Randy Gradishar

The heart and soul of the Denver Broncos’ famed “Orange Crush” defensive unit of the 1970s and 1980s, Randy Gradishar showed an uncanny knack for knowing where the ball would be before the opposing offense ran the play.

Gradishar’s impact was felt from the moment the Broncos selected him with the 14th overall pick in the 1974 NFL Draft. Prior to choosing Gradishar, the club had posted only one winning season and had never made the playoffs. With their new defensive leader, they totaled seven winning seasons and four playoff appearances in his 10-year career. 

In his second season, Gradishar led Denver in total tackles, beginning a streak of nine consecutive seasons accomplishing that feat. His dominance helped the Broncos to their first postseason berth in 1977, including an appearance in Super Bowl XII against the Dallas Cowboys. Gradishar recorded eight tackles in the both the AFC title game and Super Bowl that season. 

A career year followed in 1978, earning Gradishar countless accolades that included AP NFL Defensive MVP/Player of the Year, first-team All-Pro status, All-AFC and selection to the Pro Bowl. For his career, Gradishar is one of only 10 linebackers with at least seven Pro Bowls, 20 interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries. The other nine (Chuck Bednarik, Dick Butkus, Jack Ham, Ted Hendricks, Jack Lambert, Willie Lanier, Ray Lewis, Joe Schmidt and Brian Urlacher) are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

His unofficial 2,049 career tackles (tackles became an official stat in 2001) are still the most in Broncos history and would place him second all-time behind Hall of Famer Ray Lewis for most in the NFL.