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| 1978 Topps |
During Randy Gradishar's illustrious career, he helped define what it took to lead a dominant defense to greatness year in and year out. The Orange Crush would not have been the same without his leadership. The accolades he earned are many. Gradishar was selected to 7 Pro Bowls. He was a 6-time All Pro. He was All-AFC in 7 different seasons. Gradishar won NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1978. For all of his accomplishments, Gradishar has never approached being a Hall of Famer. Beyond perplexing and indefensible, there were very few LBs in the late 1970s and early 1980s who could match what he brought to his team as far as versatility. He was every bit the equal of a Harry Carson who has long since been elected to Canton.
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| 1982 Topps Sticker |
As a Broncos fan, I am biased. I believe that Broncos players have been very unfairly overlooked. Other highly talented and accomplished players and coaches like Dan Reeves, Dennis Smith, Karl Mecklenburg, Terrell Davis and Rod Smith all have been snubbed in favor of less impacting candidates. An impartial look at Gradishar regardless of allegiance clearly supports the conclusion that Gradishar has earned the right to be in the Hall of Fame. Hopefully, voters will agree at some point. While those voters are at it, they might as well elect an equally-skilled linebacker, Houston Oiler Robert Brazile (7 Pro Bowls, 6x All-Pro, 8x All-AFC, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year).
1975 Broncos Team Issue #10 Randy Gradishar
1976 MSA Cups #10 Randy Gradishar
1976 Topps #257 Randy Gradishar RC
1977 Topps #179 Randy Gradishar
1977 Broncos Burger King Glasses #2 Randy Gradishar
1977 Broncos Orange Crush Cans #21 Randy Gradishar
1977 Topps Mexican #179 Randy Gradishar
1978 Topps #480 Randy Gradishar AP
1978-79 Marketcom Test #13 Randy Gradishar SP
1979 Topps #40 Randy Gradishar AP
1979 Topps Cream Colored Back #40 Randy Gradishar AP
1980 Broncos Stamps Police #5
1980 Marketcom #30 Randy Gradishar
1980 Topps #410 Randy Gradishar
1980 Topps Super #24 Randy Gradishar
1981 Marketcom #30 Randy Gradishar
1981 Topps #116 Randy Gradishar
1981 Topps Red Border Stickers #8 Randy Gradishar
1981 Topps Stickers #81 Randy Gradishar
1981 Topps Stickers #140 Randy Gradishar FOIL
1982 Broncos Police #53 Randy Gradishar SP
1982 Marketcom #7 Randy Gradishar
1982 Topps #79 Randy Gradishar
1982 Topps Stickers #202 Randy Gradishar
1983 Topps #262 Randy Gradishar DP PB
1983 Topps Stickers #50 Randy Gradishar
1984 Broncos KOA #53 Randy Gradishar SP
1984 Broncos Pizza Hut Glasses #3
1986 Jeno's Pizza #47 Randy Gradishar
1988 Monty Gum #21 Denver Broncos
1988 Monty Gum Stickers #21 Denver Broncos
