Denver Broncos Greats... By The Numbers: #54

by KaptainKirk on May 26, 2011 10:30 AM MDT in Denver Broncos Greats...By The Numbers

Eighteen players wore the #54 jersey in the history of the Denver Broncos. Seventeen Linebackers and a Guard. Before we begin, I have to tell you, the Guard might win here. The list of applicants in consideration for the Greatest Bronco to wear #54 is...

Lee Robinson LB 2010-Present

Andra Davis ILB 2009

D.D. Lewis LB 2007

Patrick Chukwurah LB 2003, ‘05-06

Lee Woodall LB 2001

Nate Wayne LB 1998-99

Britt Hager LB 1995-96

Mitch Donahue LB 1993-94

Keith Traylor LB 1991-92

Keith Bishop G 1980, ‘82-89

Richard Baska LB 1976-77

Mike Lemon LB 1975

Ralph Cindrich LB 1974

Chip Myrtle LB 1967-72

Ron Sbranti LB 1966

Ed Cummings LB 1965

Larry Jordan LB 1964

Ed (Wahoo) McDaniel LB 1961-63

Ed "Wahoo" McDaniel was a Choctaw-Chickasaw Native American who played for the Houston Oilers (1960), Denver Broncos (1961-1963), New York Jets (1964-1965), Miami Dolphins (1966-1968) and became a famous Pro wrestler. He played Linebacker in the AFL for the Oilers and the Broncos, but Wahoo's star shone when he was traded to the (NFL) New York Jets in 1964. He quickly became a crowd favorite and once had 23 tackles in a single game, ironically against his former Bronco teammates. McDaniel was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the 1966 AFL expansion draft as the team's major name player. He started his Pro wrestling career while he was still playing football, wrestling during the off-season and playing football during the football season. In 1968, he knocked out two policemen in a fracas and was summarily shipped to the Chargers, but he never played a game for San Diego and began wrestling full-time. Wahoo was a top draw wherever he went. In his 3 years as a Bronco, he played in 42 games and made 6 interceptions. He also made 5 punts with a 34.6 average.

Some of Wahoo's other notables

Former US President George Bush Sr was his baseball coach when he was a kid.
He played college ball at Oklahoma as a Kicker, End, and Fullback.
Kicked the 6th-longest punt in NCAA history for 91 yards.
2-time NWA American champion
5-time NWA United States champion and NWA National Heavyweight champion.
Had a large impact on the career of Ric Flair.
Inducted into the WCW Hall of Fame on May 21st, 1995.
Inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2010.

Ed "Wahoo" McDaniel wasn't the Greatest Bronco to wear #54, but he might just be the most colorful.

Larry Jordan played 8 games for the Broncos in 1964. He is credited as having one kick return for no yards.

Ed Cummings played 14 games at Middle Linebacker for Denver in 1965, but didn't have any recordable stats.

Ron Sbranti was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 9th round (76th overall) of the 1966 AFL Draft and the San Francisco 49ers in the 10th round (147th overall) of the 1966 NFL Draft. He played 14 games for the Broncos in 1966.

Chip Myrtle played 5 of his 6 years with the Broncos wearing #54 (1967-72). During 1968 he wore #89 for some reason, but switched back to #54 the following year. In his time with the Broncos, Myrtle started 39 of 68 games, had 4 interceptions, 7 Fumble Recoveries and 1 Safety. He also had 2 kick returns for 1 yard.

Ralph Cindrich was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the 5th round (119th overall) of the 1972 NFL Draft, but released him near the end of the preseason. One week later, the Patriots claimed him off waivers. New England cut him before the start of the 1973 season, but he was picked up by the Houston Oilers, where he played the next two years. After being cut by the Denver Broncos during the 1975 preseason, the Oilers resigned Cindrich for the remainder of the season. He retired following the 1975 season.

Ralph Cindrich only played in 1 game with the Broncos, but his mark in the NFL has been as an Agent. While he was an Oiler, Ralph began Law school at South Texas College of Law. He started Cindrich & Co. in 1977 and became an Agent. During his 30+ years as an NFL agent, he has represented stars such as James Farrior, Bruce Gradkowski, Tarik Glenn, Jeff Blake and Brian Griese among others.

Mike Lemon was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 6th round (149th overall) of the 1975 NFL Draft. He played in 2 games for the Saints and 1 game for the Broncos in 1975, compiling no stats. He played the next 2 seasons for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before retiring.

Richard Baska played in 18 games for the Broncos in 1976-77 and recovered one Fumble.

Keith Traylor was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 3rd round (61st overall) of the 1991 NFL Draft. He started 5 of 32 games during the 1991-92 seasons wearing #54 with the Broncos. Traylor made 66 Tackles, 1 Sack, Forced one Fumble and had a 13-yard kick return. Keith played for Green Bay (1993) and Kansas City (1995-96) before another 4 years with the Broncos, but this time he wore #94 and won two Super Bowl Rings.

Mitch Donahue was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 4th round (95th overall) of the 1991 NFL Draft. He played 2 seasons for the Niners before joining the Broncos. He played 16 games with the Broncos in 1993-94 and made one Tackle.

Britt Hager was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 3rd round (81st overall) of the 1989 NFL Draft. He played 6 seasons in Philly before coming to Denver in 1995. Hager started 5 of 18 games in 2 seasons for the Broncos. He made 39 Tackles, 1 interception and 1 Forced Fumble.

Nate Wayne was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 7th round (219th overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played 16 games during hus 2 years in Denver, with 10 Tackles, 2 Sacks and one Forced Fumble.

Lee Woodall was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 6th round (182nd overall) of the 1994 NFL Draft. He spent 6 seasons in San Francisco, going to the Pro Bowl in 1995 and 1997. After a year with the Carolina Panthers Lee came to Denver in 2001. Woodall made 3 Tackles and 1 Sack in 14 games with the Broncos.

Patrick Chukwurah was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 5th round (157th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played with the Vikes for 2 years and then came to Denver in December of 2003. He signed with the Denver Broncos, but was only on the 53-man roster for 2 days and was released on December 26. Denver re-signed Patrick after the season ended. In 2004, he wore #55 and played in 14 games with 4 tackles, mainly as a pass rushing Defensive End. In 2005, he donned #54 and played for 2 seasons, appearing in 28 games. Chukwurah recorded 34 Tackles, 4.5 Sacks 2 pass deflections and 1 Forced Fumble. Patrick played one year in Tampa Bay and currently plays for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League.

D.D. Lewis played 4 years with the Seattle Seahawks from 2002-2006 and joined the Broncos for the 2007 season. He appeared in 5 games with the Broncos and then returned to Seattle for the last 2 seasons of his career.

Andra Davis was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 5th round (141st overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft. He stayed with the Browns for 7 years. Andra joined the Broncos on February 28, 2009, signing a 2-year contract. In his lone season with the Broncos, Davis started 13 of 16 games, recording 90 tackles, 3 pass deflections and 3.5 sacks. He was released on March 11, 2010.

Lee Robinson went undrafted in the 2009 NFL Draft but was later signed by the Denver Broncos on April 26, 2009. He was waived in the last cuts at the end of preseason on September 4, 2009. He was signed to the Arizona Cardinals Practice Squad for 6 weeks and then the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Practice Squad where he was waived , re-signed and waived again during 2010. The Broncos signed him to their Practice Squad on October 13th and promoted to the 53-man Roster in December and made his NFL debut on Special Teams at Arizona (12/12). Lee played the last 3 games in 2010 making 2 Tackles and one Fumble Recovery. Robinson was placed on Injured Reserve on Dec. 27, 2010. He is slated to make $330,000 in 2011.

It seems clear to me that the Greatest Bronco to wear #54 is...

Keith Bishop

Keith Bishop was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 6th round (157th overall) of the 1980 NFL Draft. He played his entire 10-year career in Denver, starting 87 of 129 games at Left Guard. Other than recovering 3 Fumbles and making the Pro Bowl in 1986 & 1987, Keith is known for being the Broncos best offensive lineman. Bishop played in 3 Super Bowls and was voted by the fans to the Broncos All-time 50th Anniversary team, 1st-team Offense. He is famously known in Bronco Country for injecting a touch of humor in a dire situation to loosen up his teammates.

On January 11, 1987, during the 1986 AFC Championship Game, the Broncos were at their own 2-yard line, down by a touchdown late in the 4th quarter. History was about to be made. This was "The Drive."

But here, I will let "Bish" tell his own tale:

"If I remember correctly, there was a TV timeout," Bishop said as he remembered the AFC championship game. "Our offense was on the field waiting to play, and the Cleveland defense also was out there. They were kind of laughing at the situation we were in, thinking they really had the upper hand."

"I remember saying, 'Look at those bleeps. They don't know it, but we have them right where we want them,' " Bishop said. "It just was spontaneous. The electricity and pressure at that moment were unbelievable."

That loosened up the huddle and one player even fell down laughing. And the rest as they say, is history.

Keith signed a 5-year contract worth $3.18 Million in September 1988. Six games into the season, he suffered back spasms and was replaced in the lineup by rookie Doug Widell. Bishop retired before training camp of the next year and now works for the DEA.

MHR gives a hearty Mile High Salute to Keith Bishop as the Greatest Bronco to wear #54.

Go Broncos!

Poll

Who was the Greatest Bronco to wear #54?

"Wahoo" McDaniel

13 votes

Chip Myrtle

18 votes

Keith Bishop

311 votes

Keith Traylor

21 votes

Andra Davis

1 votes

364 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 23 comments | 2 recs |

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Comments

Keith Bishop

Beyond doubt.

We're lost, but we're making good time.
Yogi Berra

by bradley on May 26, 2011 10:45 AM MDT reply actions

Don't forget

Keith Bishop competing in the World’s Strongest Man competition.

www.oreadboomkings.fantake.com

by Triston27 on May 26, 2011 10:49 AM MDT reply actions

that’s awesome. never knew that one.

I'm not sugarcoating this.

by oxmouth on May 26, 2011 5:01 PM MDT up reply actions

Here's The Drive on you tube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bypo-WhahYo

We're lost, but we're making good time.
Yogi Berra

by bradley on May 26, 2011 11:12 AM MDT reply actions

All day long

I’m hoping our line gets more attitude like what Bishop had back then.

"Bombs dropping down overhead. Underground. It's instilled to want to live." -EV

by sadaraine on May 26, 2011 11:30 AM MDT reply actions

Ed "Wahoo" McDaniel

just because the name reminds me of Josh “Whoops” McDaniels.

Keith Bishop is the clear winner and I hope that the Denver Broncos O-Line can one day regain the dominance of the…….2008 team.

by KoloradoKaos on May 26, 2011 11:50 AM MDT reply actions

Don't even try to compare the two men.

I went to Wahoo’s Pro Wrestling Camp in Tx. The man was a true competitor and he used to talk about his days in Denver. He told me the team cut Ike Lassiter, at the time the teams best DE, because he came to camp so built up that the team did not have a uniform big enough for him. He said that every time Denver had a good to great player that player was traded or cut back then. If Denver had the backing for McDaniels, he would be a household name like Butkus, Nitschke and Lambert. He was that good.

Make those miracles happen - Jon Keyworth
Truth has no agenda - Glenn Beck

by IgorBStrange on May 26, 2011 4:22 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

True

It all starts in the trenches - HT 11/11/08
Leave the hateful vitriol to the uninformed - HT 3/16/09

by firstfan on May 26, 2011 5:49 PM MDT up reply actions

IBS

No slight to Wahoo, you’re right, he was a beast among men. 23 tackles in a single game and an advocate for the Native American’s. He deserves my respect. I was just using the name as another opportunity to jab Josh "the mistake" McDaniels.

by KoloradoKaos on May 31, 2011 2:30 PM MDT up reply actions

No Contest!

Keith Bishop all the way! Nice guy off the field, but a high class technician on it who never let his teammates or himself down. Funny though, one of my abiding memories of the Bishop was after his playing days had ended and he appeared in one of those World’s Strongest Men competitions and shown over here in the UK. Now, don’t get me wrong, he did well against the power lifters but in the brute strength challenges he was a little off the pace. Where he came to the fore was in the challenges which involved agility and strength, and I remember him dominating a wrestling event against guys who were 7 and 8 stones heavier than him. I always thought of his training as an offensive lineman, where he would routinely have gone up against DL behemoths and used his speed, quick hands and agility to dominate. They don’t make them like the Bishop anymore! Good memories and a great player to grace the Orange jersey! Rec’d.

by MileHighMan on May 26, 2011 12:21 PM MDT reply actions

I think he did the strongest man while still in football.

The video I linked earlier was from 1981. Which, coincidentally, is the one year that Bishop wasn’t with the Broncos. He wasn’t on any roster.

www.oreadboomkings.fantake.com

by Triston27 on May 26, 2011 3:21 PM MDT up reply actions

Think you’re right – I posted my comments, then noticed your earlier post – and the references in that seem to imply that both he and Craig Woodley were still active would disprove my comments! Good to see you’re wide awake! Enjoyed the link so thanks for that!

by MileHighMan on May 26, 2011 4:14 PM MDT up reply actions

Gotta go with Bishop.

Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.

The artist formerly known as ZAPPA

by Tim Lynch on May 26, 2011 1:03 PM MDT reply actions

Remember Patrick up-Chukwuuah?

A gold star to anyone that can find that video… That dude was a gamer.

Each tweet hand dipped in awesome sauce!
Twitter: @jezru

by Jezru on May 26, 2011 1:57 PM MDT reply actions

Didn't find the video

But this was a pretty good shot of the Predator #54

"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

RIP Barrel Man - 12/5/09

by DesertBroncoFan on May 26, 2011 4:46 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

which?

The one where he throws up on queue to the camera?

by 34Horsemen on May 26, 2011 4:50 PM MDT up reply actions

That's the one...

Huuuurrl!

Each tweet hand dipped in awesome sauce!
Twitter: @jezru

by Jezru on May 27, 2011 3:22 PM MDT up reply actions

Gotta go bishop here

Had to take off the crimson colored glasses for this one . Loved Wahoo McDaniel as he was a better wrestler at OU than a football player and was from the era that coined the term Bedlam because of the great wrestling matches between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State back in the 1950’s. Wahoo was one of my fathers favorite players and that is how I became aware of Wahoo as a kid .

by ultraclassic04 on May 26, 2011 3:24 PM MDT reply actions

Wahoo McDaniel was one of my favorite.....wrestlers.

by 3nS on May 26, 2011 4:24 PM MDT reply actions

Bishop was Nasty!

by ThorpeBroncosfan on May 26, 2011 11:20 PM MDT reply actions

Keith Bishop!

Brad James

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With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on May 26, 2011 11:35 PM MDT reply actions

Smiles and Head Shakes

This whole series brings a lot of smiles and head shakes. Smiles at the names of Broncos who did good and bring back fond memories. Head shakes at the names of Broncos who had great expectations coming in and disappointing performances during their time with the Broncos or who Broncos fans wondered why they were brought in at all and confirmed those low expectations.

Orton, Tebow, Quinn, may the best man win!

by OrangeandBluesBros on May 27, 2011 7:03 AM MDT reply actions

Love Bishop

That dude wasn’t the most talented, but had a great heart and would fight anyone, was Elway’s bodyguard so to speak, laying out anyone who cheapshoted Elway.

Also love Traylor, but why is Andre Davis even on this list.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun" - Ash from Army of Darkness
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by Broncoman on May 27, 2011 8:58 AM MDT reply actions