Friday, November 17, 2006

Randy Gradishar for the NFL Hall of Fame

One of the best players to ever done the Orange and Blue has continually been snubbed for the NFL Hall of Fame. Recently Randy Gradishar was named a semifinalist for the 2007 NFL Hall of Fame induction class. If nominated, he'd be just the second Bronco to get into the Hall.
The Broncos finally got their first inductee to hall in in 2004 when all time great John Elway was inducted. I have no problem with John Elway being in the Hall of Fame, what I have a problem with is he's the ONLY Denver Bronco in the HOF. No, Tony Dorsett and Willie Brown do not count. The Broncos have been to 6 super bowls, and have one player in the HOF. This is a travesty, namely because there have been other Broncos deserving of the HOF. The glaring omission at this point in time is Randy Gradishar. Gradishar was the heart and soul of the famed Orange Crush defenses of the late 70s and early 80s. Grads, as he was affectionately referred to, was a standout linebacker at Ohio State before anchoring the broncos defense for nearly a decade. Gradishar was a 7 time pro bowler, in ten seasons, with the likes of Jack Ham, Jack Lambert and Ted Hendricks who all happen to be Hall of Famers. Playing in what is sometimes perceived as a "cow town" has certainly hurt Gradishar and his chances. He was a better LB than the recently inducted Harry Carson, but Gradishar did not play in the media capital of the world, and as such does not have guys like Sports Illustrated's Peter King schilling for him. Here's to hoping that the HOF voters finally pull their head out and get Randy Gradishar into the HOF.

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