Denver Broncos: 30 greatest players of all time
player. 45. . LB. (1999-06). Al Wilson. 30
Al Wilson was a defensive stalwart and the leader of the Broncos defense in the early 2000s before injuries cut his career short.
The first-round pick out of Tennessee is arguably the best middle linebacker the Broncos have ever had and is a likely addition to Denver Ring of Fame.
Wilson’s career only spanned eight seasons, but in that time, he was one of the most productive linebackers in the game. Over those eight seasons, he only missed three games.
A neck injury late in the 2006 season derailed his career before ultimately retiring.
During his reign at middle linebacker, Wilson was selected to five Pro Bowls and twice named an All-Pro. He finished his shortened career with 714 combined tackles and 21.5 sacks.
These numbers were good enough to rank ninth all-time in tackles, 10th in forced fumbles and 15th in sacks for the Broncos.
Wilson helped revolutionize the position of middle linebacker from two-down run thumper to three-down playmaker excelling in both run and pass defense.
The slightly undersized (6-feet, 240 pounds) linebacker was named to Denver’s 50th Anniversary Second Team.
– Andrew Wade