Mount Crushmore Round 2: Who are the four greatest Broncos?
The Rocky
Published November 29, 2008 at 3:51 p.m.
Mount Crushmore: currently under construction.
Who are the four greatest Broncos? Rocky cartoonist Drew Litton is looking for the answer to that question to finish his Mount Crushmore. The list has been narrowed from 25 nominees and 11 supplemental picks to 10 Broncos.
In the first round of voting, John Elway, Terrell Davis, Rod Smith and Shannon Sharpe survived on offense, edging Broncos running back great Floyd Little. On defense, Randy Gradishar, Tom Jackson, Steve Atwater and Karl Mecklenburg escaped to the second round. Former Broncos kicker Jason Elam won among special-teamers, and fan favorite Ed McCaffrey won the supplemental draft of overlooked players most mentioned in readers comments.
Click on the players' names below to see career statistics and learn more about why each player deserves to be on the mountain.
Steve Atwater: Safety, 10 seasons with Broncos
Terrell Davis: Running back, 8 seasons with Broncos
Jason Elam: Kicker, 15 seasons with Broncos
John Elway: Quarterback, 16 seasons with Broncos
Randy Gradishar: Linebacker, 10 seasons with Broncos
Tom Jackson: Linebacker, 14 seasons with Broncos
Ed McCaffrey: Wide receiver, 9 seasons with Broncos
Karl Mecklenburg Linebacker, 12 seasons with Broncos
Shannon Sharpe: Tight end, 12 seasons with Broncos
Rod Smith: Wide receiver, 13 seasons with Broncos
Click here to read bios of all the nominees and see the first-round results.
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November 27, 2008
12:37 p.m.
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Charlie77 writes:
As a Broncos fan who has enjoyed this team every Sunday for the past 3 decades this topic makes for a tough decision. Karl Mecklenburg was the anchor of the Orange Crush defense of the 80's. Rod Smith was probably the hardest working Bronco of all time. Randy Gradishar once gave a motivational speech at my school, and was the last autograph I have ever asked for. As a fan it is the most memorable moments in the game that mark the greatest Broncos of all time and so based on those moments here is my list:
John Elway - "This one's for John!", from the Drive to the Helicopter, with 5 Super Bowls and 2 Rings he will remain the greatest quarterback of all time.
Steve Atwater - Responsible for the greatest hit in NFL history. At a time when Christian Okoye was running over everyone in the league, Atwater knocked the Nigerian Nightmare out of the league. He could have won the Super Bowl MVP in San Diego. My second favorite Atwater hit was in his first Pro Bowl when he blew up Jerry Rice, "Welcome to Honolulu!" He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame and evolutionized the game for latecomer John Lynch.
Terrel Davis - A mile high salute, and without him Denver never wins a Super Bowl. Simply the most dominant runner of his time.
Jason Elam - I know, I know a kicker. Yet his 63 yard field goal was epic during the Broncos 2nd Super Bowl run and he epitomized how nearly perfect the team was. Denver could have used his accuracy last week, how many games did he win for Denver?
November 27, 2008
12:40 p.m.
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cruz3d writes:
Very nice list and, unfortunately, some tough decisions to take it down to four. I realize that in our world today, it's what have you done for me lately but to have Floyd Little let go and keeping Ed McCaffrey on the list is a puzzler.
Granted, Ed was a valuable part of the offense but having him as a top ten isn't deserving considering the others. Little was the ONLY shining light during the dark days of the enept Broncos. Floyd deserves a top ten ranking at the very least.
My list as it stands now: John Elway (naturally), Shannon Sharpe (future HOF), Randy Gradishar because he represents the Orange Crush when the Broncos had a defense (should be a HOF'er) and then a toss up between Rod Smith (heart and soul along with work ethic) and Terrell Davis (the missing link needed to win the Super Bowls).
November 27, 2008
3:44 p.m.
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Mark13 writes:
Sorry Drew but when you let the computer geeks vote and they don't have Floyd Little even in the final round of all time great Broncos then this is a waste of time. Bye.
November 28, 2008
7:37 a.m.
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SLoganSt writes:
Can't see how this can be a valid list with no Floyd Little.
When it comes to greatest Broncos there's Elway and Floyd Little and then there's everybody else.
November 28, 2008
9:02 a.m.
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Pugnapper writes:
I love Ed's heart, but he was a 49'er and a Giant before he was ever a Bronco. To me, that makes a difference... I mean, why not have Tony Dorsett on the list since he was a Bronco?
Floyd Little deserved to be on the top four, and he didn't even make the top ten. Ridiculous! This is further proof that Colorado's population boom brought a whole new generation of Bronco fan that has no memory or appreciation of the Broncos pre-1984.
November 28, 2008
11:29 a.m.
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lrf868 writes:
What I find sad about this top 10 is that is excludes our only other hall of fame player: Gary Zimmerman. It does not surprise me that he is overshadowed by the players in the flashier positions. Like the NFL we overlook the players who toil away in the offensive and defensive lines in favor of the players who dazzle us with their flashy plays.
While Terrell Davis was undeniable a great running back, how much of his success was due to his ability and how much to the greatness of the offensive line he was playing behind? Given that we could seemingly insert just about any running back behind our offensive line and they would have success I would suggest that it was the offensive line more than any individual running back that allowed us to successfully run the ball.
So, it is a shame that voters chose to embrace the flash of Terrel Davis over the hard work of Gary Zimmerman and the offensive line that made him possible.
November 28, 2008
11:45 a.m.
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jackmac52 writes:
Any list that does not include Floyd Little and Rich Jackson is not worth publishing. They played in an era before inflated salaries, and nationwide TV coverage, and that apparently has worked against them with Hall of Fame voters, as well. Rod Smith, you've got to be kidding. He couldn't carry Lionel Taylors jock strap. It appears you only got two correct, Gradishar and Tom Jackson.
November 28, 2008
12:01 p.m.
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BRNCFAN69 writes:
Give me a break!!! No Floyd Little????
No Billy Thompson??? No Rick Upchurch?????
I vote in protest!!!!!
Nick Die hard as they come........
November 28, 2008
1:15 p.m.
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Stinky1 writes:
I think that players who left the team should not be on Mount Crushmore. Being in the top 10 is enough of an honor. My votes, in order, are Elway, Jackson, Gradishar, Davis. I think Tom Jackson is especially deserving because he did more than anyone else to earn respect for the Broncos when they had none. Champ is made from the same mold. Too bad they cannot play both sides at the same time.
November 28, 2008
1:21 p.m.
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Stinky1 writes:
I agree on Floyd too. Too bad he was not in the final 10. He would have been my #2.
November 29, 2008
7:19 a.m.
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bronkrod7 writes:
I went with Elway, Davis, Gradishar and Smith, but man is this a hard one to decide. They all belong there!
Here is a suggestion; Why not go with an Offense and Defense Mt. Crushmores? There are definetly more players that need be on this mountain on both sides of the ball.
November 29, 2008
9:38 a.m.
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Flyfisher writes:
Without a doubt, Floyd Little should not only be in the final 10 but should be carved on Mt. Crushmore. The first real number one draft choice, the consummate team player and role model, and very important in the timing of the merger of the AFL and NFL. Besides, he's a great guy.
November 29, 2008
10:34 a.m.
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caveman07 writes:
What? No Floyd Little? If Jason Elam makes this list, why not Jim Turner? Where is Dennis Smith? I would even put Haven Moses above Ed McCaffrey. What about Lyle Alzado? All-Time doesn't just mean the last 15 years. #1 John Elway #2 Randy Gradishar #3 Floyd Little #4 Tom Jackson
November 29, 2008
3:32 p.m.
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WishingIwasinCO writes:
Alzado played for the Raiders also, given the relationship with the Broncos/Raiders I hope you see why he isn't chosen.
November 29, 2008
5:09 p.m.
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mickey23 writes:
I agree about Little, but he was on the original list and didn't make it past the first round. Turner, Smith, Moses, too. http://www.rockymountainnews.com/page....
November 29, 2008
8:43 p.m.
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Kooiman writes:
There should be a range of mountains dedicated to ex-Broncos with Mt. Crushmore reserved for members of the "Orange Crush" defense.
November 30, 2008
5:57 a.m.
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broncoslifer writes:
SHAME SHAME SHAME! That is all I can say about Floyd Little not making the list. Are we sure it is not the same hall of fame voters that voted here?
Jackman52, you have got to be kidding. Rod Smith accomplished everything he did and supposedly wasn't good enough to be in the league. Remember he was undrafted?
I have to agree about an offensive and defensive Mt. Crushmore. It is just not possible to compare greats like John Elway and Rod Smith to Randy Gradishar, Tom Smith, or Karl Mecklenberg.
November 30, 2008
8:44 a.m.
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bgeist writes:
This is an impossible task. There are two many fans that do not know the history of the Broncos. There is no way to do this list without leaving someone deserving off the list. This is not necessarily the best list But it should be Elway, Little, Smith, Gradishar.
November 30, 2008
8:52 a.m.
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bgeist writes:
Caveman did not just say Lyle Alzado? Not even in the same zip code of MT. Crushmore.
November 30, 2008
8:52 a.m.
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sellers04 writes:
Too many times voting is done by post Sports Center/AFL fans. Rich Jackson should not only be on the Mountain, but in the HOF. If he had played in LA and Deacon Jones had played in Denver, we would be having this conversation about Jones.
November 30, 2008
10:44 a.m.
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BroncoStateMan writes:
This list is BOGUS! How can Floyd Little be left off this list? Number 44 is one of the main reasons we have the Broncos in Denver and he just might be the most important Bronco of all. I cannot vote on or support this effort with his exclusion from this list.
November 30, 2008
7:53 p.m.
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humidor writes:
Dear Children of the internet,
It comes as no surprise to me that few of you know the Broncos came into existence way prior to Sports Center and the Internet. A final 10 that doesn't have a single offensive or defensive lineman? Tombstone Jackson and Floyd Little would be in the final 4 of any voter who has followed the Broncos since the beginning. For all you T. Davis, Sharpe, McCaffrey and R Smith fans, please go back and watch those games and you'll discover that Alex Gibbs and the offensive line won both Super Bowls in the late 90's.
These same people would vote Myley Cyrus as the greatest singer of all time and Bart Simpson as the greatest actor.
November 30, 2008
8:27 p.m.
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Patriots writes:
I agree with many others, without Floyd Little on this mountain it will not be a valid mountain to the great Broncos of all time.
ALL time, thats the key here, not the greatest of the last decade.
Really is hard to pick 4 - I guess it would be IMO, Floyd Little, John Elway, Randy Gradishar and Louis Wright. Hard to leave players like TD off of it though and others.
November 30, 2008
8:56 p.m.
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Patriots writes:
I just read the post about Rich Jackson and totally agree, if he had played for the Rams he would be in the HOF. Many of the NFL rules had to be changed because of Rich Jackson. Jackson along with Deacon Jones were the greatest defensive ends of all time.
December 1, 2008
7:59 a.m.
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themoops writes:
It's been 33 years since Floyd Little was carried off the field by rabid Broncos fans after his stellar final game at Mile High Stadium. That means you have to be in your 40s to even understand the impact that "The Franchise" had on the Broncos. This "contest" is a big waste of time and totally irrelevant. It shows that many of the fans in Denver are as clueless as the writers who vote for the Hall of Fame are about Floyd Little. He and John Elway are the greatest Broncos of all time. No question. No discussion. After that, you can add guys like Randy Gradishar, et al to the list. It's sickening that he is not on the Final 10 and Final 4 Crushmore list. I hope Floyd never finds out about this contest. It would break his heart.
December 1, 2008
10:51 a.m.
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upouttanowhere writes:
WOW! I voted with a bit of hesitation on this one! How can we leave off the man who kept this team alive. I am not old enough to remember him play, but my father was the team photographer here at the Rocky so I have hundreds of pictures. Floyd Little was the man!
We can all agree on Elway and Gradishar. My other opinion would be to have Tom Jackson. No other person was as passionate on the filed and #57.
December 1, 2008
5:13 p.m.
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opusuno writes:
What about Craig Morton or Haven Moses? Certainly, with the help of the Orange Crush, these guys helped put the Broncos in the winning column; More so than even Floyd Little who used to have to win games by himself.
December 1, 2008
11:16 p.m.
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ManginoTorreta writes:
Agreed that without Floyd Little, Mt. Crushmore is worth little more than dust. Hopefully, this will be remedied and a separate "monument" will be created for the greatest running back in the team's history.
With the choices available, I picked Elway and Gradishar for obvious reasons (Gradishar is the first Bronco I remember watching, back when Craig Morton, not Elway, was "#7".) I picked Terrell Davis for being the final piece that put the Broncos over the top and being the best running back in the game during his brief career; and Rod Smith for being the most productive free agent wideout in NFL history, and setting a model of professionalism on the field and in the locker room that is going to be hard to match.
Tom Jackson misses by just a hair. It sure would be nice to see a dedication to Gradishar, Jackson, Swenson, and Rizzo for the standard of excellence they set.
December 2, 2008
9:40 a.m.
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kmeissner writes:
Jackman52, you must be on medication or something. Rod Smith doesn't belong? Not fit to carry Lionel Taylor's jock strap? Ok well he's broken pretty much EVERY record for an UNDRAFTED player and was a leader on and off the field. He supported local businesses and wasn't a flashy person at all. We NEVER heard about him getting in trouble with the law.
Now tell me WHY he doesn't belong!
December 2, 2008
10:31 a.m.
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Charlie77 writes:
Now c'mon guys if you are so outraged now about Floyd Little, where were you when it was time to vote for him? Just like HOF voters during his time, he was considered a good player but not the best of his time. Little had only one season when he rushed for 1,000 yards. His career yards per carry is 3.9 and his career numbers nearly match Sammy Winders numbers. At least Sammy had a Mississippi Mud Dance when he scored!
Craig Morton was a good QB for Denver, but he only spent 6 years here out of his 17 year career. He might have led them to a Super Bowl, but he also threw 4 interceptions in that game!
December 2, 2008
11:51 a.m.
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Squaremaster writes:
Symbolically, it would be better to have an 11 man Mount Crushmore. This is a team sport. But this guy from the News never pays any attention to common sense. I think folks that are in or should be in the Hall of Fame are a lock. That means Zimmerman is clearly missing. Take off McCaffrey and add Floyd Little, or Dennis Smith, or Paul Smith to this list and call it a day.
December 2, 2008
11:54 a.m.
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Squaremaster writes:
And, save a few spots on the end for Cutler and Champ and maybe DJ if he learns to tackle better.
December 2, 2008
12:28 p.m.
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richarda writes:
Your list lacks credibility as it does not include either Rich Jackson or Lionel Taylor in the final group. I'm old enough to have started attending games in 1960 the first year of the American Football League. Unfortunately, I think your list will be discriminatory because it will not include some of the truly great players of the early Bronco years. Both of these players were all-pros during their era and trust me they were both significant playmakers. In addition any final list that does not include Floyd Little cannot be taken seriously. Besides, enormous talent, Little had what few players ever have ... an unbelievable will to win and inspired teamates to achieve above what they thought they were capable of achieving.
December 2, 2008
2:24 p.m.
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Mtnsportsfan writes:
No Floyd Little come on. If you are making the four best Broncos of all time he has to be there. If not for him the Broncos would be down south. John and him should be the easiest two to pick for Mt. Crushmore!!!!! The others are way to hard to pick!
December 2, 2008
4:13 p.m.
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themoops writes:
What Charlie77 and other misinformed younger Broncos fans don't realize is that back when Floyd Little gained 1,000 yards (leading the entire NFL with 1,133) it was a big accomplishment. There were 14 games, not 16 like when Sammy Winder played. At the time, Floyd was just the 13th player in NFL history to ever gain 1,000 or more yards in a season. The 13th! What made it such a feat back then, were a number of reasons. First, the hashmarks were closer to the sideline, meaning it was easier for defensive players to track ball carriers working with a shorter field. Second, offensive linemen had to keep their arms and hands in. They couldn't extend it and basically hook defenders or hold like they do today. Third, defensive players could head slap, clothesline, tackle way out of bounds with nary a penalty. Fourth, halfbacks split carries back then with fullbacks. Floyd averaged less than 14 carries a game throughout his career. Fifth, during his prime, 1967-73, Floyd was basically the only offensive star. Teams could key on him. Yes, his career average was 3.9. But, do you know who else had a 3.9 average? John Riggins. And he ran behind the Hogs. Playing for a last-place team most of his career with no Pro Bowl linemen, Floyd's yards were tougher to get than most. But, he got them -- enough to retire 7th all-time in NFL history in rushing.
December 3, 2008
10:17 a.m.
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Patriots writes:
Thats right, when he retired Floyd Little was the 7th leading rusher in all of the NFL. I'm not even sure if the AFL records carried over either. But that was on just about the worst team in the AFL or NFL.
This momument has to be to the greatest Broncos, Little and Elway are obvious for what they did for this team, there is Charlie Johnson as well, the QB on the very first Bronco team with a winning record.
Before voting in this poll, it should be a requirement to watch the history of the Broncos and then vote.
December 3, 2008
11:45 a.m.
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RBN writes:
Clarence Kay, Bobby Humphrey, Travis "Father" Henry, and Ricky Natielle!!! Spelling could be off, but I think I am on to something here. These are the 4 greates broncos.
December 3, 2008
12:49 p.m.
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paul.coffey writes:
Here is the deal. No Floyd Little, No Mount Crushmore. If the readers/voters left John Elway off the list, would you continue? Floyd Little was John Elway, before there was a John Elway, Period. If you continue without Floyd, you deserve what you get. A meaningless list.
December 3, 2008
3:05 p.m.
justaskme writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
December 3, 2008
8:33 p.m.
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Squaremaster writes:
Floyd Little is missing from the top ten!!! The entire exercise is worthless without him. He was Mr. Bronco, and maybe the original Bronco superstar. All of us that lived through the 5-9 seasons would have had nothing to cheer about if not for Floyd. The Broncos had QB's like Tensi, and Horn for crying out loud. Until Charley Johnson showed up, the choice was Floyd making a great play or an interception by a lame QB.
If the Dallas Cowboys had a list missing Roger Staubach it would be worth as much as this is.
December 3, 2008
10:08 p.m.
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themoops writes:
I think Drew Litton came up with this contest thinking Floyd Little would be a shoo-in choice, along with John Elway. I'm sure he understimated the total voting intelligence of the fan base here, younger, internet-savvy fans who never heard of Floyd Little. I agree, without #44 "The Franchise" on the final list, this is a useless, senseless exercise. Can you imagine if The Broncos decided to erect a real Mt. Crushmore outside of the stadium and somehow they ommitted Floyd Little?! I know that would never happen as long as Jim Saccomano is the head of PR. He knows all too well about Floyd's huge impact on the Broncos. Remember fans, without Floyd Little you would be cheering the Birmingham Broncos or the Chicago Broncos.
December 4, 2008
12:21 a.m.
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Charlie77 writes:
1,000 yards in 14 games wasn't that difficult! Larry Csonka did it the same season as Little with 90 less carries! OJ later rushed for 2,000 yards in 14 games and Walter Payten rushed for 1,800. Floyd was a great Bronco in his time, but he wasn't even a top 5 running back of his decade. Walter Payton, Earl Campbell, OJ, and Denver's own Otis Armstrong had better seasons in the 70's. I would even question if Little was in the list of top 3 running backs in Denver history.
December 4, 2008
8:51 a.m.
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Hammersmark writes:
How can you not even have Floyd Little on the list of possible selections? The heart and soul of the Broncos from 1967 to 1975. Count this as a vote for Floyd!
December 4, 2008
9:36 a.m.
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Marshdale writes:
How about Tom Jackson, Simon Fletcher, Louie Wright and Dennis Smith? These guys were no slouches.
December 4, 2008
12:30 p.m.
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rambam1776 writes:
Without George Washington, there is not Lincoln. Lincoln was our best ever, but one had to come before two. Without Floyd Little, there *IS* no John Elway. Elway is our best ever, but...
No Floyd? Waste of time. Forget it, and shame on any Bronco fan over ten who didn't include him.
December 4, 2008
2:35 p.m.
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Kooiman writes:
All the talk of Little has merit, but I want to throw something else out there. If in fact we are voting most impact on the Broncos(a.k.a. Little), then I say Davis doesn't even make the list. He WAS a product of the line and didn't play that long.
December 4, 2008
2:43 p.m.
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Kooiman writes:
After Elway, Little, and Gradishar I think it's kind of a dead heat. You could make a case for alot of players, but there isn't one that is a shoe in. Although I never saw Lionel Taylor play.
December 4, 2008
2:59 p.m.
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yamahabass2 writes:
Okay, I think the rules need to be defined. It should only include players that spent at least 90% of their playing careers in Denver. To tell the truth, this is impossible. Elway, Sharpe, Little, Smith, Davis, Nalen, Elam, McCaffrey? That's just offensive players and how could you leave any of them of the list?
December 4, 2008
3:48 p.m.
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themoops writes:
Charlie77, Floyd Little retired the 7th leading rusher in NFL history. The 6 players ahead of him when he retired are all in the Hall of Fame. One of them, John Henry Johnson had just 400 yards more than Little and played 4 more years than Floyd did.
Floyd played without Pro Bowl or Hall of Fame linemen. Csonka ran behind Hall of Famers Larry Little and Jim Langer (and soon to be Bob Kuchenberg. He had a Hall of Fame quarterback, Bob Griese. Want more? He had a Hall of Fame receiver, Paul Warfield. Oh, yeah. He had a Hall of Fame coach in Don Shula. He also had the famed No-Name defense helping out on the other side. For most of his career, Floyd was the lone offensive weapon. The year he led the NFL in rushing, his quarterback was Don Horn. Lou Saban resigned with 5 games to go. Hardly Miami Dolphins football! Don't just look at stats, dig deeper next time.
December 4, 2008
4:41 p.m.
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Patriots writes:
Floyd Little did more than just run the ball, he also caught the ball very well. In fact this year, Peyton Hillis became the first Bronco to catch for 100 yards and rush for 100 yards in the same game since Floyd Little, thats a long time between doing that. Floyd Little did a lot for the team, and once again, had it not been for him (and others) there wouldnt be a Denver Broncos.
December 4, 2008
5:57 p.m.
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MileHighMagic writes:
This list is a great list of players but doesn’t even include one player from the most important position for the Denver Broncos; the offensive line. They paved the way for all of Denver’s 1000 yard rushers that they have had over the years and haven’t got the credit that they deserve. Well it’s about time we start recognizing them and giving them the credit they deserve.
Gary Zimmerman, Tom Nalen, Matt Lepsis, Mark Schlereth, Dan Neil and the rest of the offensive lineman that started for Denver were amazing offensive linemen when the Broncos had some of their best years. They made Elway and Davis‘ job a whole lot easier. That list should at least include one of two Broncos to ever be inducted into the hall of fame and probably one of the best lineman Bronco fans have ever seen: Gary Zimmerman.
As for trying to pick the best four on that list, I would have to start with Elway and Sharpe. Their Super Bowl appearances, victories, and career stats speak for themselves. Next I would go with Rod Smith. Being someone who was undrafted, Smith worked his tail off every single day and eventually became Denver’s all time leader in catches, receiving yards, yards from scrimmage, touchdowns and is probably the greatest undrafted receiver in NFL history. For the last spot I would probably go with Davis. TD only played 8 seasons with the Broncos but look what he accomplished in that short amount of time. A 2,008 rushing yards in one season, a Super Bowl MVP, and maybe a hall of famer if he would have played longer.
I think the glory positions shouldn’t get all of the fame because games are won in the trenches. The offensive lineman are the mold and centerpiece of any NFL team and were a huge part of why they won Back2Back Super Bowls just ask Shanahan, TD or all of the 1000 yard rushers that Denver has produced year after year.
December 4, 2008
6:13 p.m.
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tiburon49 writes:
Jacmac52 is the man. All former Broncos that folks voted for are deserving but a lot of you out there are waaaaay too young to remember past...well, yesterday. Lionel Taylor was the man. He helped, in a great way, legitimize the AFL hence the eventual merger. Player/Coach/Mr. Taylor held the record for most receptions in a season for quite a while. And he also has the record for hitting a goalpost the hardest of anyone and came out unscathed. The goalpost had a dent. Check your archives for a tape on that one! Of course he is a friend of the family and my father coached him so maybe I'm a little prejudicial in my opinon but I'm right.....
December 4, 2008
6:34 p.m.
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themoops writes:
Since the majority of fans voting in this Mt. Crushmore contest don't remember the Floyd Littles or the Lionel Taylors or the Rich Jacksons and their impact on the Broncos, perhaps it should be the 4 best Broncos from the 1997-98 Super Bowl Championships! That's what it seems to be anyway . . . To me, it's Little, Elway, then it's a toss up. Love Gradishar, but how do you pick him over Billy Thompson, Louis Wright or Tom Jackson? Love Terrell Davis, but the more I watch the Broncos from the past 10 years, the more I'm convinced it's the offensive scheme, not so much the player, although to be clear Terrell Davis was the best of the recent bunch. Love Shannon Sharpe, but also can't overlook Steve Atwater or Rod Smith, Tom Nalen, and Zimm, a HOFer among these deserved HOFers. Love Rich Jackson, but Paul Smith was no slouch. Then there are guys like Rick Upchurch and Riley Odoms, who has better numbers than HOFer Charlie Sanders. And how do you discount the contributions of QBs like Charley Johnson and Craig Morton. And, of course, guys from the beginning, Lionel Taylor and Goose Gonsulin.
Still, Mt. Crushmore should start with Floyd Little and Elway...