Former Denver Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar was finally granted access to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, forever putting a stamp on what he did as a football player. Now that Broncos fans finally have that out of the way, who can they look forward to going into the Hall next?
The team still has several great legendary players and coaches who are deserving of the honor. While not everyone will make it in, each of these guys had a solid case.
“I just want you to know how meaningful you going into the Hall of Fame is for all of us.”
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 3, 2024
Randy Gradishar’s teammates had some special messages for him ahead of his @ProFootballHOF enshrinement: pic.twitter.com/BK8htVFpp8
These four former players and coaches should gain entry into Canton at some point in the future.
4 former Denver Broncos who deserve Hall of Fame nod
Rod Smith
Some fans will argue for Demaryius Thomas and while he had a tremendous career with the team, he shouldn't go into the Hall before Rod Smith, the best wide receiver in team history.
Smith doesn't get included in many talks regarding the Hall of Fame, but he was one of the best undrafted players in NFL history. His 849 career receptions and 11,389 yards are both team records.
Dan Reeves
Only eight coaches in NFL history have won more games as a head coach than Dan Reeves, who served in that role for the Broncos from 1981 to 1992. He took them to three Super Bowls before later taking the Atlanta Falcons to the big game as well.
He never won the Super Bowl but he was one of the better head coaches of his era and is deserving of at least being in the conversation.
Louis Wright
Now that Gradishar is in and the "Orange Crush Defense" is finally represented, it's time to get more players from that tremendous unit in too.
Louis Wright was one of the first "shutdown corners" in NFL history and he rarely gets the recognition that he deserves.
Wright spent his entire 12-year with the Broncos. He was a four-time selection as a First-team All-Pro and he went to five Pro Bowls. Perhaps most notably, he is a member of the 1970s All-Decade Team and he is the only cornerback on that team who is not in the Hall of Fame.
Mike Shahanan
Probably even more so than Reeves, Shanahan deserves to be in the Hall, probably more than anyone on this list. Shanahan ranks in the top 15 in history for most wins by a head coach and he won back-to-back Super Bowls in Denver.
He had one of the best rushing offenses the league has ever seen and is credited as being one of the top offensive minds in history.
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