Simon Fletcher is happy the Denver Broncos finally realized what the fans and Fletcher himself knew all along: He belongs in the Ring of Fame.
“The Broncos finally recognized what fans and myself have known for over 20 years and that the time has to come when the person who leads your all-time sack record by nearly 20 over second place needs to be enshrined along with the guys that are up there,” Fletcher told Sean Walsh recently on Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7.
Fletcher was drafted in 1985 by the Broncos and split time at the linebacker and defensive end positions. He became the organization’s all-time sack leader with 97.5 careers sacks before retiring in 1995.
“On a personal note, it means my mother gets to come to an NFL stadium this fall and see the reward of her labor of raising five kids, mostly by herself. My children and grandchildren get to see, for real, what can be accomplished if you’ll commit yourself, dedicate yourself and work hard over a long period of time.”
Fletcher and two other Bronco greats, Jason Elam and John Lynch, will be inducted into the Ring of Fame during the Monday Night game against the Houston Texans, on Oct. 24.
Asked to share one of his favorite memories from his playing days, another Monday Night game came to mind.
“…we played Kansas City on Monday night,” Fletcher said. “I’m out doing my pregame stretch and Al Michaels came onto the field and he said, ‘If you get at least a half sack tonight you break an NFL record.’ On the second play of the game, the record was set.”
The Ring of Fame was created in 1984 by team owner Pat Bowlen to honor former players and associates who made an impact within the franchise’s history. Bowlen, as he was for many players, was major motivator for Fletcher.
“Pat Bowlen, on one occasion, when the season was six games deep and I had zero sacks, he came out and put his arm around me and told me, ‘I fully expect you to lead this team once again in quarterback sacks, keep doing what you’re doing and it’s going to work out,'” Fletcher told Walsh. “At the end of the year I had 16 sacks. That vote of confidence from the guy who signed my paychecks made a difference that year and for the rest of my career and in my life since football.”
Fletcher ended his career in 1995 with a total of 828 tackles, Broncos record 97.5 sacks and 20 forced fumbles. Fletcher also shares a record with current Bronco, DeMarcus Ware for most consecutive games with a sack (10).
Listen to the full interview with Simon Fletcher, including what he thinks about this year’s Broncos defense, in the podcast below…
https://soundcloud.com/milehighsports/8-14-16-legendary-simon-fletcher-broncos-finally-recognized-what-everyone-knew-for-years