The Denver Broncos selected Von Miller with the second overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft from Texas A&M. Miller's arrival in Denver marked the signature draft choice of John Elway's executive tenure. Elway famously described Miller as a "once-in-a-decade" talent, a statement that Miller promptly confirmed. Over nine and a half seasons with the Broncos, he revitalized Mile High Stadium as a formidable defensive stronghold and emerged as the most formidable edge rusher in the franchise's history.

Miller boasted an iconic first-step explosion, remarkable ankle flexion ("bend"), and elite closing speed around the edge. In Wade Phillips' aggressive 3-4 scheme, he routinely beat offensive tackles off the snap before they could establish their pass sets. Beyond taking down quarterbacks, Miller excelled at active-hand strip-sacks, converting pass-rush wins into immediate turnovers.

What distinguished Miller from other edge rushers of his era was his exceptional "get-off" at the snap—a reaction time that was remarkably swift, often giving the appearance of him jumping the count. By combining this raw speed with extraordinary ankle flexibility, Miller was able to dip his shoulder and maneuver around offensive tackles at nearly impossible angles, successfully turning the corner while sustaining full momentum toward the pocket. Opposing tackles were compelled to overcommit to his outside rush, thus rendering them vulnerable to his effective spin move or a powerful bull-rush that forced them back into the quarterback's pocket.

Miller made a significant impact on the league in 2011, receiving the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award following his achievement of 11.5 sacks. He subsequently achieved an 18.5-sack season in 2012, culminating as the runner-up for the AP Defensive Player of the Year and securing his inaugural First-Team All-Pro recognition. Miller demonstrated remarkable consistency in disrupting opposing offenses, recording seven seasons with double-digit sacks while with Denver. This comprehensive skill set led to his unanimous selection for the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.

His peak years in Mile High were characterized by an exceptional ability to elevate his performance during the most critical moments. In the 2015 AFC Championship Game against New England, he achieved 2.5 sacks and an interception against Tom Brady, thereby setting the stage for his renowned performance in Super Bowl 50 two weeks later against the Carolina Panthers.

Miller recorded six tackles, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two quarterback hits in the big game. Both forced fumbles directly produced Denver touchdowns—including a late strip-sack that sealed the victory—earning him Super Bowl MVP honors and securing the franchise's third championship trophy. That postseason run (5.0 sacks in three games) remains one of the most dominant playoff stretches by a defensive player in NFL history.

Miller remained an elite defensive engine through the late 2010s, earning seven total Pro Bowl selections and seven All-Pro honors (3 First-Team, 4 Second-Team) in Denver. His time with the franchise came to an emotional end midway through the 2021 season when he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, where he helped secure his second Super Bowl ring before joining the Buffalo Bills.

Miller left Denver as the franchise's all-time official sack leader with 110.5 sacks, alongside 142 tackles for loss, 225 quarterback hits, and 25 forced fumbles across 135 regular-season games.

Drafted 14th overall in the first round of the 1974 NFL Draft from Ohio State, Randy Gradishar came to Denver with glowing praise from legendary Buckeyes coach Woody Hayes, who famously called him the best linebacker he ever coached. Throughout a career spanning over a decade, all in Denver's colors of brown, gold, and orange, Gradishar became the cornerstone of Denver's defense, growing to be the heart, mind, and spirit of the celebrated "Orange Crush" era.

Gradishar combined sideline-to-sideline range, textbook tackling form, and unmatched pre-snap recognition. Operating at middle linebacker in Joe Collier's 3-4 scheme, he was legendary for his short-yardage and goal-line stops, consistently meeting running backs head-on at the line of scrimmage to deny forward momentum. His instincts allowed him to drop cleanly into pass coverage as well, snaring 20 career interceptions.

Gradishar stepped into the starting lineup during his 1974 rookie season and earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 1975. By 1977, he was the undisputed centerpiece of a dominant defense that allowed just 10.6 points per game during the regular season. His ability to neutralize power-running games helped propel Denver to a 12-2 record, its first AFC West division title, and an iconic playoff run to Super Bowl XII, earning Gradishar his first First-Team All-Pro selection.

He reached the absolute peak of his national recognition in 1978, capturing consensus AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. That season, Gradishar recorded a staggering, franchise-record 286 tackles (according to the team), three sacks, and three interceptions while leading Denver to another 10-win campaign and a playoff berth. He capped his dominant late-70s run in 1979 with a fourth consecutive Pro Bowl nod, recording over 200 tackles and three interceptions as the Orange Crush defense yielded under 18 points per game for a third straight year.

What made Gradishar's decade of service in Denver particularly noteworthy was his unwavering availability. Throughout his ten-year career spanning from 1974 to 1983, he did not miss a single game, establishing a streak of 145 consecutive regular-season appearances. He was the leading tackler for the Broncos for nine successive seasons (1975–1983), amassed a total of 33 takeaways (comprising 20 interceptions and 13 fumble recoveries), and received seven Pro Bowl selections along with five All-Pro honors (including 2 First-Team and 3 Second-Team).

In 1989, the franchise permanently recognized his unmatched contributions by inducting him as the sole member into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame. For decades, his absence from the Hall of Fame was cited as one of the game's most egregious omissions. That long-overdue justice finally arrived when Gradishar was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2024, taking his rightful place among the immortals in Canton.

Dennis Smith was one of the best Defensive Backs in the history of the Denver Broncos. 

While Goose Gonsoulin was a 17^th Round Pick by the San Francisco 49ers, the Baylor Bear was a 2^nd Rounder by the Denver Broncos of the AFL, the professional team he elected to play for.

Tom Nalen would play his entire career in the National Football League with the Denver Broncos, where he started all 187 Games at Center.  Early in his career, Nalen would win two Super Bowls with John Elway as his Quarterback, and during those ring acquisitions, he was in the midst of a four-year streak of Pro Bowls with two First Team All-Pros.  Nalen would get his fifth Pro Bowl and third First Team All-Pro in 2003, and he would play at Mile-High until his retirement in 2009.  Considering how many non-Terrell Davis Running Backs, he helped exceed expectations, Nalen's value can be easily quantified.  

From the University of Minnesota, Rick Upchurch came to the Denver Broncos in 1975, and like many Wide Receivers, he was used as a returner as a rookie.  This was the role in which he was he would primarily be used in his first four seasons.  In that time span, he was a Pro Bowler and a First Team All-Pro Selection twice and was regarded as the premier Punt Returner in the NFL.

In terms of notoriety, there are few on the defensive side of the ball that can match Lyle Alzado.  Known for his anger and ferocious play on the gridiron, Alzado debuted in 1971 with the Denver Broncos and in the season after he would lead all players in Fumble Recoveries.  Alzado played predominantly at Defensive End, and after missing most of the 1976 season due to blowing out his knee, he would come back and help the Broncos and the mighty Broncos' defense reach their first Super Bowl.  A contract dispute saw him traded to the Cleveland Browns, and he would later be traded to the Los Angeles Raiders where his popularity rose, and he would help them win Super Bowl XVIII.

Undrafted out of Southern in 1966, Rich Jackson was given a chance by the Oakland Raiders, where he played only five games.  Al Davis would trade Jackson to the Denver Broncos, but immediately it was a transaction that the Raiders owner would regret.

As an NFL rookie in 1959 for the Chicago Bears, Lionel Taylor saw limited action, but his bench-warming days were behind him as he would sign with the Denver Broncos of the American Football League.

Considered a shutdown Cornerback before there was such a term, Louis Wright would play his entire career with the Denver Broncos.  Drafted in the 1^st Round (17^th Overall) from San Jose State, Wright paid immediate dividends by being named to the First Team All-Rookie squad.  Denver was developing a reputation for their Orange Crush Defense, but if anyone got past them, they would have Louis Wright to contend with.  Wright was easily one of the best Corners in the late '70s going to the Pro Bowl in 1977, 1978, and 1979 and was a First Team All-Pro in the latter two seasons.  He was also crucial in helping Denver reach their first Super Bowl, a loss to Cowboys in Super Bowl XII.

Despite Denver's Super Bowl appearance, Wright's exploits were not nationally recognized.  One of the most adept at shadowing a receiver, Wright's instincts were incredible, and in every game he played, his opposing Offensive Coorrdinator planned schmes to avoid throwing to Wright.

2024 Pre-Season Rank #7, 2023 Pre-Season Rank #4, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #7, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #8, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #10.  Peak Period: 2011-12/2014-16.

As it stands right now, Von Miller already has a Hall of Fame resume and might have the goods to get in on the first ballot. 

A Defensive Rookie of the Year, Super Bowl winner, and Super Bowl MVP for the Denver Broncos, Miller has all the statistical requirements the Hall looks for and the name recognition that fits the word "Fame.”   Over the last three seasons, Miller served as a pass-rushing specialist for the Buffalo Bills, and he is continuing his career in 2025 with the up-and-coming Washington Commanders.

Miller enters 2025 with 129.5 Sacks, only three behind Leslie O’Neal and the legendary Lawrence Taylor for 14th place all-time, and is the current active leader, and is sixth all-time in Tackles for Loss, notably tied with Hall of Famers Julius Peppers and Jared Allen.   Five more TFLs will get him fifth place, just ahead of first-ballot lock, Aaron Donald.  Considering what his specific role is, catching Taylor for Sacks and Donald for Tackles for Loss is doable.

Another day, another major retirement in the National Football League.

On his Twitter page, DeMarcus Ware has announced his retirement citing that his “long-term health and quality of life outweigh the spark and passion to play that I once had.”  Ware is retiring at 34 Years old.

Drafted 11th overall in 2005 by the Dallas Cowboys out of Troy, the former two time All Sun Belt Selection won the starting Linebacker job in training camp and would make the Pro Bowl the following year, the first of nine trips.  The following season, Ware would make the First Team All Pro honors, and would earn that accolade four of the next five years. 

Ware would lead the NFL in Quarterback Sacks twice over his career and had eight seasons where he would have double digits in that category.  He would later help the Denver Broncos win Super Bowl 50.

Ware retires from the NFL 8th overall in Sacks with 138.5.  He played 178 Games professionally.

While we are not certain whether or not Ware will get into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot, he is likely to get in eventually and will certainly warrant a high rank when he is eligible in 2022.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate DeMarcus Ware on a wonderful career and we wish him the best in his post-playing career.

Here we are in the National Football League playoffs but for us that it means it is time to discuss the potential class of the 2017 Pro Football Hall of Fame.  The Finalists have been announced, and along with regular contributor, Spheniscus, we will go back and forth with each candidate and openly debate as to which player would be a worthy Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee.

Committee Chairman: Spheniscus, we return to that powerful Buccaneers defense with John Lynch, who doesn’t hurt his case by remaining in the public eye as a broadcaster.  I know that shouldn’t matter, but do you think that helps to put him over the hump?   I think he already has the Hall resume but when you see him weekly and his broadcasting peers constantly state that opinion, it can only accelerate his cause.

Here we are in the National Football League playoffs but for us that it means it is time to discuss the potential class of the 2017 Pro Football Hall of Fame.  The Finalists have been announced, and along with regular contributor, Spheniscus, we will go back and forth with each candidate and openly debate as to which player would be a worthy Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee.

Committee Chairman: Spheniscus, I know what I just said about Tony Boselli, but I feel so much different about Terrell Davis.  Yes he had a short career, but it was so explosive and with all due respect to John Elway and the rest of the Denver Broncos, they don’t win back-to-back Super Bowls without him. 

Last month, regular contributor, Spheniscus and I debated the Hall of Fame merits of those who were on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot.

Now that the Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2016 has announced their class has done the same.  We were hopeful to do this prior to the announcement of the actual inductees, but life, as it often does simply got in the way!

Saying that, we felt it was worth our time to take a look at the 2016 Nominees and debate whether they should have gotten in (or not) and look to the future of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Very few players could be viewed as the total athletic package. Neil Smith may have been one of those rare exceptions as scouts felt with his skills there was little he couldn’t do on the football field.  Those scouts would be right.

Neil Smith was a multi-faceted Defensive End who was equally adept at stuffing the run as defending against the pass.  His true gift may have been sacking the Quarterback as he led the NFL in that category in 1993.  Smith was a six-time Pro Bowler and though his skills were slightly diminished in the second half of his career, he was able to aid the Denver Broncos in their two consecutive Super Bowl wins in the late 90’s.

We would love to make a case for Karl Mecklenburg just for his nickname of the “Albino Rhino” but we have always been a sucker for colorful (or in this case not so colorful) nicknames.

It is one thing to be highly touted out of college and rack up serious statistics in the National Football League.  It is quite another to do that when you go undrafted.  Rod Smith lit up the league when nobody saw it coming.

         To get to the play in the Super Bowl you obviously have the necessary skill to first compete in the National Football League and the luck to be on a competitive team.  Former Tight End Orson Mobley not only played in the Super Bowl for the Denver Broncos, he was at the big dance three times.

         As a Professional Football player, Mobley caught 84 passes for 1,019 Yards with four Touchdowns and as a member of three AFC Championship Teams he had a pro career to be proud of, though it was he accomplished off of the field long after he retired from the gridiron that he is most proud of.

         Mobley would be suspended in 1989 for drug use and would be out of the league the year after and would for years deal with substance abuse issues; a topic he has been open about in interviews, but more importantly with young athletes so that they do not fall into the same pitfalls that befell him when he was young man.

Today it was announced by Wide Receiver, Brandon Lloyd, who last played with the San Francisco 49ers last season will retire. 

The Kansas City native and product of the University of Illinois began his career with the 49ers who drafted him in the 4th Round of the 2003 Draft.  Lloyd would be productive but was traded to the Washington Redskins where he would wind up in the doghouse of Head Coach Joe Gibbs, who rarely played him, especially in the 2007 where he would catch two passes. 

Considered damaged goods by many, Lloyd would sign with the Bears and put up a good season to where he was signed the following year with the Denver Broncos in 2010 and it was at Mile High that he would have his best season in the NFL.  Lloyd would catch 77 passes for an NFL leading 1,448 Yards and earn Pro Bowl and Second Team All Pro Selections.  2011 and 2012 would see him close to 1,000 Yards with Denver/St. Louis and New England respectively but injuries would catch up and he would sit out the 2013 season before trying a comeback with the 49ers last season, though that campaign would not result in numbers that he had posted before.

Overall, Brandon Lloyd finishes his career with 5,989 Yards Receiving with 36 Touchdowns.  These may not be Canton numbers, but still indicative of an above average career in the NFL.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com wish Brandon Lloyd the best on his post career efforts.