All-Time Denver Broncos Greats: Nos. 6 – 10

Compiling a list of the 10 greatest Denver Broncos to ever take the field was a bit like picking only the roses out of a floral bouquet. When you take into consideration the 56 years of players to sift through – that bouquet is more like the parade of roses.

Nevertheless, here are players 6-10 in my parade of greatest Broncos of all-time.

10. Rod Smith

Rod Smith played out his 14-year NFL career hungry to be better. Perhaps it stemmed from his undrafted beginnings, but there is no one in Broncos history who rose from relative obscurity to such heights thanks to grit and determination.

Upon his retirement in 2006, no other Bronco had more receiving yards or catches. He was a large contributor to the glorious ’90s teams and the two Super Bowl wins under John Elway.

He had 1,000+ reception yards in eight seasons, including six in a row through both Super Bowls. Despite all of his individual records, Smith said the number he is most proud of his wins – 126 of them compiled over his career.

After Elway’s 2004 induction into the Hall of Fame, Smith began to wonder if he too, deserved the honor. He was nominated in 2015, but could face a long wait for induction to Canton, if it ever comes. It’s a real shame, as his is one of the best underdog stories in NFL history.

9. Gary Zimmerman

Zimmerman was tasked with protecting the blindside of the player who will eventually top this list. A five-time All-Pro player and a member of both the ’80s and ’90s All-Decade team, Zimmerman is one of only a handful of Broncos to be enshrined in Canton.

He changed the culture of the offensive line in Denver when he arrived in 1993, and owner Pat Bowlen said he was a huge reason the Broncos won its first Super Bowl.

Due to recurring shoulder issues, Zimmerman retired following that victory in San Diego, and though I am sure he would have loved to repeat in 1998, there are worse ways to end a Hall of Fame career.

 

8. Randy Gradishar

Image Credit: Mile High Report | US Presswire

The more I research and learn about Gradishar, the more I want to call him The BFG. He played as clean and classy a game as any linebacker could. His absence in Canton is a point of contention for many, be they Broncos fans or just lovers of the game. ESPN’s Chris Berman once said “His play was only overshadowed by his class.”

He was a finalist in 2003 and 2008 but some argue it was his class and humble attitude that have kept him from eternal enshrinement. It certainly wasn’t his on-field performance or his stats – though he played during a time when defensive stats were not kept.

If he can’t be found in Canton, he can at least be found here – at No. 8 on my all-time greatest Broncos.

7. Peyton Manning

I know, Manning played a fraction of his career in Denver, but his years here were undeniably great. He is also one of the classiest and kindest gentleman to represent the orange and blue, so no doubt – he is the seventh greatest Bronco of all time.

Manning’s statistics and achievements are well known, but worth repeating.

During his time in Denver alone, Manning added three significant NFL records to his repertoire – most single season passing yards (5,477) most single season touchdowns (55) and most career touchdowns (539). There are 21 NFL records with Manning’s name on the top and he will undoubtedly be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

He took Denver to the playoffs in each of his four seasons, led them to two Super Bowls and brought home a win in his final game, Super Bowl 50.

The man is no myth, but he damn sure is a legend.

6. Floyd Little

Hall of Famer Floyd Little rushed for at least 500 yards in all but three of his eight seasons, and in 1971, he won the league rushing title with 1,133 yards. He amassed more than 12,000 all-purpose yards and 54 touchdowns.

Little’s career reads like a statistical record book, because it was. But he was a family man and a humble spirit throughout his career. He said it took him five years to be able to see himself as an embodiment of the Hall of Fame mission statement “to honor the heroes of the game, to preserve its history, to promote its values and to celebrate excellence everywhere.”

Nicknamed “The Franchise,” Little was the first ever first-round draft pick to sign with the Denver Broncos and is widely credited with changing the course of the young franchise.