Randy Gradishar was drafted by the Denver Broncos 14th overall in the 1974 NFL Draft.Gradishar went on to spend 10 seasons with the Broncos, playing along Tom Jackson in Denver's famous Orange Crush Defense. Considered by some to be the greatest defensive player in Broncos history, Gradishar was a five-time First-team All-Pro selection.
After leading the Broncos defense to Super Bowl XII, he would go on to be a 7-time Pro Bowl selection, the 1978 Defensive Player of The Year, and a two-time All American.
"If you ask me to name the five best linebackers I played against, or had a chance to cover in my broadcasting career, Randy Gradishar would be on that list," said former Ram Merkin Olsen. "There is no question about his credentials; Randy Gradishar belongs in the Hall of Fame."Inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 1989, Gradishar has been eligible for the Hall of Fame for years. He deserves to get in.
