Denver Broncos all-time Mount Rushmore

Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis (30) take the handoff from quarterback John Elway (7) and finds a hold past Atlanta Falcons defensive end Chuck Smith (90) during Super Bowl XXXIII, a 34-19 Broncos victory over the Atlanta Falcons on January 31, 1999, at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Allen Kee/Getty Images) /

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CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 5: Linebacker Randy Gradishar of the Denver Broncos looks across the line of scrimmage at quarterback Brian Sipe #17 of the Cleveland Browns during a game at Cleveland Municipal Stadium on October 5, 1980 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Broncos defeated the Browns 19-16. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

Denver Broncos Mount Rushmore: ILB Randy Gradishar

Outside linebacker Tom Jackson was a fourth-round pick from the University of Louisville in 1973. He spent 14 seasons in the Mile High City, tied with safety Dennis Smith for the most by any defensive player in the franchise’s history. The three-time Pro Bowler played in 191 regular-season games, logged 44 sacks (according to team records), as well as 20 interceptions and eight fumble recoveries. He also had a share of magical moments in the postseason.

But teammate and inside linebacker Randy Gradishar was one of the most dominating defensive players of his era. While his career did not last as long as Jackson’s, he never missed a game in 10 seasons after the Denver Broncos made the former Ohio State standout the 14th overall pick in the 1974 NFL Draft.

There were a total of 33 takeaways, with three of his 20 interceptions and one of his 13 fumble recoveries taken back for scores. He made just three starts as a rookie and it was Jackson who paced the club in stops that year. But Gradishar would lead the Broncos in tackles in each of his final nine seasons with the team, earning seven Pro Bowl invitations, two All-Pro nods and 1978 NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors along the way. A future Pro Football Hall of Famer?

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