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Momentum was strong for Gradishar to the Hall of Fame - but the HOF screwed us again

If Twitter is any indication - and it really shouldn’t be but whatever - it would seem the league is finally paying attention to the brilliance that was Randy Gradishar on the field.

By Laurie Lattimore-Volkmann

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Denver Broncos v Oakland Raiders Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images

The announcement of the Seniors players for the Hall of Fame Centennial Class of 2020 came and went Wednesday morning, and Randy Gradishar - one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history - was once again royally snubbed in a long-overdue recognition from Canton that he belongs in the Hall of Fame.

The push for Gradishar on social media showed not only that Broncos Country was feeling good about it, but so were those who really knew their football and their football history - and therefore Gradishar’s role in it.

Andrew Mason wrote a great story about Gradishar, pointing out that the linebacker - a member of an iconic defense that has ZERO representation in the Hall of Fame (which is its own travesty) - should have been inducted the moment he was first eligible, making him the first Bronco inducted into the Hall of Fame:

Unfortunately for Gradishar, his 2,049 tackles are not an official NFL statistic. Sacks weren’t official until 1982, his next-to-last season in the NFL, so just 4.5 of his career tally of 19.5 are “official.”

But interceptions are in the books. So are fumble recoveries. Pro Bowl selections, too.

And through research compiled on pro-football-reference.com, this shows that Gradishar is one of 10 linebackers in NFL history with at least 20 interceptions, 10 or more fumble recoveries and a minimum of seven Pro Bowl appearances.

Broncos Country has spent a lot of time rightfully demanding the Hall of Fame quit ignoring some of the NFL’s best players - especially Randy Gradishar.

Unfortunately, it was left wanting as the voters once again seemed only to be able to choose players from the Steelers or Cowboys.

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