Broncos Legends: Photos from Lyle Alzado's time with the Broncos, on and off the field

Len Dawson, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback is tackled by Lyle Alzado of the Denver Broncos, Oct. 1, 1972. Dawson left the game with injured ribs. The score was 10-10 at halftime. (AP Photo/Robert D. Scott)

Denver Bronco defensive lineman Lyle Alzado takes a break during practice in Denver on Nov. 25, 1977, as the NFL team prepares to meet Baltimore. The 6-foot-3 inch, 250-pound strongman has become a believer in Denver's 3-4 defense, even though it lessens the opportunities for quarterback sacks. (AP Photo)

Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado (77) looks to the sideline during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium on November 3, 1974. (Peter Read Miller via AP)

Lyle Alzado with teammates in an office in the 1970s.

Defensive tackle Lyle Alzado rushes the Steelers quarterback during a game at Mile High Stadium.

Defensive tackle Lyle Alzado rushes Chiefs quarterback Mike Livingston during a game in Kansas City.

Defensive tackle Lyle Alzado is presented with the Gordon's Gin Good Guy Award before an August 28, 1977 loss (24-28) to the Eagles in Philadelphia.

A sideline portrait of Lyle Alzado during a game in the 1970s.

Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado takes a knee on the sideline during a game in the 1970s.

A headshot of Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado in the 1970s.

Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado on the sidelines during a game in the 1970s.

Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado sacks Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler during a game in the 1970s.

Defensive end Lyle Alzado of the Denver Broncos is shown in New Orleans preparing for Super Bowl XII on Jan. 11, 1978. There is a touch of pride in his voice when Alzado says, "I am what I am, I don't make anything up." He is a former street fighter who now puts his efforts forth on the football field. The Broncos will meet the Dallas Cowboys in the Super Bowl. (AP Photo)

Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado chases Minnesota Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton during a game in 1978.

Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado chases a San Francisco 49ers quarterback in the 1970s.

Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado sacks Baltimore Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas in the 1970s.

A portrait of Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado in the 1970s.

Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado prepares to face a block by Buffalo Bills running back Jim Braxton during a game in the 1970s.

Lyle Alzado helps Toys for Tots in 1975.

Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado (77) looks on from the sideline circa 1978.(Tony Tomsic via AP)

Lyle Alzado talks with the press.

Lyle Alzado during a charity event in the 1970s.

A headshot of Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado in the 1970s.

On crutches after suffering a season-ending knee injury, Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado watches a game from the sideline in 1976.

Lyle Alzado in the 1970s.

Ethel Kennedy congratulates Denver Broncos linebacker Lyle Alzado, June 1, 1978 in New York after he was presented with the distinguished service award at a luncheon marking the 10th anniversary of the Special Olympics. The program was created and sponsored by the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation. (AP Photo/Marty Lederhandler)

Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado (77) is seen in action circa 1978. (Tony Tomsic via AP)

Denver Broncos Lyle Alzado (77) during a game from his 1974 season with the Denver Broncos. Lyle Alzado played for 15 years, with 3 different teams and was a 2-time Pro Bowler.(David Durochik via AP)

Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado chases Oakland Raiders tight end Dave Casper in the 1970s.

Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado (77) watches from the sideline during an NFL game at Mile High Stadium in 1978. (Peter Read Miller via AP)

Lyle Alzado, Paul Smith and Otis Armstrong talk on the bench on the sideline.

Lyle Alzado chases Chiefs quarterback Mike Livingston during a game at Mile High Stadium.

Defensive lineman Lyle Alzado of the Denver Broncos jokingly pretends he's a member of the Colorado House of Representatives during a visit there by several members of the Super Bowl-bound Broncos, in Denver, Colo., on Jan. 4, 1978. Alzado picked up a notebook and took his turn giving a "speech" then was politely reminded that House rules prohibit anyone but members from sitting behind the desks, which got a good laugh from the members assembled for the first day of the 1978 session. (AP Photo/Raimundo Borea)

Defensive end Lyle Alzado, left, of the Denver Broncos autographs a football for his teammate, linebacker Joe Rizzo, during a break in preparation for meeting the Dallas Cowboys in upcoming Super Bowl XII in New Orleans, La., Jan. 13, 1978. (AP Photo/Raimundo Borea)

Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado (77) is seen in action during Super Bowl XII, Sunday, Jan. 15, 1978, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Denver Broncos 27–10. (Tony Tomsic via AP)

Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado (77) looks on from the sideline circa 1978. (Tony Tomsic via AP)

Lyle Alzado of the Denver Broncos, works out on a heavy bag at the Friars Club in New York, June 15, 1979. He was preparing to face former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali in an eight-round exhibition match at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colo. (AP Photo/Carlos Rene Perez)

Muhammad Ali places Lyle Alzado's fist to his chin at a news conference on Thursday, June 29, 1979 in Denver. Ali told Alzado to enjoy it as that would be the only time he would get a chance to touch his beautiful face. Muhammad Ali and Lyle Alzado, defensive end for the Denver Broncos, fought an 8-round exhibition fight at Denver's Mile High Stadium. (AP Photo/EA)

Muhammad Ali gives Lyle Alzado a light tap on the chin and a lot of lip during their weigh-in in Denver on Thursday, July 12, 1979. Ali and Alzado, a defensive end for the Denver Broncos, fought an eight-round exhibition bout at Denver's Mile High Stadium. (AP Photo/EA)

Lyle Alzado, left, defensive end for the Denver Broncos, gets in a left as he and Muhammad Ali battle on the ropes during an eight-round exhibition fight on Saturday, July 16, 1979 at Denver's Mile High Stadium. (AP Photo/EA)

FILE - In this July 14, 1979 file photo taken by Associated Press photographer Ed Andrieski, Muhammad Ali, right, scores a big right against Lyle Alzado's chin during the first round of the exhibition boxing match between the former heavyweight champ and Denver Broncos defensive end in Denver, Colo. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski, file)