Denver Broncos: 30 greatest players of all time
45. . C. (1994-07). Tom Nalen. 18. player
Tom Nalen was as dependable as they come on the offensive line.
Nalen was drafted in the seventh round out of Boston College and after his rookie season where he started one game, never looked back. In the twelve seasons following his first, Nalen missed 10 games total (with 9 of those coming in 2002).
His 15-season NFL career included five Pro Bowl selections, three First-team All-Pro selections and two Super Bowl Championships.
He was an integral part of paving the way for all the great Denver Bronco running game. In his twelve seasons as a full-time starter, there were 10 1,000-yard rushers for Denver from six different running backs.
His efforts at the center position have led to his induction into the Broncos Ring of Fame in 2013 as well as being named to the Broncos 50th Anniversary Team.
While he has not garnered a Pro Football Hall of Fame induction yet, he certainly deserves it. His longevity, athleticism, and positional abilities at the center position were rare.
– AW