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Denver Broncos all-time team and 29-player lineup

By Graham Tiedtke

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 11: Quarterback John Elway #7 of the Denver Broncos, his uniform partially covered with mud, scrambles during the AFC Championship Game against the Cleveland Browns at Municipal Stadium on January 11, 1987 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Broncos defeated the Browns 23-20. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 11: Quarterback John Elway #7 of the Denver Broncos, his uniform partially covered with mud, scrambles during the AFC Championship Game against the Cleveland Browns at Municipal Stadium on January 11, 1987 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Broncos defeated the Browns 23-20. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /
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Tom Nalen, Denver Broncos
MIAMI – SEPTEMBER 11: Jake Plummer #16 of the Denver Broncos prepares to get the snap from center Tom Nalen #66 against the Miami Dolphins at Dolphins Stadium on September 11, 2005 in Miami, Florida. The Dolphins defeated the Broncos 34-10. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

C: Tom Nalen

Without a doubt the best center in team history, Tom Nalen spent his entire 15-year career with the organization. During that time, he made five Pro Bowls and was named an All-Pro three other times. Most importantly, he was the man snapping the ball to John Elway during the team’s back-to-back Super Bowl runs.

He was the last player from those teams to leave the Broncos.

Nalen struggled with injuries in a few seasons but for the most part was a tough, hard-nosed player who brought consistency and 100 percent effort each time he stepped on the field. He was truly one of the best centers of his era, which isn’t bad for a seventh-round pick. He currently ranks third in team history with 194 games played.

Nalen was everything you would want in a center. Tough, gritty, and dependable. He was an excellent fit in Denver’s zone-blocking scheme and was a leader on and off the field. In 2013, he was chosen to be part of the team’s Ring of Fame, one of only two offensive linemen to earn that honor.

— Travis Wakeman

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