Denver Broncos Players Who Deserve to Be in the Hall of Fame

Aug 8, 2015, Canton, OH, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (left) and Bill Polian pose with the bust at the 2015 Pro Football Enshrinement Cermony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2015, Canton, OH, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (left) and Bill Polian pose with the bust at the 2015 Pro Football Enshrinement Cermony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
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Randy Gradishar
Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; NFL uniform inspector Randy Gradishar walks the sidelines before the game between the Oakland Raiders against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Randy Gradishar

Now, I was not around for Randy Gradishar’s career, but I have heard nothing but great things about him. But how can you not put the centerpiece of the “Orange Crush” defense in the Hall of Fame? Especially after looking at the numbers he recorded during his career.

His 2,049 tackles, 20.5 sacks, and 20 interceptions are pretty huge numbers for a linebacker. While the sack numbers are not as high for the linebacker, I am sure that during that time, it was pretty significant.

During Randy Gradishar’s last eight seasons with the Denver Broncos, the defense allowed the third fewest rushing yards behind only the Steelers and Cowboys.

Gradishar has had numerous accomplishments during his NFL career, recording several Pro Bowl appearances, being named First-team All-Pro five times, and was even named the 1978 Defensive Player of the Year.

With those numbers and accomplishments, please tell me why he is not in the Hall of Fame.

Next: Rod Smith

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