ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — A dominant member of the Broncos' "Orange Crush" defense will finally take his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Next week, former Broncos' linebacker Randy Gradishar will officially be enshrined into the Hall of Fame with the six other members of the Class of 2024. The four-day 2024 Enshrinement Week will take place at the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, a location that holds significant meaning for Gradishar.
"It's going to be an exciting time and it's exciting for me because I'm from the area," Gradishar said at training camp on Saturday. "[I was] born and raised in Warren Champion, Ohio, which is about 40 miles from Akron and Canton. I always passed it when I went down to Ohio State."
Returning to his home state for such a momentous occasion, Gradishar looks forward to sharing the special moment of receiving his gold jacket and bust with individuals from different stages of his life.
Gradishar shared that his speech will focus on thanking all of those who impacted his journey — from close friends and family to the high school teachers and coaches who kick-started his career.
"Having the jacket, having your bust, and thanking everybody who's been a part of your life for many years — [I'm] just looking forward to that," he said.
Over the course of Gradishar's 10-year career, he solidified himself as one of the most dominant linebackers in NFL history. As a seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro, he delivered a franchise-high 2,049 tackles and helped lead Denver to its first playoff and Super Bowl appearance.
As a commanding member of the "Orange Crush" defense, Gradishar is grateful to be the first member of the unit to be honored and hopes that this is only the beginning.
"Finally, the 'Orange Crush' is being recognized," he said. "I hope through my induction that other guys here in the future, their names will be coming up and they will be able to have the opportunity to possibly be nominated and come in as a part of that 'Orange Crush' defense."
Broncos Ring of Fame linebacker Tom Jackson will present Gradishar for enshrinement on Aug. 3, adding another layer of significance to the occasion.
"We're just great friends and always have been," Gradishar said. "… [I'm] looking forward to seeing Tommy and having him be that person presenting me with the bust and the gold jacket."
Gradishar has waited a long time for this moment — 35 years since he became eligible for enshrinement, to be exact. While he is grateful that the long wait is over, the symbolic nature of the timeline is not lost on him.
"It was 35 years and then finally it happened," he said. "… I turned it around and it was '53,' my number. So, it took 35 years for whatever reason in order for me to be chosen to come into the Pro Football Hall of Fame."
