Al Wilson was the first pick, 31st overall for the Denver Broncos in the 1999 NFL Draft. He would be the man who would transition the team away from 16 seasons of John Elway at quarterback to one of solid defensive play with Al Wilson leading the way.
Somehow, despite eight seasons of Pro Bowl caliber play he has not received consideration for the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame. John Lynch, with just four seasons of service, was inducted last year and Champ Bailey will likely get in his first year of eligibility. But what about Al Wilson?
Wilson was a five-time Pro Bowler and a First-Team All-Pro defender in 2005. All that was cut short when a neck injury derailed his career after an outstanding 2006 season. The Broncos defense utterly collapsed from 2007-2009, despite Lynch and Champ still on that roster.
That fact should mean something. In an interview on Orange & Blue 760 on Friday, his lack of Ring of Fame status was brought up. Should Wilson join the pantheon of Broncos greats in the Ring of Fame?