Big news for Denver Broncos fans and NFL historians alike—three legendary figures tied to the franchise have been named finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame:
linebacker Randy Gradishar, coach Mike Shanahan, and coach Dan Reeves. Each of them has left a powerful legacy on the game, and now they’re one step closer to receiving football’s highest honor: enshrinement in Canton.
Randy Gradishar, one of the most dominant linebackers of the 1970s and early ’80s, was the heart and soul of the famed “Orange Crush” defense.
A seven-time Pro Bowler and 1978 Defensive Player of the Year, Gradishar anchored the Broncos’ defense with intelligence, leadership, and physicality. His sideline-to-sideline range and ability to read plays before they developed made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Despite compiling over 2,000 career tackles—an unofficial stat at the time—Gradishar has long been overlooked by Hall voters. But that may finally change. His recent recognition as a Seniors Committee finalist could be the long-overdue validation of his remarkable career.
Mike Shanahan, the mastermind behind the Broncos’ back-to-back Super Bowl wins in the late 1990s, is among the most innovative offensive minds in NFL history.
His zone-blocking run scheme and ability to develop quarterbacks revolutionized offenses across the league. Shanahan’s leadership brought Denver its first two championships in 1997 and 1998, led by a potent offense featuring Hall of Famers John Elway and Terrell Davis.
Beyond Denver, Shanahan influenced a generation of coaches, including his son Kyle Shanahan and former assistants like Sean McVay and Matt LaFleur. His coaching tree continues to shape the modern NFL, and his Hall of Fame candidacy reflects his enduring impact on the game.
Dan Reeves had a storied career both as a player and a head coach. He played in two Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys and won one as a running back under Tom Landry.
As a coach, Reeves led two franchises—the Denver Broncos and the Atlanta Falcons—to the Super Bowl, a feat only a few have achieved. He guided the Broncos to three Super Bowl appearances in the 1980s, helping establish the team as a perennial contender.
Known for his old-school toughness and football IQ, Reeves won 190 games as a head coach and left a legacy of resilience and competitiveness.
This trio’s inclusion on the finalist list is more than a recognition of personal achievement—it’s a celebration of Broncos history and the franchise’s contributions to the NFL. Gradishar laid the foundation for Denver’s tough defensive identity.
Reeves brought the Broncos into national prominence. Shanahan brought home the hardware. Together, their careers span eras of transformation for both the team and the league.
For fans who’ve long campaigned for Gradishar’s induction, and for those who witnessed Shanahan and Reeves build dynasties, this moment feels like justice.
With each finalist now under serious consideration, there’s a real chance that the Hall of Fame’s next class will have a strong orange and blue tint.
