Randy Gradishar receives nomination for Pro Football Hall of Fame

FILE – This is a Jan. 31, 2008 file photo showing former Denver Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar holding one of his football helmets as he sits in front of a trophy case full of memorabilia from his playing days at an automobile dealership in Lakewood, Colo. Barry Sanders and Randy Gradishar have joined the growing list of former NFL players who want to promote USA Football’s safety program, Heads Up Football. The program is designed to teach football coaches in youth leagues and at the high school level how to reduce the amount of head injuries in the game. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski, File)

by: Dave Althouse

Posted: Aug 23, 2023 / 11:28 AM MDT

Updated: Aug 23, 2023 / 11:28 AM MDT

DENVER (KDVR) — At long last, the wait is over for Randy Gradishar.

Wednesday, the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame linebacker got the call that he received a nomination into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

A tackling machine, the 1978 Defensive Player of the Year, and the heart and soul of the “Orange Crush” defense that dominated the late 1970s and early 80s, Gradishar was selected by the senior committee along with Art Powell and Steve McMichael.

Gradishar played 10 seasons with the Broncos from 1973 to 1984. In his 145 games, he recorded 20 interceptions and four touchdowns and was in seven Pro Bowls.

The Broncos’ all-time leading tackler, with 2,049 tackles, has been a Pro Hall of Fame finalist three times: twice as a modern-era finalist in 2003 and 2008, and once as a seniors candidate in 2020.

Each of the senior finalists will be elected to the hall if they receive at least 80% approval in the up-or-down balloting at the meeting.

This 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class will be announced during Super Bowl week, and they will be inducted in August 2024.