Before star linebackers like Von Miller and Karl Mecklenburg stepped up to anchor the Denver Broncos defense, there was Randy Gradishar.
Known as heart and soul of the Broncos’ famous “Orange Crush” defense of the late 1970s and early ’80s, 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 top defenders.
By the end of his career, Gradishar had earned seven Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro honors. Likewise, 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 made mistakes and [was] a fantastic defender”, Steve Foley, former Broncos safety and teammate of Gradishar said in a documentary.
Despite being an integral part of a historic Broncos defense and one of the best at his position, Gradishar took a while to get into the Hall of Fame. He was a modern era finalist in 2003 and 2008, but was only approved last February.
The delay may have occurred because when Gradishar began playing, statistics such as tackles and sacks were not official. As a result, longtime Denver defensive coordinator Joe Collier calculated each of Gradishar’s 2,049 total tackles, including assists over a 10-year period.
“Some people tried to say those tackling stats were padded, but I can tell you they weren’t.” Collier told denverbroncos.com in 2020. “I personally watched every inch of the film repeatedly; I kept those statistics myself and they were legitimate.”
Before his Hall of Fame career, Gradishar came from humble beginnings. He grew up in Champion, Ohio, as a clerk in his father’s store. Gradishar started working there at age 11 and only started playing football in ninth grade, 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 at Ohio State and also a two-time All-American. In his senior season, he helped lead the Buckeyes to an undefeated season in 1973, including a victory in the Rose Bowl. Legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes called Gradishar the best linebacker he ever coached.
After that standout season, the Broncos selected Gradishar with the 14th pick in the 1974 NFL Draft. The rookie made an immediate impact, becoming a starter midway through the season.
“Randy just came in with the responsibility of taking over this group of veterans,” Gradishar’s former teammate Tom Jackson said. “We all saw how hard he practiced, we watched his leadership skills, you could feel it. We were like, ‘okay, guide us.’”
One of Gradishar’s defining moments was during the 1975 season against the Green Bay Packers. In a “Monday Night Football” matchup, the second-year star caught a game sealing the pick-6.
That same season, Gradishar became a full-time starter and made his first Pro Bowl. Two years later, the Broncos began to have postseason success behind 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, who they would ultimately lose.
Gradishar, in particular, stood out again, earning his first All-Pro honor of his career, along with another Pro Bowl appearance, as well as Defensive Player of the Year consideration. He had five tackles, three assists and a pass defended in the Super Bowl.
The following season in 1978, Gradishar won the much-coveted Defensive Player of the Year award, becoming the first Bronco to receive the honor.
Gradishar’s longevity in his career was also impressive. During the final season of his career, he was selected second-team All-Pro and his final Pro Bowl selection at age 31.
In his career, Gradishar is one of 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 the Orange Crush.”
“I believe I was blessed with athletic ability. I certainly didn’t know that, but the mentors that came into my life showed me that.”
