Randy Gradishar is on the doorstep of Canton — again.
On Wednesday, the former Broncos linebacker and centerpiece of the Orange Crush defense was announced as one of three Seniors Committee finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024.
He will need the full voting group to induct him in a meeting likely to occur in early 2024, but more often than not that final step is mere formality. Gradishar is not up against the modern-era candidates for the Hall, so the vote is yes or no on his induction alone.
In other words: Gradishar is likely headed to the Hall of Fame after a 35-year wait. He got word on Tuesday afternoon while at work at a local car dealership.
“I received a call from Mr. Jim Porter, the president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Gradishar said. “My jaw actually dropped when he gave me the news. … I patiently waited for 35 years for this to happen, to be part of helping represent the Orange Crush and the Denver Broncos name.”
It’s Gradishar’s third time as a Hall of Fame finalist after he came up short of election as a modern-era finalist in 2003 and 2008. He was also a Seniors Committee semifinalist in 2020.
In 10 years with Denver, Gradishar was a seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro en route to becoming the franchise’s leading tackler at 2,049. He was the 1978 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and is one of only 10 linebackers in NFL history (and the only one not in the Hall) with seven Pro Bowls, 20 interceptions and 13 fumble recoveries.
Gradishar called taking the final step before being voted for enshrinement “a dream come true.”
“As you know, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is just a great, great honor. There have been thousands of NFL players playing and the reality of it is there have only been 371 players that are in there. It’s a very, very prestigious award and I’m just very, very excited about that. For the committee to have actually chosen me as a senior finalist, it’s just a real blessing.
“I can’t remember the last time I’ve been happier than yesterday and today, getting this kind of news.”
Congratulations poured in from around the organization. Head coach Sean Payton introduced Gradishar to the team after Wednesday’s practice, and Gradishar received a rousing applause from the current players.
“It’s pretty remarkable. Congratulations to him,” Payton told reporters.
“We are thrilled for Randy Gradishar to take this significant step closer to his long-awaited place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” CEO Greg Penner added in a statement. “The heart and soul of the iconic Orange Crush defense, Randy is now on the doorstep of earning the game’s highest honor. The Broncos congratulate Randy on becoming a Senior Finalist for the Class of 2024 and look forward to the full Selection Committee vote early next year.”
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