The Denver Broncos were well represented in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019 vote on Saturday. Voters put in both owner Pat Bowlen as a contributor and first ballot cornerback Champ Bailey into the Hall of Fame.
We know the fan reaction was one of elation over both. Bowlen had been snubbed every year since the contributor classification was added in 2015. Finally, after much lobbying by everyone in Broncos Country, Bowlen was a lock this year and is now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Champ was always going to be a first ballot Hall of Famer. He was the greatest player at his position throughout most of his career. His induction will mark the first time a Broncos defensive player will be enshrined into the Hall of Fame. Hopefully, this means both Steve Atwater - who made it into the final 10 this year - and Randy Gradishar are not far behind.
The elation extended beyond just fans. I went around and collected some of the noteworthy reactions to this news from Saturday.
Broncos Hall of Fame Reactions
I’m so thrilled for Pat! For what he did for the Broncos and the league, he is the definition of a Hall of Famer.
— John Elway (@johnelway) February 3, 2019
There truly is no greater recognition in the world of football!!!! pic.twitter.com/3ZnyesJTMV
Congrats to Champ - the very first of many deserving Broncos defensive players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame!
— John Elway (@johnelway) February 3, 2019
For Champ to get selected in his first year is proof of what a great career he had and what a great Bronco he is! https://t.co/KyhTBMhj3r
Congrats to the @ProFootballHOF class of 2019. Each inductee is so deserving of this tremendous honor.
— John Lynch (@JohnLynch49ers) February 2, 2019
Especially proud of Mr. Bowlen and @champbailey, two of my great friends in this game and two of he best ever to do their respective jobs. https://t.co/BEOPymo11Q
Peyton Manning on @champbailey and Pat Bowlen getting elected to the @ProFootballHOF: pic.twitter.com/V8iUmHekgd
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) February 3, 2019
Congrats to the greatest owner in pro sports history! Pat Bowlen is in the @ProFootballHOF https://t.co/3ClmBltaFS
— Karl Mecklenburg CSP, NFL (@KarlMecklenburg) February 2, 2019
This morning I had the honor and privilege of presenting Broncos owner Pat Bowlen’s candidacy for induction into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame. I hope I did right by him. Thanks to @Jeff_Legwold @psmyth12 and the @Broncos family for their invaluable assistance. #ItsTime
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) February 2, 2019
Congratulations Mr. B!!! It is truly an honor to play for your franchise. You always were a fashionable man, now you get to add a GOLD jacket to your wardrobe https://t.co/eAtQ0ZDhXw
— Brandon McManus (@thekidmcmanus) February 3, 2019
Mr. Bowlen is the heart and soul of every bronco! Congratulations to you and your family! https://t.co/CTQLfxJiob
— Adam Gotsis (@gotsis96) February 3, 2019
Congratulations !!!!!! Mr. Bowlen !!!! #BroncosCountry Proud !!!! God bless https://t.co/bdVE8MPl2g
— Domata Peko (@DomataPeko) February 3, 2019
Congrats to former teammates Champ Bailey and Ty Law on making the hall! Congrats to the best owner in NFL Pat Bowlen! Majorly bummed for the best safety ever yet to make it in @SteveAtwater27. In due time my friend.
— Tyler Polumbus (@Tyler_Polumbus) February 3, 2019
Congrats to the Goat @champbailey !
— kwebb (@kayvonwebster) February 2, 2019
Can’t believe I had the opportunity to suit with my favorite corner now HOF! Good memories