Ring of Fame conversations: Journalist Les Shapiro recalls covering Mike Shanahan's NFL path and the friendship that followed

Journalist Les Shapiro looks back on Ring of Fame head coach Mike Shanahan's path in the NFL to becoming one of the NFL's best and most influential coaches.

The Denver Broncos organization and our Denver community were forever changed on April 22, 2010, when the Broncos selected Georgia Tech wide receiver Demaryius Thomas in the first round of the NFL Draft. Throughout the next eight-and-a-half seasons, D.T. etched himself into the Broncos' record book, as well as the hearts of his teammates, coaches and fans. "Demaryius Thomas: The Heart of a Legend" reflects on the unforgettable legacy of the late No. 88 and the impact he had on and off the field.

Take a look back on the Broncos' 2022 season with this highlight reel compiled by Director of Broadcast and ThunderVision Productions Austin Brink.

It's been 25 years since the Denver Broncos earned their first world championship, but that season is still fresh in the minds of the men who earned it. "Super Bowl XXXII: The Revenge Tour" features interviews with the five Hall of Famers from that team, their head coach, Mike Shanahan, and some of the biggest stars from that 1997 team to detail their Super Bowl XXXII run and how the feeling of defeat in the divisional round the previous year fueled them throughout their 20-game championship season.

"Rod Smith: Catching Greatness" details how Rod Smith grew a young boy from the projects of Texarkana, Arkansas with dreams of playing professional baseball to became the greatest wide receiver in Denver Broncos history. Through firsthand accounts from the people who most believed in him, this production documents Smith's perseverance and pathway to become one of the most beloved and admired Broncos of all time.

In our new biographical sports documentary, follow the life and career of legendary linebacker Randy Gradishar, who grew from humble beginnings working in his father's grocery store to become an All-American at Ohio State and all-time great as the cornerstone of Denver's Orange Crush defense. Gradishar, joined by former teammates and colleagues, retells the story of his early years and his tenure in Denver that has earned him well-deserved consideration for the sport's greatest individual honor: induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And while that distinction remains a goal, Gradishar's legacy of leadership, dominance and tenacity has long been cemented in Broncos Country.

"Steve Atwater: The Road to Canton" is a biographical sports documentary centered around legendary Broncos safety Steve Atwater. The "Smiling Assassin" shares his perspective of some of the key moments from throughout his career which eventually earned him a bronze bust in Canton, Ohio. With the help of his former coaches, teammates, family and media members, this program takes the viewer back to the beginning of his football career as a kid in St. Louis and then all the way to the Hall of Fame. Atwater helps us relive his record-setting collegiate career at the University of Arkansas, the notorious hit on Christian Okoye and the back-to-back Super Bowl titles which he helped the Broncos bring to Denver. Atwater even gives us a glimpse into his life after football as a loving husband, father and a successful businessman before eventually rejoining the Broncos in a new role. "Steve Atwater: The Road to Canton" is a story about the perseverance it takes to ascend to the highest level of professional football, all while building relationships that define what it means to be a hall-of-fame person.

Take a look back on the Broncos' 2021 season with this highlight reel compiled by Senior Manager of Production Austin Brink.

Join us as we celebrate the Hall of Fame career of Broncos legendary safety Steve Atwater. Get an inside look at how a kid from St. Louis became one of the most feared hitters in the NFL and helped the Denver Broncos become back-to-back Super Bowl champions.

On this episode of "Broncos Country Connected," Super Bowl 50 champion Ryan Harris breaks down his favorite plays from Denver's win over the New York Giants before the Denver7 crew gives their analysis from the game, as well. Then, learn more about how the Denver's Taste of the Broncos event is helping to fight food insecurity in our community and how nose tackle Mike Purcell has used video games to break out of his shell. Be sure to catch the original airing of "Broncos Country Connected" every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. MT on Denver7 (KMGH-TV).

On this episode of "Broncos Country Connected," President of Football Operations John Elway shares his thoughts on Denver's roster and S Justin Simmons reveals his mindset heading into the 2021 season. Also, Denver7 previews the Broncos' Week 1 matchup with the New York Giants and shares some insight into OLB Malik Reed's new hobby. Then, Broncos President and CEO Joe Ellis is honored with the Mizel Institute's prestigious 2021 Community Enrichment Award. Be sure to catch the original airing of "Broncos Country Connected" every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. MT on Denver7 (KMGH-TV).

On this episode of "Broncos Country Connected," NFL Network's James Palmer shares a national perspective on Denver's 53-man roster. Then, hear from Denver7 to learn how this roster impacts their expectations for the 2021 season and learn more about a cause near and dear to Quinn Meinerz. Also, learn how one Denver Broncos Cheerleader is hoping to inspire young women from her home country of Mexico. Be sure to catch the original airing of "Broncos Country Connected" every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. MT on Denver7 (KMGH-TV).

On this episode of "Broncos Country Connected," Alexis Perry and the Denver7 crew take a look back at Denver's 30-3 preseason win over Seattle and go deep with outside linebacker Von Miller as he prepares to return to the game action this week. Plus, we head to Empower Field at Mile High to get a look at the first-ever "FanDuel Fan Fest" with some of the biggest names in Broncos history.

In the first edition of Broncos Country Connected, GM George Paton shares what it was like being back in Minnesota for joint practices and who has been impressing him throughout camp. Denver7's Lionel Bienvenu, Troy Renck and Super Bowl 50 champion Ryan Harris break down the Broncos' 33-6 preseason win over the Vikings. And finally, relive Steve Atwater's Hall of Fame career following his enshrinement in early August.

On this edition of 4 Quarters with the Denver Broncos, we give you on an in-depth look at the incredible life of Pro Football Hall of Fame and legendary Broncos running back Floyd Little. Hear from those that witnessed Little's impact on and off the field and find out how he changed the franchise and Broncos Country forever.

In honor of the 2020 election of former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan into the team's Ring of Fame, we present a look back at his illustrious career in football.

Former Broncos quarterback and coach Gary Kubiak looks back on his connection with Ring of Fame coach Mike Shanahan and how he influenced Kubiak's life and career.

Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe reflects on Ring of Fame coach Mike Shanahan's importance in franchise history.

The Broncos' all-time receiving leader Rod Smith looks back on how Ring of Fame coach Mike Shanahan brought the Broncos to the next step in their chase for a championship, resulting in back-to-back Super Bowl wins.

Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning sits down to reflect on the career and impact of Broncos Ring of Fame coach Mike Shanahan.

As former head coach Mike Shanahan enters the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame, his son, Kyle, reflects on the lessons he learned from his dad as a person and a coach.

Rams head coach Sean McVay looks back on his connection with Broncos Ring of Fame Mike Shanahan and reflects on what he learned from him.

Former Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn examines how Broncos Ring of Fame coach Mike Shanahan changed the game and what he learned from him as a former Broncos running back and assistant coach.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur examines Broncos Ring of Fame coach Mike Shanahan's influence on his career as a coach.

Steve Atwater, Rod Smith and Ray Crockett look back on Super Bowl XXXIII.