When it comes to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the inductee’s speech itself becomes secondary, after choosing the person who will present them prior to their bust unveiling.
This time around, the “Orange Crush” defensive anchorman, Randy Gradishar, has chosen former Denver Bronco linebacker and Ring of Famer Tom Jackson to present him.
Jackson and Gradishar were Broncos teammates from 1973-1983, and recently, Jackson has become a major voice for Gradishar’s induction.
It has been a special time for former Broncos defensive members. Gradishar received “The Knock” from fellow Hall of Fame defensive star Steve Atwater, who was enshrined in Canton in 2021 (as part of the delayed 2020 class).
Gradishar is the latest, but hopefully not last, Bronco to be inducted into the halls of Canton.
Here are the previous presenters from other Denver Hall of Famers:
- John Lynch – Jake Lynch, son and Herm Edwards, coach
- Peyton Manning – Archie Manning, father
- Steve Atwater – Dennis Smith, Broncos teammate
- Champ Bailey – Jack Reale, Champ’s agent
- Pat Bowlen – Steve “Greek” Antonopulos, longtime Broncos trainer
- Brian Dawkins – Troy Vincent, friend and former teammate
- Terrell Davis – Neil Schwartz, Terrell’s agent & friend
- Shannon Sharpe — Sterling Sharpe, Shannon’s brother & former Green Bay Packers wide receiver
- Floyd Little — Marc Little, Floyd’s son
- Gary Zimmerman — Pat Bowlen, Denver Broncos President & CEO
- John Elway — Jessica Elway, John’s daughter
The 2024 class will be enshrined in Canton on Saturday, Aug. 3.
Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
