Denver Broncos: Top Five Players Who Deserve Hall of Fame Enshrinement

Since the establishment of the Denver Broncos on August 14th, 1959, only three of their players have been inducted into the pro football hall of fame: John Elway (2004), Gary Zimmerman (2008), and Floyd Little (2010). 

As a Broncos fan, and an aspiring sports columnist, I've been wanting to write an article about Denver for a while. And for being one of the original American Football League (AFL) franchises, you would think Denver would have more.

But if you're obsessed with the history of pro football like myself, you know why only three Broncos are represented.

However, once the 1990's rolled around, their history would change forever.

The reason? John Elway had proven to get the Broncos to the Super Bowl, but could never win it; And if it weren't for these next five players, Denver may not have won A Super Bowl let alone back-to-back.

-Side Note- I'm not couning Tony Dorsett and Willie Brown enshrined as Denver Broncos since their contributions were more signiificant with other teams.

5. Tom Nalen

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

13 Sep 1998: Quarterback John Elway #7 and center Tom Nalen #66 of the Denver Broncos in action during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at the Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Cowboys 42-23. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr

I know this is a video slideshow, but if you're a Broncos fan, then you know that Tom Nalen never speaks to the media. Hence, a photo of the former Broncos center.

Drafted in 1994, retired in January of 2009, Nalen played in 194 games and started 188 of them. 

During the "Nalen orchestrated" offensive line, six different Denver running backs enjoyed 1,000 yard seasons. Including 2,008 yards by Terrell Davis in 1998.

Also the five years spent as a teammate of John Elway (1994-1998), the Broncos won 54 regular season games (tied for the most over any five year span in Denver). 

In addition to his five pro bowl selections, Nalen won two Super Bowls with Denver in 1997 and 1998. 

4. Rod Smith

Career Stats and Rankings

Receptions: 849 Rank: 15th

Yards: 11, 389 Rank: 16th

TD's: 70

Arguably the best wide receiver in Denver Broncos history.

Signing as an undrafted free agent in 1994 out of Missouri Southern State (a Division II school), Mr. Smith played 14 years for the Broncos until his retirement after the 2007 season.

Beginning in 1997, Rod became a full-time starter; Helping lead the Broncos to back-to-back Super Bowl victories.

In addition to his accomplishments, Rod was a three-time Pro Bowl Selection (2000, 2001, and 2005) and a two-time All-Pro Selection (2000 and 2001). Not to mention in 2001 he led the NFL with 113 receptions.

To this point in NFL history, Rod is the one and only undrafted free agent to gain at least 10,000 yards receiving. Also his career stats and ranking (see above) are the most of any undrafted free agent in league history.

As for the Broncos, his career stats are all franchise records, and he also holds the franchise record for most yards from scrimmage.

3. Shannon Sharpe

The only thing more impressive than his creative trash talking are his stats.

In addition to being named to the 1990s All-Decade team, Sharpe received eight Pro Bowl, four first-team All-Pro, and one second-team All-Pro selections.

Not to mention he was the first Tight End to accumulate more than 10,000 receiving yards.

Sharpe also played an important role in helping the Broncos win their back-to-back Super Bowls in 1997 and 1998. Then again being Trent Dilfer's favorite target as the Baltimore Ravens won Super Bowl XXXV after the 2000 season.

Easily the best TE in Broncos history, along with the one of the loudest mouths in the history of pro football, BUT arguably the most prolific receiving TE of all time as well.

2. Terrell Davis

Within a five year time span T.D. achieved about everything an NFL running back could possibly achieve.

Three time pro bowl and first-team All-Pro selections, two-time Super Bowl champion, Super Bowl MVP, NFL MVP, over 2000 yards rushing in a single season, and a two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

Not to mention he was the youngest player selected to the NFL 1990's All-Decade Team.

For his career, 7607 yards rushing for an average of 4.6 yards per carry with 60 TDs.

Arguably the best RB is Broncos history (debatable with Floyd Little), Terrell Davis was solidified into Mile High immortality when he was inducted into the Denver Broncos ring of fame on September 23rd, 2007. 

1. Steve Atwater

The best defensive player in the history of the Denver Broncos.

Eight pro bowl, two first team All-Pro, and one second team All-Pro selections.

Recorded 1,180 tackles and 24 interceptions over an 11 year career with one TD.

That's an average of 107 tackles per season, AS A SAFETY.

Atwater was feared by every opposing offense (especially Christian Okoye) which played a pivotal role in leading the Broncos to NFL Championships in Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII.

On October 9th, 2005 Steve was enshrined in the Broncos Ring of Fame, and was also selected to the NFL 1990's All-Decade team.

He's also the sole reason why No. 27 is my favorite number and personally, I think the Broncos should retire it in his honor. 

Summary

Tom Hauck/Getty Images

1 Feb 1999: A close up of the Vince Lombardi Trophy sitting with the Bronco helmet shot after the Super Bowl XXXIII Game between the Denver Broncos and the Atlanta Falcons at the Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Broncos defeated the Falcons 34-1

5. Tom Nalen - Center

4. Rod Smith - Wide Receiver

3. Shannon Sharpe - Tight End

2. Terrell Davis - Running Back

1. Steve Atwater - Safety