Getting More Denver Broncos Into the HOF

It's time to get more Denver Broncos enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (Jon Heath/BroncoTalk)

Over the last four years, three former Denver Broncos have gotten into the Pro Football Hall of Fame; offensive lineman Gary Zimmerman in 2008, running back Floyd Little in 2010 and tight end Shannon Sharpe in 2011.

Prior to the recent Broncos “storming of the Hall of Fame wall,” as former linebacker Karl Mecklenburg put it, the Broncos were very poorly recognized among the games’ greatest.  In 2007, there were only three Broncos in the Hall of Fame, including running back Tony Dorsett and cornerback Willie Brown — who played a combined total of four years in Denver.  Other than legendary quarterback John Elway, the Broncos and their fans had little representation in Canton.

Then came the movement.  Bronco fans across the country made their voices heard, and we are finally headed in the right direction in getting more deserving former Denver Broncos into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  You can join the movement and help by writing the Hall of Fame and nominating a former Bronco for induction.

It’s easy to do (I wrote a letter just today nominating former running back Terrell Davis); just respectfully inform the voters why you think [specify a former Bronco] should be in the Hall.  Below is their mailing address:

Pro Football Hall of Fame
2121 George Halas Drive NW
Canton, Ohio 44708

Every nomination of an eligible candidate received will be processed and forwarded to the Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee.  Not sure of who is worthy of a nomination?  Below are some players you could consider and their selection committee status:

The Dark Ages (1960-1975)

Lionel Taylor, WR [Senior Committee]
Rich Jackson, DE [Senior Committee]
Austin “Goose” Gonsoulin, S [Senior Committee]

The Orange Crush (1976-1980)

Randy Gradishar, ILB [Senior Committee]
Tom Jackson, OLB [Senior Committee]
Billy Thompson, S [Senior Committee]
Louis Wright, CB [Senior Committee]

The Reeves Era (1981-1994)

Dennis Smith, S [Eligible for Standard Selection until 2019]
Karl Mecklenberg, OLB/ILB [Eligible for Standard Selection until 2019]
Dan Reeves, Coach [Eligible for Standard Selection until 2028]

The Shanahan Age (1995-Present)

Steve Atwater, S [Eligible for Standard Selection until 2024]
Terrell Davis, RB [Eligible for Standard Selection until 2027]

If you click on one of the above mentioned players name(s), you can read a short biography about them and why they should be considered by the HOF voting committee.  Many of the players were underrated during their playing days and have gotten little recognition since their retirement.

It’s high time Bronco fans band together and raise awareness of them and their impact on not only the Broncos, but also the NFL.  Please join us in writing the Hall of Fame and raising awareness of the Denver Broncos that should be in the Hall of Fame!

BroncoTalk’s Jon Heath is also a member of the MHR HOF Committee and the creator of GetThemInTheHall.com.