Who are the four greatest Broncos?
The Rocky
Published November 20, 2008 at 7:17 p.m.
Mount Crushmore: currently under construction.
Rocky sports cartoonist Drew Litton is looking for a few friendly faces for his mountain. Which four Denver Broncos greats should be immortalized on Mount Crushmore? Help us decide.
Round 1: Vote in the first round of polls below to narrow down the list from the first 25 to four offensive players, four defensive players and one special teams player. First-round voting ends Nov. 27.
Round 2: After the list is narrowed down, vote for four players from the final list. Voting begins Nov. 27 at 8 p.m. and ends Dec. 4. Drew will sculpt the final four players onto the mountain and the result will be available in the Rocky Mountain News print edition and available for download at RockyMountainNews.com in December.
THE CANDIDATES
| OFFENSE | DEFENSE | SPECIAL TEAMS |
| Terrell Davis, running back | Steve Atwater, safety | Jason Elam, kicker |
| John Elway, quarterback | Champ Bailey, cornerback | Rich Karlis, kicker |
| Floyd Little, running back | Goose Gonsoulin, safety | Tom Rouen, punter |
| Craig Morton, quarterback | Randy Gradishar, linebacker | Jim Turner, kicker |
| Tom Nalen, center | Rich Jackson, defensive end | Rick Upchurch, kick/punt returner |
| Shannon Sharpe, tight end | Tom Jackson, linebacker | |
| Rod Smith, wide receiver | Karl Mecklenburg, linebacker | |
| Lionel Taylor, wide receiver | Dennis Smith, safety | |
| Frank Tripucka, quarterback | Billy Thompson, S | |
| Gary Zimmerman, tackle | Louis Wright, cornerback |
Disagree with our nominees? Add your write-in choice in the comments section below.
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Broncos cheerleaders
November 20, 2008
8:05 p.m.
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sawzallartist writes:
wow...those are some names when you read it like this...I couldn't thin that down to ten....
November 20, 2008
8:07 p.m.
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rebeleagle44 writes:
Too many great names to choose from. As a life long Broncos fan it doesnt seem fair to have to choose from these great players. One name that should be here is the person that brought about this great franchise.
November 20, 2008
8:09 p.m.
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sawzallartist writes:
oh crap....four each team one special....not paying attention nor reading well...
offense harder to choose than defense.....
whew.....(save)....
November 20, 2008
8:14 p.m.
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1world writes:
Personally, I cannot narrow this down without leaving out some very good players. I cannot cut it down to 4, but I can cut it to 4, 4 and 1. Here is my list:
Offense:
1. Elway
2. Davis
3. R. Smith
4. Sharpe
Defense:
1. Gradishar
2. Wright
3. D. Smith
4. Mecklenburg
Special Teams
1. Elam
Champ, Floyd Little, Zim,Rick Upchurch and Thompson are deserving as well. They contributed to their teams as much as those I listed above.
November 20, 2008
8:16 p.m.
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jcin16 writes:
Where the heck is Eddie Mac? No reason for me to participate then. :(
November 20, 2008
8:28 p.m.
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DougH writes:
How about 6 defensive players and two offensive, that would be about right.
Don't forget Rich Jackson, Floyd Little and Lionel Taylor. these are guys that earned respect for the Bronocs in the early days.
November 20, 2008
8:53 p.m.
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RickJames77 writes:
Offense:
J. Elway, S. Sharpe, R. Smith, T. Davis
Defense:
K. Mecklenburg, D. Smith, R. Gradishar, S. Atwater
Special Teams:
J. Elam
November 20, 2008
10:06 p.m.
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WarrenJimmyBuffett writes:
Elway, Davis, Gradishar, and Pat Bowlen.
November 20, 2008
10:27 p.m.
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xxx writes:
Elway, Davis. Gradishar, D.Smith
November 20, 2008
10:30 p.m.
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xxx writes:
Elway, R.Smith, Davis, Sharpe
November 20, 2008
10:32 p.m.
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xxx writes:
Elway, Zimmerman, Nalen, Davis
November 20, 2008
10:34 p.m.
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xxx writes:
Mecklenburg, Gradishar, D.Smith, Wright
November 20, 2008
10:34 p.m.
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xxx writes:
shoot...I don't know
November 20, 2008
11:40 p.m.
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momshill writes:
Floyd Little, John Elway, Terrell Davis, Randy Gradishar, in order. I appreciate WJBuffet's addition of Mr. Bowlen and Rebel's kudos to (I think) Gerald Phipps. Thinking outside of the box...
November 20, 2008
11:46 p.m.
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BroncosFanatic writes:
Elway, Gradishar, Davis, R. Smith - All four deserve to be in the hall of fame (unfortunately only #7 has a spot). Gradishar is one of the greatest linebackers in the history of the game (inexcusable for him not to be in the HOF).
November 21, 2008
2:04 a.m.
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atm726 writes:
You're right jcin16 Ed McCafferey belongs in the conversation. By the way though it does say you can add your write-in candidates, so don't lose heart. I think Mark Schlereth should at least get a mention as well. One thing this list does is make the ridiculous bias the Hall of Fame has had against the Broncos all the more obvious. From this list, I think Sharpe goes in this year, John Lynch in 5 (although probably as a Buc), Champ Bailey 5 years after he retires, and Terrell Davis, Tom Nalen, Rod Smith and Jason Elam all should get in but probably won't except I think Davis will eventually. The most glaring ommission from the HOF in my opinion is Atwater, but Gradishar, Louis Wright, Dennis Smith, all should have been locks too. Its ridiculous that teams like Pittsburgh and San Francisco seem to get everyone who makes a few pro bowls in, but it took John Elway for the Broncos to finally crack the "line-up."
All that being said, my first round vote would be:
1. Elway
2. Davis
3. Zimmerman
4. Sharpe
but it was very hard to leave Rod Smith out.
My Defense would be:
1. Atwater
2. Smith
3. Gradishar
4. Bailey
And Special Teamer would be:
1. Elam
November 21, 2008
3:36 a.m.
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GCKansas writes:
I am sorry but I can not leave out Floyd Little, What a great running back when Denver was not the consistent Franchise that it is now. it is the biggest travesty that he is not in the hall of fame. I think it was much harder to narrow down the defensive players than the offense. I had to go with Elway, Sharpe, Zimmerman, and Little. Defensive side was really hard for me. I went with Atwater, Champ, Randy Gradishar, and Louis Wright. It pained me to not be able to vote for Mecklenburg, Dennis Smith, and Rich Jackson. Elam is a no brainer, but Upchurch was pretty good as well.
November 21, 2008
5:53 a.m.
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Rutabaga writes:
What about Lee Low Lang. Is that how you spell his name? I always thought he was the best Chinese player the Broncos ever had.
November 21, 2008
6:11 a.m.
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kmeissner writes:
I don't think you can mention Davis as one of the top 4. He was a great player, but he didn't play long enough to be in the HOF and certainly not long enough to be one of the top 4 players to ever wear a Broncos uniform.
Elway, Sharpe, Rod Smith, (toss up between Atwater and D. Smith). Although Champ will be the greatest defensive player if he ends his career here.
November 21, 2008
7:31 a.m.
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pfeiffenberger writes:
Champ is great but Louis Wright was amazing. No quarterback dared throw his way. Just like the Hall of Fame voters, voters here are forgetting or never knew many of the early Broncos. Wright it one of those who should be in the Hall.
November 21, 2008
7:46 a.m.
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Pulpvillerick writes:
Elway, Little, Gradishar, Davis
November 21, 2008
7:46 a.m.
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SATXbroncosfan writes:
What really upsets me is if you compair the list above with the list of our Broncos in the hall of fame!!!! Nothing about that is right
November 21, 2008
7:48 a.m.
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danglybanging writes:
SIMON FLETCHER!??????
November 21, 2008
7:49 a.m.
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SATXbroncosfan writes:
As for my picks:
Elway
Sharpe
Smith
Zimmerman
Atwater
T. Jackson
Mecklenburg
Bailey
Elam
November 21, 2008
7:55 a.m.
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2coolvk writes:
1. John Elway, for obvious reasons
2. Floyd Little, Led the AFC in rushing in 1970 and the NFL in 1971 behind a horrible offensive line and gave the franchise much needed respect.
3. Louis Wright. John Madden says to this day this biggest blunder the Raiders made was drafting Neal Colzie instead of Louis Wright. He was Champ Bailey of the 70's.
4.Randy Gradishar. Made more tackles than anybody ever in a 10 year period and may have had the greatest knack at stuffing the goal line. Woody Hayes called him the greatest player he ever coached and that is saying a lot.
Honorable mention in no particular order: Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe, Gary Zimmerman, Rod Smith, Richard Jackson, Tom Jackson, Dennis Smith, Billy Thompson, Tom Nalen, Haven Moses, Rick Upchurch, Karl Mecklenburg, Craig Morton, Charley Johnson, Champ Bailey, Ed McCaffery and Simon Fletcher.
November 21, 2008
8:04 a.m.
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AC writes:
My four would be Elway, Upchurch, Terrell and Little. Hands down. Everyone else deserves ranking but from five on down, IMO. If there were a fifth it would be Rod Smith. Count impact on the community as well as the field.
November 21, 2008
8:19 a.m.
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DeimosJB writes:
Elway, Floyd Little, Gradishar, Pat Bowlen
November 21, 2008
8:50 a.m.
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Squatch writes:
Elway, Sharpe, Little,Nalen
Thompson, Wright, Atwater, Gradishar
Elam
November 21, 2008
8:53 a.m.
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MarcoPolo writes:
1. Elway
2. Gradishar
3. Atwater
4. The rest of the list
November 21, 2008
9 a.m.
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Orange_Crush18 writes:
Elway,
Sharpe
Atwater
Gradishar
November 21, 2008
9:06 a.m.
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GCKansas writes:
I have heard a lot about Smith, and I liked him a lot as well but just couldn't pick him because numbers in the modern era for all receivers in the NFL are inflated and Rod had Elway one of the best QBs ever throwing to him most of his career much like the three amigos. Not that Smith compares to those three he was so much better than them. Speaking of receivers though I am hearing no mention for the likes of Haven Moses Steve Watson, and Riley Odoms.
November 21, 2008
9:08 a.m.
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jmdeshazer writes:
Haven Moses & Simon Fletcher were absent from this list.
November 21, 2008
9:15 a.m.
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OrangeCrush_77 writes:
The all-time Bronco sack leader doesn't even make the list?
Simon Fletcher should be in the Ring of Fame, but he has become the forgotten Bronco!
November 21, 2008
9:27 a.m.
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Squatch writes:
GCKansas
Jerry Rice had Montana & young in a pass first offense.
Does anyone know why Fletcher is the forgotten Bronco? I have never heard why he isnt in the Ring and why he is never talked about.
November 21, 2008
9:28 a.m.
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navcat writes:
From the list, I'd choose: John Elway, Floyd Little, Rod Smith and Shannon Sharpe, although I would have liked to have seen Haven Moses, Simon Fletcher and Steve Watson just for good measure. Steve Atwater, Champ Bailey, Randy Gradishar and Louis Wright, but I would have voted for Steve Foley if he'd been on the list like he should have. And I'll vote for Jim Turner if just for his great fake, and because my feelings are still hurt by Jason Elam.
November 21, 2008
9:32 a.m.
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truth22 writes:
Floyd Little
Elway of course
Randy Gradishar should be in the NFL HOF
Tom Jackson
DONE DEAL!
November 21, 2008
9:38 a.m.
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Willy writes:
Offense - Elway, Little, Smith, Davis
Defense - Atwater, Thompson, Smith and Gradishar
ST - Elam
Agree Fletcher should be on the list, but I would not put him in my top 4
November 21, 2008
9:44 a.m.
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GCKansas writes:
Squatch,
I know the offense in the modern era is geared for inflated numbers for receivers. Rice had even more opportunities than Smith I agree. I am saying that is the only reason I am not picking Rod Smith. I am by no means saying he wasn't a great Bronco because he was one of the best. I just can't put him in the top four offensive players. Isn't this a great conversation and thought provoking article though. My o my we have always known that the Broncos have been slighted in the Hall of Shame on them, but you start discussing all those great players that have come through Denver and it is mind boggling.
November 21, 2008
10:29 a.m.
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arvada_mark writes:
Most of these are fairly obvious, I think...Elway, TD, Shannon, The Rod, Gradishar, Meck, Louis Wright. But I had to include TJ on D over Dennis Smith or Atwater (I also considered Champ simply for how great he is, he just hasn't been here long enough). I was very young, but TJ always seemed to be in the middle of things. He was key in bringing us to our 1st SB. Plus, with his success on TV, he represents this team very well. Also, & I know all about Elam, & I'm sure he's going to be the special teamer, but I had to go with Upchurch. He was the best returner of all time...at that time.
November 21, 2008
10:33 a.m.
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arvada_mark writes:
I wish I had room for Floyd Little as well...he's the original great Bronco. If I had to, I'd take down Shannon for Floyd...only if I had to though. Shannon was the greatest.
November 21, 2008
10:46 a.m.
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KCharles writes:
Rick Upchurch is by far the best special teams guy on the list. We have never seen anyone who even comes close to his return skills.
November 21, 2008
10:47 a.m.
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hernando writes:
Easy, Floyd Little, John Elway, Randy Gradishar and Louis Wright
November 21, 2008
10:57 a.m.
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jkl writes:
Anyone old enough to watch the Broncos in the 1960s knows Lionel Taylor deserves to be on the final list. The Broncos were terrible back then, yet Taylor had sensational years often leading the AFL in pass receptions and yards gained. I always marveled at his ability to catch the ball in a crowd. He was truly unbelievable but is now often forgotten as the years pass. One more thing, he never showed up the opposition after scoring or making a sensational catch. The Broncos of today could learn from his example.
November 21, 2008
11:17 a.m.
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KCharles writes:
Simon Fletcher should have a mountain to himself. Class act. Never got credit from the media.... never needed it.
November 21, 2008
11:18 a.m.
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holla writes:
What about Shannahan?
November 21, 2008
11:19 a.m.
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opinionatedcolo writes:
I am surprised at the dispute over TD. Yes it was a short career, but for three years he was the best in the league at his position and without him, the super bowls do not happen. As great as some others are, with the exception of Elway, I just do not see the comparison.
November 21, 2008
11:24 a.m.
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SE7EN writes:
I gotta go with 4 guys who won it all...twice.
Elway
Sharpe
Davis
Atwater
Although Zimmerman could be swapped for almost anyone on that list...however Sharpe Elway Davis and Atwater spent most/all of their career with Denver alone. Zimmerman was solid for the Vikings for several years as well.
A lot of past greats could be on the list, but if you look at the guys who got the rings...those four stand out for me.
November 21, 2008
11:35 a.m.
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sol writes:
Lyle Alzado
November 21, 2008
11:47 a.m.
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Chebornek writes:
Dan Reeves, Irsay, Steve DeBerg, & SOB.
The first two got Him there, the third one stepped aside for Him and the first guy to step into His shadow reminded you of what He was for your franchise.
You know this would look great as a cartoon.
November 21, 2008
noon
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PDXBroncos writes:
Bubby Brister!
November 21, 2008
12:20 p.m.
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RufusTFirefly writes:
What ever happened to Tony Lily????
November 21, 2008
12:45 p.m.
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xxx writes:
Hey, KMeissner..Without Davis.. Elway doesn't get a super bowl and thus is another Marino.
November 21, 2008
12:53 p.m.
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Grim_Reefer writes:
Rick James has it...
Offense:
J. Elway, S. Sharpe, R. Smith, T. Davis
Defense:
K. Mecklenburg, D. Smith, R. Gradishar, S. Atwater
Special Teams:
J. Elam
November 21, 2008
1:07 p.m.
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rambam1776 writes:
The question comes down to this; who was the best VS. who was most important to the team at the time. There is no arguing that TD is the best RB we ever had, for example, but his contributions to the 1996-98 supersquad were not as important at that time as Floyd Little’s were in his. Without Little, the Broncos might not even BE here – things were that bad back then. Ali might be the greatest, but to me Joe Louis is always the Champ. If Floyd Little doesn’t make the mountain, the rest is a waste of time. He and Elway are the only locks.
November 21, 2008
1:34 p.m.
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WyoBroncoFan writes:
Offense:
Elway, Terrell Davis, Rod Smith, Shannon Sharpe - These four guys complemented each other so well that without one of them I don't think the Broncos would have won back to back Super Bowls. They may not have even won one. All four belong in Canton in my humble opinion
Defense:
Champ Bailey, Steve Atwater, Randy Gradishar, Karl Mecklenburg - This was tougher than the offense.....I really wanted to add Dennis Smith and Tom Jackson in here too.
Special Teams:
Jason Elam - who else would you pick?
November 21, 2008
3:12 p.m.
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GJrodburner writes:
How about I solve the grand unification theory of relative physics first...then try and pick someone above another beloved player on that list. Holy taters that list leaves off Joe Rizzo, Swenson, and Alzado too!
How about letting there be four Drew, per area of the team: offense, defense, special teams, coaches and owners too. All of these individuals make up a team. How could you not include Joe Collier? Where's John Ralston? Red Miller? This is an excellent idea, but needs a tad of tweaking, but who am I to say. Just to say there are only four players that mean so much to one team, to Denver, all of Colorado, or for that matter all of the Rocky Mountain area is a tad steep. I would hope Drew that you would reconsider the four-approach and consider more of the "team" concept before annointing anyone first above so many deserving players, coaches, owners, and lets not forget the Greek too!!!
November 21, 2008
3:42 p.m.
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alvargi1 writes:
Why won't Steve Foley ever get this credit he has deserved???!!! It is ridiculous to NOT see his name on the ring of fame at the stadium! He still holds the Broncos record for most interceptions (44 in case you're wondering). A statistic that should NOT be overlooked! He played his ENTIRE career as a Denver Bronco and played in two superbowls!
My choices include: John Elway, Terrell Davis, Randy Gradishar, Steve Foley, and Tom Jackson! I know that's one too many, but too bad.
We all too often overlook the defense and how IMPORTANT they are when it comes to the win/lose column. Look at our turnover ratio this year.
I feel better now that I've vented. Thank you for listening.
Gina Alvarado
November 21, 2008
5:33 p.m.
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xxx writes:
To "top it off"..without Nalen and Zimmerman Elway never FINDS the time to make it to all those playoffs etc. To make it simple..if
you take away all of Montanas toys would he be the same QB. No
disrespect to Elway but there was a time when I remembered the
Broncos faithful wondering how good he was UNTIL he won the first
superbowl. Many believed that until he won a superbowl he was
a "good" QB. If you took Elway's superbowls and gave em to Marino, NOW who's the better QB?
November 21, 2008
7:41 p.m.
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chuckn77 writes:
The trouble with polls like this is they are always skewed against the old timers. I'd bet that the majority of the voters know nothing about Rich Jackson. Sports Illustrated's NFL guru, Dr Zimmerman, had him on his first team defense of all time. Voters here don't even seem to remember Bronco Billy.
November 21, 2008
8:46 p.m.
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Hazardous_T writes:
I remember back in the day when the Buffalo Bills where losing 4 Super Bowls in a row, and someone asked Thurman Thomas if there was any player in the NFL that he feared...
Thomas' answer was something like "You don't last long in football if you fear other players, but yeah, any sane man has to fear #49 Dennis Smith"...
November 21, 2008
10:45 p.m.
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momshill writes:
Tony Lilly, LeLo Lang? Don't Ricky Hunley and Mike Croel want a piece of this?
November 22, 2008
12:18 a.m.
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Mark13 writes:
Come on people. Does anyone know who Paul Smith is? For a few years he was maybe the best defensive tackle in the NFL, for sure the best the Broncos ever had. A dominating player who played with Rich Jackson, and Dave Costa. He puts some of the names mentioned here to shame actually. Ask Al Davis.
November 22, 2008
12:25 a.m.
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Mark13 writes:
Rich Jackson
John Elway
Terrell Davis
Floyd Little
November 22, 2008
7:20 a.m.
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ND51475 writes:
Absolute no brainers:
Elway
Terrell
The other 2:
Dennis Smith
Steve Atwater
Hard choices. However, if anyone on our D since our Chmpshps. even came close to the caliber of either of these 2, we wouldn't experience blood pressure problems every time our defense steps on the field.
Kickers are neat, but should NEVER be included in greatest players ever.
November 22, 2008
9:56 a.m.
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ericsmithdc writes:
Super Sammy? Three Amigos?
November 22, 2008
9:56 a.m.
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Toe_nail writes:
Kubiac, for Elway would have been nothing without his knowledge of the game!
November 22, 2008
10:33 a.m.
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SheikYurBooty writes:
Glen Milburn.
Bubby Brister.
And what about old #38 himself - Reggie R.????
What are you people thinking???
November 22, 2008
12:10 p.m.
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Mark13 writes:
What about
Otis Armstrong
Riley Odoms
Haven Moses
Trevor Price ?
I know Zimmerman has to be on the list but these guys played a few good years for the Broncos as well
Schlereth, Tony Jones, Romonowski, Alfred Williams, Neil Smith, Keith Traylor.
November 22, 2008
1:26 p.m.
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BroncoJoe1 writes:
Offense: Elway,Little,Davis&Nalen
Defense: Atwater,Gradishar,Mecklenberg&Bailey
Special Teams: Elam
November 22, 2008
1:56 p.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
mark, Rubin Carter was a better nosetackle than Paul Smith. When the Broncos were playing the 3-4 defense with the Orange Crush, he was anchoring the middle.
November 22, 2008
2:21 p.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
Elam, Karlis and Turner are a bit interchangeable as kickers. Elam was helped by the top offense the Broncos have had over the years. Outside of the 63 yard kick, they are all similar, but at least Turner and Karlis could kick off!! Matt Prater doesn't seem to be any kind of drop off from Elam. Special teams vote to Elam? He!! no....... it goes to Upchurch.
November 22, 2008
3:01 p.m.
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shawn8840 writes:
anyone that leaves Rich Jackson off of the list knows nothing about football. he is not only one of the greatest broncos of all time but also one of the greatest nfl players of all time
November 22, 2008
5:54 p.m.
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Classof65 writes:
John Elway, Shannon Sharpe, Ed McCaffrey, Terrell Davis
Al Wilson, Bill Romanowski, John Lynch, Trevor Price (wish I could vote in Champ Bailey and lots of other D guys!)
Jason Elam, and any runner who returned for more than one touchdown!
November 22, 2008
6:17 p.m.
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Coffee_Mug writes:
Offense
Elway, Morton, Davis, Sharpe
Defense
Atwater, Gradishar, Bailey, Smith
Special Teams
Elam
November 22, 2008
6:24 p.m.
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rowdy1 writes:
what about the three Amigos?
November 22, 2008
6:26 p.m.
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Mark13 writes:
Paul Smith was not a nose tackle, they played a 4-3 with Rich Jackson, Dave Costa, Paul Smith and Pete Duranko, Lyle Alzado later took over Duranko's spot. When Rich Jackson left Paul Smith was a one man wrecking crew who was usually in the backfield staring the QB or running back in the face before they knew what hit them. Ruben Carter was good but Paul Smith was great. NFL films has him in a feature on overlooked players who were great.
November 22, 2008
7:12 p.m.
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perkzilla writes:
O:
Elway: Top 3 all time QB
Sharpe: Best TE to play the game
Nalen: Anchor of one of the most dominant O-lines in history
Zimmerman: Best Lineman in said O-Line
D:
Wright: Overlooked Corner. One of the best of his era
Fletcher: Underrated yet Outstanding Edge Rusher
Gradishar: Best Bronco Defensmen, Ever.
Bailey: Best NFL CB, EVER!
ST:
Elam: Who else would it be?
November 22, 2008
8:54 p.m.
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OneofCritersCritters writes:
Alzado would have been on the list if he hadn't gone over to the dark side. And Simon Fletcher deserves at least a mention.
Cwillyrun1 is totally wrong on Elam being no different than Karlis and Turner. Not only was he more prolific than those 2 but had greater distance and accuracy. Neither Karlis or Turner could kick off very well. Turner couldn't hit the goal line kicking off from the 40! Karlis kicked 'em high but not deep. Too bad Elam left.
Elway and Davis are locks. It'll be interesting to see the other two.
November 23, 2008
9:49 a.m.
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raiderhater4ever writes:
Offense
1. John Elway
2. Terrell Davis
3. Ed McCaffrey
4. Rod Smith or Shannon Sharpe
Defense
1. Randy Gradishar
2. Louis Wright
3. Simon Fletcher
4. Steve Atwater
Special Teams
1. Rick Upchurch
2. Jason Elam
Fletcher was a great pass rusher who never went to the Pro Bowl...disgusting. AND for those of you who think TD shouldn't make the HOF because of a relatively short career? He was Super Bowl MVP, League MVP, won a rushing title, topped 2,000 yards....Gale Sayers is IN and he never made the playoffs!
November 23, 2008
10:52 a.m.
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djbrav writes:
Offense:
Sammy Winder (Mississippi Mud dance, classic)
Gary Kubiak (very consistent, great back up)
Defense:
Rulon Jones
The original Orange Crush Defense:
Randy Gradishar
Tom Jackson
Lyle Alzado
Rubin Carter
Bob Swenson
Joe Rizzo
Louis Wright
Billy Thompson
November 23, 2008
12:23 p.m.
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TONE writes:
Hey!!! I think we have more mountains left, (rockymounatins), that we can put up more faces...C'mon!!!
hahahahahahahahaa
November 23, 2008
12:35 p.m.
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66forHOF writes:
Tom Nalen is the GOAT (greatest Of All Time) ,but he isn't recognized as the greatest because no one cares about offenscive linemen. Also what about Mark Schlereth?
November 23, 2008
12:45 p.m.
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Brad writes:
What about Otis Armstrong, and Haven Moses the other part of the M and M connection along with Morton, Ron Eggloff along with some of the early Broncos not named. What about the head Coach like Red Miller.
November 23, 2008
1:49 p.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
oneofcritter........ I'm not wrong. Turner and Karlis were only 10%lower in FG avg., but as I said, Elam also benefitted the most from Elway and the Broncos most prolific offensive years. Prater is kicking with the same FG avg. as what Elam had here, and he's 5 of 5 from over 50 yards. Elam was shaky from over 50 the last three years in Denver. Prater also kicks it in the endzone, Elam couldn't kick off for almost half of his career here.
On the other hand, Upchurch is in a class by himself in Broncos kick return history. Nobody's even close. There's only 2 or 3 guys in NFL history I think rate with Upchurch as return men. That's why I voted for Upchurch.
November 23, 2008
2:01 p.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
mark, Ruben Carter was there at nosetackle during the Broncos best defensive years. He's also one of the most underrated players in NFL history. Nothing against Paul Smith though.
November 23, 2008
7 p.m.
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rebeleagle44 writes:
Wow, all great players indeed. Glad to see so many comments but I will say one thing....Mt. Crushmore is not fair..we need to take it a step further, for the great state of Colorado lets think about the great 14 ers that are in our backyard (54) to be exact. That might make it easier for everyone to decide. So if anyone wants to start at #54 and work their way from there do it.
November 24, 2008
11:54 a.m.
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commonsense07 writes:
What about Simon Fletcher? He at least should be on the list of nominees and so should Sammy Winder. They shouldn't be top 4 of their respective categories but their efforts should be recognized as a nominee.
November 24, 2008
2:02 p.m.
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tscottm writes:
Elway, Davis, Gradishar, Smith (Dennis)
November 24, 2008
4:16 p.m.
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cabodvr writes:
Offense:
Haven Moses
Steve Watson
Defense:
Simon Fletcher
Steve Foley
November 24, 2008
4:22 p.m.
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gmfrei writes:
O- John Elway, Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe, Rod Smith
D- Randy Gradishar, Steve Atwater, Tom Jackson, Champ Bailey
ST- Jason Elam
November 25, 2008
8:57 a.m.
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Pugnapper writes:
Offense:
1. John Elway- No brainer.
2. Floyd Little- Bigger no brainer... he was the first superstar to sign with the Broncos and was the only great player on the team for years. Should've been the first Bronco enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
3. Shannon Sharpe- He changed the tight end position for the entire NFL... not what's his name in KC who came AFTER Shannon.
4. Rod Smith- Best living example of team player... all heart!
Defense:
1. Steve Atwater- Scared the hell out of every receiver in the league.
2. Tom Jackson- His teammates all credit him for being the inspirational leader of the Orange Crush defense... that's enough for me.
3. Randy Gradishar- Best player on the Orange Crush defense. Should've been the second Bronco enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
4. Louis Wright- First TRUE shut down corner.
Special Teams-
No vote... Elam and Upchurch were awesome, but not more deserving than any of the eight I mentioned or many of the players that I didn't.
November 25, 2008
11:35 a.m.
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dcl writes:
John Elway, Terrell Davis, Floyd Little, Shannon Sharpe
Randy Gradishar, Tom Jackson, Louis Wright, Billy Thompson
Jim Turner
November 25, 2008
1:25 p.m.
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gzls1z writes:
I would have to go with 3 offense and 3 defense, can't narrow down to 4...
Offense-
Tommy Maddox
Joe Dudek
Rick Massie
Defense-
Ted Gregory
Mike Croel
Tony Lilly