More Denver Broncos in the Hall of Fame? It Can Happen With Your Help!
by Jezru on Feb 6, 2012 8:00 PM MST
in Denver Broncos in the Hall of Fame
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PrintWith all due respect to Tony Dorsett and Willie Brown, it's hard to believe that just ten years ago the Denver Broncos did not have a single enshrinee in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
John Elway was the first in 2004 (what a glorious day that was!). Gary Zimmerman joined him in 2008. Then in back to back years, 2010 and 2011, Floyd Little and Shannon Sharpe got the nod. However, when Pro Football Hall of Fame President/Executive Director Steve Perry announced the 2012 enshrinees this last Saturday, representatives from the orange and blue were conspicuously absent.
It turns out that 2012 will be the first year in awhile that a deserving member of the Denver Broncos didn't make the Hall of Fame.
However, there is still hope for 2013. Now is the time for Broncos Country to come together for a common cause and get more Denver Broncos into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Stick with me after the jump to find out what you can do.
It all starts with a nomination. Anyone can nominate an eligible player.
Any fan may nominate any player, coach or contributor who has been connected with pro football simply by writing to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The only restriction is that a player and coach must have been retired at least five years before he can be considered. There is no mandatory retirement period for a contributor before he may be considered. Every nomination of an eligible candidate received will be processed and forwarded to the Hall of Fame's Selection Committee.
To visit the HOF website for more information on how the nomination process work, click here.
In today's hyper digital age of internets and the wi-fi, nothing hits a point home more than a personally written old-school snail mail-type letter. Sure, it takes a little longer and costs you the price of a stamp, but that's a small price to pay to nominate your favorite deserving (and qualified) Denver Bronco.
Here are some suggestions for your letters:
- Nominate a player you are passionate about (familiar with or interested in).
- Do a little research on their career achievements (stats, pro bowls, all pros)
- Think about including salient quotes from notable people (players coaches and media) regarding that player.
- Speak to your geographic location, especially if living outside Colorado.
- Avoid negative pronouncements (we know it's easy to fall into) about the Broncos under-representation in the hall. (This is most important).
These nominations don't need to be epic, just sincere. Here's the address you should mail them to:
Pro Football Hall of Fame
2121 George Halas Drive NW
Canton, Ohio 44708
Unsure who you want to write about? Here's a list of eligible greats 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]
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I have helped before and will help again
My pet peeve missing Bronco is Lionel Taylor. I think the stats he put up speak for themselves. Lionel was the Floyd Little for the Broncos of the early 1960’s.
Make those miracles happen - Jon Keyworth
Might I add a link:
http://www.gettheminthehall.com/
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by jonmark93 on Feb 6, 2012 6:17 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
Why isn't Rod Smith listed?
Is he not eligible yet?
Do you not think he is worthy?
by broncoboy326 on Feb 6, 2012 10:20 PM MST reply actions 2 recs
Honestly, I'm against the idea of supporting Broncos to get into the HoF simply on the ground that they were great Broncos.
Hear me out.
I’m a bit of a HoF elitist. I really want the best players to be in. Not all the great players, the best players. I’m a Broncos fan and a Syracuse grad, but I honestly didn’t think Little shouldn’t have made it in because I don’t think he reaches the elite level.
Sure, there was an alarming lack of Broncos in the Hall before this recent run of inductees. But of the Broncos that aren’t in that could be, the only one I’m sure should be in is Atwater. Mecklenberg and Davis both have a strong case, but I don’t think it’s necessarily an injustice that they aren’t yet (especially Davis with the limited career – I get that argument).
As for the senior committee guys, I never saw them play. I’m going to assume the people that did kept them out for a reason that doesn’t involve some anti-Bronco conspiracy. Their watching the games these guys played in carries a lot more weight than my cries of blind homerism. We should remember that especially pre-Orange Crush days this was a bad franchise that didn’t win.
Obviously I want more Broncos to get into the HoF. But even more than that I want all players that get the Hall nod to be truly deserving of it.
Exactly!
That is a great point Seth, I’m glad you said it.
I am all for Atwater. I think Rod Smith and Dennis Smith could be possibilities… maybe. TD was a great player for the Broncos and had one season with major historical significance… but I am not convinced that he is HOF material.
The problem with the HOF is that we are running out of people that are worthy of an HOF induction; yet there is pressure to induct a new class each year… and then the HOF gets watered down with members that have questionable worthiness of an HOF induction. I know this is sacreligious on this website, but I’m not sure I agree that Floyd Little is truly HOF material… Not saying he wasn’t a great player… but HOF material?
I wonder if they’d ever consider inducting nobody into the HOF on certain years… of course not, that’s silly talk!
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Somebody has to speak up for Floyd.
There was a reason he was called “The Franchise”… because without him the Broncos and this site would not exist.
Take some time and review his body of work. You can find a video of his play here. Articles about his impact can be found here.
Personally I think spirited debate over prospective candidates is a good thing, something of which I’ll gladly take part. However, I take major issue with fans of our team questioning the Hall of Fame credentials of those that have already been enshrined. If his qualifications were good enough to make it through the slaughterhouse that is the Hall of Fame committee, then Floyd Little is indeed a deserving enshrinee. Those teams he played on were nothing short of an embarrassment and yet he was able to overcome that to enjoy remarkable personal success – the likes of which were unparalleled in his place and time. That’s why he’s a Hall of Famer.
J
J
A HoS Elitist?
I have a problem with your comments, I have a problem with all self proclaimed Elitists of any kind and I of course have a problem with the narrow minded, short sited, Hall of Shame elitists. You all are peas in a pod.
You obviously forgot to mention Rod Smith Gramps. I’ll give you a mulligan if in fact it was forgetfulness but if it wasn’t shame on you. “The only one I’m sure should be in is Atwater”?!
Quick recap.
Rod Smith is eligible for the HoS and better damn well get in NLT 2014 because it took his contemporary POS Michael Irvin 8 years to be elected to the HoS.
Rod Smith had as many Receiving yards as the Coke head.
Rod Smith had more Receiving TDs then the Drug Pusher.
Rod Smith played as many years as the NFL ass kissing Thug did.
Rod Smith had more yards from scrimmage then the selfish loud mouth pimp thanks to Rod Smiths Punt and Kick return yards.
Rod Smith did all of this and wasn’t even the starter until his third year in the league.
Rod Smith was given NOTHING! Being an UDFA Rod Smith had to work twice as hard as his drafted peers and he willingly did so.
Rod Smith kept his damn mouth shut and did his job.
Rod Smith was a great blocker on the most productive rushing team in league history.
Rod Smith was a Football player and team mate that did the Dirty work that most sissy WRs don’t.
If the HoS has a shred of self respect they will elect Rod Smith to the HoS on or before 2014.
If you have a shred of self respect, you will spearhead and chair the Elect Rod Smith to the HoS committee and start by creating a Post about his great career.
The NFL absolutely needs more players like Rod Smith in the worst of ways.
The HoS absolutely needs more players like Rod Smith in the worst of ways.
Are you goint to ignore the fact that Randy Gradishar statistically stacks up to the best LBs in league history? Most of which are in the HoS.
So as it stands now. Rod Smith, Randy Gradishar and Jason Elam are undeniably qualified for the HoS. Atwater has as many tackles as Lott in fewer years and Terrell Davis has nothing on The Kansas Comet. Well except the rings, the MVPs and the 2000yds. The fact that Sharpe was not a first ballot HoSer is BS and you know it.
A HoS Elitist? You might want to keep that to yourself from now on.
Victory is sweet, even deep in the cheap seats.
by KoloradoKaos on Feb 7, 2012 9:35 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Gradishar is a must.
He is THE one who should be in. I trust he will be soon since he now is in the Senior Committee. Peace all. GB2
Believe you can and you're halfway there.
Theodore Roosevelt
In fairness:
HoF doesn’t, or at least shouldn’t, reward “good guy points” to people who aren’t bums like Irvin. It’s a numbers and impact game. I’m not saying Rod Smith doesn’t deserve it, but I don’t think citing him as a “good story” gains him any real ground. His great numbers will do the louder, more convincing talking.
It should be a tie breaker at least.
of course I’m saying that a player doesn’t have to have the years and the stats but the HoS should award extra credit for players that shine a good light on the shield and remain positive role models for the Men, Women and children that worship them. Which will be more of an issue in the years to come considering all of the questionable characters that now populate the NFL.
Victory is sweet, even deep in the cheap seats.
by KoloradoKaos on Feb 9, 2012 10:49 AM MST up reply actions
totally agree about rod smith Koloradokaos
He did EVERYTHING. I was most impressed with him AFTER Elway left. He could make all our mediocre QB’s look great. He caught passes, ran back punts, and LEAD this team.
One of the main reasons he should be in the hall of fame is the fact he was undrafted. It’s not just a good story, but the HOF should show the different varieties of players that come into the NFL. It shouldn’t be all about numbers or championships.
I don't disagree with the idea of an "elite HOF"...
and I am certainly on board with it from a romanticism point of view, but the only problem is…this HOF ain’t it.
It is too late for it to be about the best of the best, since so many so-so players from other teams are in. Clearly its standards are different from yours.
I think what might really be chapping you is the “anti-bronco conspiracy” thing….and for the most part I agree, it gets tiresome hearing that. And I KNOW the HOF committee and senior’s committee HATE to hear that.
Also, it seems as if you both agree and disagree with the selection of Little to the Hall:
Disagree
I’m a Broncos fan and a Syracuse grad, but I honestly didn’t think Little shouldn’t have made it in because I don’t think he reaches the elite level.
Agree
As for the senior committee guys, I never saw them play. I’m going to assume the people that did kept them out for a reason that doesn’t involve some anti-Bronco conspiracy. Their watching the games these guys played in carries a lot more weight than my cries of blind homerism.
Perseverance, secret of all triumph.
by Jeremy Bolander on Feb 7, 2012 2:20 PM MST up reply actions
However...
The senior committee people didn’t see them play either. To say that they don’t deserve to be in the hall because nobody has already put them there undermines the purpose of the committee. With so few people making it in every year there are bound to be teams that are overlooked.
I be overlooked in the early days could happen much easier than you’d think. The first national exposure the Broncos ever got was their first Monday Night Football game in 1973. Floyd Little had already played for six years and his career was 3/4 the way through at that point. It’s unfathomable to think that a player could go that long and not get one ounce of national television exposure.
Gradishar is another great example of being overlooked. Before the 1977 Super Bowl season, Gradishar’s Broncos only appeared in four MNF games – two of which too place in Randy’s first year in the league. With no national attention these guys – and countless others all over the NFL – toiled away in obscurity doing masterful things for their city and the league as a whole.
Lastly it has to be said that a player’s contributions aren’t felt until long after they retire. It’s for these reasons the senior committee exists. The NFL knows it has to give players that may have been overlooked their due and this is the process by which they do it.
J
The arguement that Terrell Davis only played 7 years is a weak testament of how the HOF voters feel!
He should be in with his accomplishments and years should not have anything to do with it…
Through his first four seasons, Davis rushed for 6,413 yards (4.8 yards per carry) and 56 touchdowns. Among the 24 modern-era Hall of Fame halfbacks and fullbacks, only Earl Campbell (6,457, 4.6 yards per carry) and Eric Dickerson (6,968, 4.8 yards per carry) had more rushing yards during their first four seasons; no member of the Hall of Fame matched Davis’ first-four-season 56 rushing touchdowns. Davis was selected for ESPN’s All-Time 40-Man Super Bowl roster as a running back for his performances in Super Bowls XXXII & XXXIII.
Overall, Davis finished his 7 NFL seasons with 7,607 rushing yards, 169 receptions for 1,280 yards, and 65 touchdowns (60 rushing and 5 receiving). He and John Elway are the only two Broncos named league MVP.
"You hate to think you have to censor your language to meet other people's lack of understanding" -Julian Bond
Follow @bfree2bronc
Career highlights and awards
3× Pro Bowl selection (1996, 1997, 1998)
3× All-Pro selection (1996, 1997, 1998)
2× Super Bowl champion (XXXII, XXXIII)
2× AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1997, 1998)
1998 NFL MVP
1998 PFWA NFL MVP
1996 UPI AFL-AFC Player of the Year
1998 Super Bowl MVP
NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
Single Season 2,000 Rushing Yards Club
Denver Broncos 50th Anniversary Team
"You hate to think you have to censor your language to meet other people's lack of understanding" -Julian Bond
Follow @bfree2bronc
Not to mention his playoff stats
In his 10 or so playoff games he was the most dominant running back ever or at the very least in a very VERY elite class
Tebow time is coming on like a freight train. Orton is stumbling over every plank, tie and rail.
exactly
he dominated the best of the best. Any complete of his HOF credentials must list his playoff statistics as a separate line item or two.
Perseverance, secret of all triumph.
by Jeremy Bolander on Feb 7, 2012 2:22 PM MST up reply actions
The hard part for Davis is career numbers
No RB with lower career rushing yards or TD totals than Davis who played in the last nearly 40 years is in the HoF (the last one was our own Floyd Little).
Willis McGahee has almost as many rushing yards as Davis.
Ahman Green has more, significantly so. Ricky Waters. Thomas Jones. Ricky Williams. Warrick Dunn. Corey Dillon. Fred Taylor. Tiki Barber. All beat TD by over 2000 career rushing yards (much more in some cases) and none of them are in the HoF. Davis is in the mid 40s rank for career rushing yards and TDs.
Those first 4 seasons were unbelievable – but it’s tough to put in a player based on 4 seasons alone. Especially when you are going against RBs with career stats like Bettis (13662 yards).
The postseason success and MVP award keep him in the conversation – wasn’t he a semifinalist this year? – but RB’s with that low of career numbers have a hard time being seen above their peers. He was the best of the best for those couple years – but the knee injury kept his career numbers too low to be in the same category. The Hall of Fame is an honor for career accomplishments – and while TD was amazing those couple years, his career accomplishments don’t quite look HoF worthy. He’d be the only HoF RB in the modern NFL inducted on such a short time span and such low total numbers. In fact, I doubt there’s a single player in the HoF with as few productive years as TD had.
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