In what might be considered a surprise to some, but not to those of us that live in Broncos Nation, Terrell Davis HAS MADE the first cut for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2007. The list of 25 was announced yesterday, and will be cut once again to 15 in January. Davis was surprised and humbled to be included in the list -
Similar to his first training camp in 1995, coming in as a 6th round draft pick, Davis was considered a long shot to get in becuase of his abbreviated playing career. Various cut Davis' playing time short, but when healthy no running back was more effective.
Other Broncos making the list include long time Hall of Fame hopeful Randy Gradishar, who was a dominant figure on the Orange Crush teams of the late 70's. Gradishar made it to the final 25 last year and has long been considered one of the players getting the Hall of Fame shaft.
The third Bronco is LT Gary Zimmerman. Many thought Zim would preclude John Elway as the first Bronco in to Canton but it has yet to materialize. Such is usually the pain of an offensive or defensive lineman, who rarely get in right off the bat. Zim made the final 15 last year.
Is there a bigger travesty in Pro Football than the fact the Denver Broncos, one of the most successful teams in NFL History, have only ONE PLAYER in the Hall of Fame? Hopefully this is the year that Bronco Fans can make the sacred journey back to Canton. My hopes are with all three to break that jinx and get some more Bronoco recognition where it belongs.
Here are the other semi-finalists --
Dermontti Dawson, C (1988-2000 Steelers)
Fred Dean, DE (1975-81 Chargers; '81-85 49ers)
Richard Dent, DE (1983-93, 95 Bears; '94 49ers; '96 Colts; '97 Eagles)
Kevin Greene, LB-DE (1985-92 Rams; '93-95 Steelers, '96, '98-99 Panthers; '97 49ers)
Russ Grimm, G (1981-91 Washington Redskins)
Ray Guy, P (1973-86 Oakland-Los Angeles Raiders)
Charles Haley, DE-LB (1986-91, '99 49ers; '92-96 Cowboys)
Lester Hayes, CB (1977-86 Oakland-Los Angeles Raiders)
Michael Irvin, WR (1988-99 Cowboys)
Bob Kuechenberg, G (1970-84 Dolphins)
Bruce Matthews, G-T-C (1983-2001 Oilers-Titans)
Randall McDaniel, G (1988-99 Vikings; 2000-01 Buccaneers)
Art Modell, Owner (1961-95 Cleveland Browns; 1996-2003 Baltimore Ravens)
Art Monk, WR (1980-93 Redskins; '94 Jets; '95 Eagles)
Andre Reed, WR (1985-99 Bills; 2000 Redskins)
Ken Stabler, QB (1970-79 Raiders; '80-81 Oilers; '82-84 Saints)
Paul Tagliabue (1989-2006 National Football League Commissioner)
Derrick Thomas, LB (1989-99 Chiefs)
Thurman Thomas, RB (1988-99 Bills; 2000 Dolphins)
Andre Tippett, LB (1982-93 Patriots)
Roger Wehrli, CB (1969-82 St. Louis Cardinals)
George Young, GM-admin. (1968-74 Colts; '75-78 Dolphins; '79-97 Giants '98-2001 NFL)