesty and a shame. When John Elway was elected it felt like the floodgates may open up for the Broncos, but then the wait for Floyd Little, which again signaled a possible opening for players.
Now, it is Jackson who is being honored. Now TJ can be the great Bronco once again. He can stand in front of the world and make a plea for his beloved franchise. He can make a plea for Broncos Country. We love TJ, and this would just be one more reason to believe he is the greatest Denver Bronco of all time.
Next: Broncos camp: Kubiak compares Ronnie Hillman to Pro Bowler