Before star linebackers like Von Miller and Karl Mecklenburg became mainstays of the Denver Broncos’ defense, there was Randy Gradishar.
Known as the heart and soul From the Broncos’ famed “Orange Crush” defense of the late 1970s and early 1980s, Gradishar was a dominant force in his 10 seasons with Denver. The linebacker was known for his ability to read plays quickly and react appropriately, which helped him become one of the game’s best tacklers.
By the end of his career, Gradishar had been selected to the Pro Bowl seven times and was an All-Pro five times. Similarly, when he retired in 1983, he held several Broncos records, including the longest interception return of 93 yards against Cleveland in 1980.
“He was always in the right place. He always knew where the ball was going, he never cheated and he was a fantastic tackler.” Steve Foley, a former Broncos safety and Gradishar’s teammate, said in a documentary.
Despite being an integral part of a historic Broncos defense and one of the best at his position, Gradishar was a long time coming into the Hall of Fame. He was a modern-era finalist in 2003 and 2008, but didn’t get the nod until last February.
The delay may be due to the fact that when Gradishar first started playing, statistics such as tackles and sacks were not official. As a result, longtime Denver defensive coordinator Joe Collier tallied each of Gradishar’s 2,049 total tackles, including assists, over a 10-year period.
“Some people have tried to say that those tackle stats were inflated, but I can assure you that was not the case.” Collier told denverbroncos.com in 2020. “I personally watched every inch of the film over and over again; I kept those statistics myself and they were legit.”
Before his Hall of Fame career, Gradishar came from humble beginnings. He grew up in Champion, Ohio, as a clerk at his father’s grocery store. Gradishar began working there when he was 11 and didn’t start playing football until he was in ninth grade, instead opting for basketball.
Gradishar excelled in football during his high school years. His high school coach sent his highlight tape to Ohio State, and before long, Gradishar became a Buckeye.
The linebacker continued to dominate in college. Gradishar was a three-year starter for Ohio State and a two-time All-American. As a senior, he helped lead the Buckeyes to an undefeated season in 1973, including a Rose Bowl victory. Legendary Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes said Gradishar was the best linebacker he ever coached.
Following that standout season, the Broncos selected Gradishar with the 14th pick of the 1974 NFL Draft. The rookie made an immediate impact and became a starter by midseason.
“Randy came with the responsibility of taking charge of this group of veterans,” Gradishar’s former teammate Tom Jackson said“We all saw how much he practiced, we saw his leadership skills, you could feel it. We thought, ‘Okay, lead us.’”
One of Gradishar’s most iconic moments came during the 1975 season against the Green Bay Packers. In a “Monday Night Football” game, the second-year star caught a game-sealing touchdown pass.
That same season, Gradishar became the full-time starter and made his first Pro Bowl. Two years later, the Broncos began to see postseason success thanks to Gradishar and the rest of the Orange Crush defense.
During the 1977 season, the Broncos went 12-2 en route to an AFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl against the Dallas Cowboys, which they would ultimately lose.
Gradishar, in particular, stood out again, earning his first career All-Pro honor, another Pro Bowl appearance and Defensive Player of the Year honors. He had five tackles, three assists and one pass defensed in the Super Bowl.
The following season, in 1978, Gradishar won the coveted Defensive Player of the Year award, becoming the first Bronco to receive the honor.
Gradishar’s career longevity was also impressive. During his final season, he was named to the second-team All-Pro and his final Pro Bowl selection at the age of 31.
For his career, Gradishar is one of only 10 linebackers with at least seven Pro Bowls, 20 interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries. The list of others includes Ray Lewis, Ted Hendricks and Brian Urlacher, all Hall of Famers.
“I think the biggest achievement for me would be my football career.” Gradishar said in the documentary “Randy Gradishar: The Heart and Soul of Orange Crush.”
“I believe I was blessed with athletic ability. I certainly didn’t know it, but the mentors that came into my life showed me that.”
