As far as defensive positions go in the NFL, safety requires the highest level of quick-thinking intelligence. With the most ground to cover to reach their opponents, safeties must not only be quick-minded but also fleet of foot. They are just as often the point of last defense as they are asked to prevent plays from getting to the second level.
Safety is an extremely difficult position to excel at, but these five Broncos outshone their peers in both intelligence and talent.
No. 5 – Billy Thompson
Image Credit: Jim Larson, Pinterest
Draft: 1969 (61st overall, Denver Broncos)
Broncos career: 1969-81 (179 games)
Pro Bowls: Three (1977, ’78, ’81)
Super Bowl: XII
Though Thompson spent his first years in the league at cornerback, many credit him with redefining the strong safety position when he switched in 1972. He spent all 13 years of his prolific career with Denver and only missed 11 games total.
In each of those 13 seasons, he intercepted at least one pass, and he led the franchise in defensive touchdowns with seven. He set the standard for hard-hitting safeties who came after him – like Steve Atwater and John Lynch.
