Who should be next in the Broncos Ring of Fame?

Good morning, Broncos Country!

The Denver Broncos have one of the richest histories in NFL history.

Some of the greatest players to ever strap on pads and put on a helmet have played in Denver. You experience that tradition anytime you walk on the south side of Mile High in Ring of Fame Plaza. The busts of all the people who made the Broncos what they are. Or anytime you look at the facade and see the names and numbers.

With that come those players and coaches who have yet to get inducted into the Ring of Fame but are deserving. The most recent inductee was Demaryius Thomas. Prior to the former receiver were legends Steve Foley and Riley Odoms.

Earlier this spring, I made the case for one of the best pass rushers in franchise history, Barney Chavous, to get inducted into the Ring of Fame.

He was a key member of the Orange Crush defense and helped the franchise play in its first Super Bowl. He is a member of the Broncos Top 100 team and played all 13 of his NFL seasons in Denver. He was selected with the No. 36 pick in the 1973 NFL Draft out of South Carolina.

But it’s the stats that tell the story of Chavous and his value to the franchise. Sacks weren’t officially tracked by the NFL until 1982. However, when Chavous retired, he was the franchise’s all-time leader. He’s one of four Broncos to reach 75 sacks for his career. Chavous currently sits at No. 4 on the all-time list with 75. That’s behind Von Miller (110.5), Simon Fletcher (97.5), and Karl Mecklenburg (79.0).

But if the Ring of Fame selection committee does not go with Chavous, there are other deserving players.

Rulon Jones, defensive end

The former defensive end played for the Broncos from 1980-88. He ranks fifth in franchise history for sacks with 73.5. He was a nightmare to block; he was a complete defensive lineman (typically at right defensive end), and he made those defenses in the ’80s better.

There’s always the discussion of “overlooked” players for any franchise, but Jones falls into that category in Denver. He was that good, but he often doesn’t get the credit he deserves.

Al Wilson, linebacker

This pretty much goes without saying, but Wilson was the heart and soul of the Broncos defenses when he played in Denver. You could argue that during his time with the Broncos, 1999-2006, the only linebacker better than him in the NFL was Ray Lewis.

He only ranks ninth in franchise history for tackles, but that’s because of his neck injury. If Wilson doesn’t get injured, we’re talking about a Hall of Famer. Still, that injury doesn’t lessen the impact he made on the franchise.

Tyrone Braxton, safety

The safety known as “The Chicken,” Braxton, often gets overlooked since he was sandwiched between two of the best safeties in NFL history, Dennis Smith and Steve Atwater. Braxton came to Denver two years before Atwater and played with the Broncos from 1987-1999.

And did he ever leave his mark on the franchise?

Braxton ranks fourth in franchise history in interceptions with 34. He also ranks fifth in franchise history for tackles with 746. Braxton should join the likes of the other greats to play the safety position in the Ring of Fame.

Steve Watson, wide receiver

If there was anyone as smooth as Watson at the receiver position, you’d be hard-pressed to find one. That’s also a great way to describe his hands. You had to have smooth hands to catch those John Elway piss missiles.

Watson ranks seventh in franchise history in receiving yards with 6,112. He also had 353 receptions for 36 touchdowns. Watson should get the nod over the next worthy candidate. Fittingly, also a receiver.

Ed McCaffrey, receiver

McCaffrey was the next generation’s Watson. And McCaffrey was a complete receiver.

He could make any catch, but he could also block and lay some heavy blocks if needed. The receiving duo he made with Rod Smith was something special.

McCaffrey ranks sixth in franchise history in receiving yards with 6,200. He also had 462 catches and 46 touchdowns.

Of course, the ROF Selection Committee could just meet in the middle and induct both Watson and McCaffrey in the same class.

Lyle Alzado, defensive lineman

I’ve come to accept this will likely never happen, but I’ll continue to beat this drum as long as I can.

Alzado is one of the best players to ever play for the Broncos. Period. Yes, there’s a sordid history that comes with him, namely his use of steroids and how his time ended with the franchise. Some still hate that he played for the hated Raiders. Of course, that may have been fueled by the fact that Alzado was traded to the Cleveland Browns.

As the “A Football Life: Lyle Alzado” story about the trade notes, Alzado said: “There is nothing worse in this world than having people give up on you and not believe in you.”

It’s time to let bygones be bygones and put Alzado in the Ring of Fame. Alzado died over 34 years ago. But not before coming clean as a “phony” who copped to his greatest faults and stood as a cautionary tale for young players tempted by steroids.

Alzado was the heart and soul of the Orange Crush defense. He ranks sixth in franchise history for sacks. He also did so much for the Denver and Colorado community when he played for the Broncos.

No other line sums up Alzado more than this one, from that same story:

“Dig deeper, though, and there is evidence of a colorful character and tortured soul who gave to others what he could not give himself.”

There is no doubt I missed a player or two, and assistant coaches, namely Joe Collier. Feel free to sound off in the comments.

Source link

Broncos Fame Ring