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Salute To Service: Ex-Denver Broncos That Served in Military

By Cameron Parker

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 6: A pylon with a Salute to Service ribbon on it rests on the field during a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens at M
BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 6: A pylon with a Salute to Service ribbon on it rests on the field during a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens at M /
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Denver Broncos
BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 6: A pylon with a Salute to Service ribbon on it rests on the field during a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens at M /

Today is Veterans Day, a day we pay tribute to all the Denver Broncos players who served or in all branches of the military.

“No sacrifice. No victory.”

Predominantly Orange thanks all current and past military members for their service. For the Denver Broncos, there have been only a handful of players to serve the military. They are plenty familiar with supporting the military. Chris Beake, the defensive assistant/defensive line coach,  has been employed with the Broncos for five straight seasons as an assistant. Beake was a graduate in 1992 from the University of Air Force and became a graduate assistant for the Falcons in 1994.

Since establishment of the team, the Denver Broncos have seen its fair share of players that spent time in the military. Let’s take a look at those ex-Broncos to serve this great country.

Joe Rizzo, LB – Marines

The Denver Broncos found yet another piece to the great defenses of the 1970s. During the 1974 draft, the Buffalo Bills selected Joe Rizzo who played for the United States Merchant Marines. An injury to the knee resulted in a release from the Bills. The Broncos swooped in and signed the linebacker that season. Rizzo would become a reliable stable to one of the best defenses in NFL history. He and Randy Gradishar played the inside, while Tom Jackson and Bob Swenson manned the outside.

Rizzo racked up numerous tackles and would start the Broncos first Super Bowl appearance in the 1977. The Merchant Marine still holds the franchise record with three interceptions by a linebacker.

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