Four former Denver Broncos have made the cut and are now among 27 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2013. They are:
Steve Atwater, Safety
1989-1998 Denver Broncos
1999 New York Jets
Terrell Davis, Running Back
1995-2001 Denver Broncos
John Lynch, Safety
1993-2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2004-07 Denver Broncos
Karl Mecklenburg, Linebacker
1983-1994 Denver Broncos
Atwater, Davis, and Mecklenburg were also semifinalists in 2012.
Not making the list are former Broncos head coach Dan Reeves, center Tom Nalen, safety Dennis Smith, and wide receiver Rod Smith. They, along with Denver’s semifinalists, were among the 127 nominees announced in late September.
The Selection Committee will narrow the list of semifinalists to 15 modern-era finalists. That group will be revealed in January 2013.
The Class of 2013, which by rule must be between four and seven members, will be announced on Saturday, Feb. 2, in New Orleans, site of Super Bowl XLVII. The Class of 2013 will be enshrined in August in Canton, Ohio.
Seven former Denver Broncos and an ex-head coach are among the modern-era candidates for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2013 enshrinement.
The list released today includes 127 candidates. Later this year, the Selection Committee will choose 25 semifinalists, with that list being further trimmed to 15 finalists in early 2013. The Class of 2013 will be announced Super Bowl XLVII weekend on Saturday, Feb. 2.
First-year eligible players with Denver Broncos ties are safety John Lynch and center Tom Nalen. They join repeat nominees safety Steve Atwater, running back Terrell Davis, linebacker Karl Mecklenburg, safety Dennis Smith, and wide receiver Rod Smith.
Former head coach Dan Reeves is also a nominee.
Atwater, Davis, and Mecklenburg were semifinalists in 2012.
Justin Bannan, Ronnie Hillman sit out Broncos’ practice again - Two days after a wildly popular open scrimmage at their home stadium, the Broncos were back on their home practice field Monday afternoon to continue training camp. Monday marks the first of three practice sessions before Thursday’s preseason opener at Chicago. The team will travel to Chicago on Wednesday. Read more from the Denver Post >>>>
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Hall of Fame: Broncos Davis, Atwater, Mecklenburg don’t make cut - A tough day for Broncos’ Hall of Fame hopefuls. Terrell Davis, Steve Atwater and Karl Mecklenburg, who all made it to the semifinal round of 26 modern-era candidates, did not make the cut today to the 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2012. Read more from The Denver Post >>>>
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Safety Steve Atwater, running back Terrell Davis and linebacker Karl Mecklenburg are still in the running for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2012.
The three – all Broncos Ring of Famers – are among the 26 modern-era semifinalists named Tuesday. (Note: It’s usually 25 semifinalists, but there was a tie this year’s selection process.)
It’s the first time Atwater and Mecklenburg have been named semifinalists.
Atwater, who played for the Broncos from 1989-1998, was voted to eight Pro Bowls. He’s also easily one of the hardest hitters we’ve seen in the NFL. Need a reminder?
Davis was Super Bowl XXXII MVP, becoming the first player to rush for three touchdowns in a Super Bowl. He’s also one of just six running backs to rush for 2,000 yards in a season, earning league MVP honors in 1998.
Mecklenburg was a 12th round selection (310th overall) in the 1983 NFL Draft. He spent his entire career in Denver, playing in six Pro Bowls during his 12 seasons.
The list of semifinalists will be cut to 15 finalists in January. The Class of 2012 will be revealed Feb. 4 in Indianapolis.
*This is an unverified Twitter account. Take one good look at the timeline and this certainly reads like Shannon Sharpe, so I have no reason to believe otherwise. In fact, I can hear him talk as I read his words. Good enough litmus test for me…
Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe is on Twitter, and as expected, he likes to speak tweet his mind, especially when it comes to his beloved Denver Broncos.
In a series of tweets sent out Tuesday morning/afternoon, Sharpe opened up on his Broncos likes and dislikes, starting with – what else? – the quarterback situation.
Sharpe then asked a valid question…
The truth is many of people are upset with ex-coach Josh McDaniels. Even though he’s now in St. Louis, no distance is far enough from Denver.
Sharpe is confident the Broncos will turn things around, but the key: patience.
Sharpe’s other Broncos musings…Denver’s most urgent need is quarterback and secondary help…the verdict is still out on Demaryius Thomas…and the defensive foundation is already in place with Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil.
John Elway. Gary Zimmerman. Floyd Little. Shannon Sharpe.
Will the next Broncos great to join the Canton fraternity happen in 2012?
Five Broncos are included in Pro Football Hall of Fame’s list of modern-era nominees for 2012 induction.
Wide receiver Rod Smith, who holds Broncos team records and is among the most accomplished undrafted players in league history, is a first-time nominee. Safety Steve Atwater, running back Terrell Davis, linebacker Karl Mecklenburg, and coach Dan Reeves also made the list.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee will narrow the field of 103 candidates to 25 semifinalists, which will be revealed in November. In early 2012, that list will be cut down to 15 modern-era finalists, who will join senior nominees – Steelers DB Jack Butler and Lions G Dick Stanfel – for voting.
The Class of 2012 will be announced in February 4, 2012.
For DHF’s game preview, go here. The latest injury report, along with any last-minute news and notes, will be posted later today.
Now time for headlines…
From The Denver Post, the Broncos strengths (yay!) are outnumbered unfortunately by their weaknesses (boo!).
Speaking of strengths, how about Doom and Gloom? The Denver Post lists the many reasons why Broncos fans should be thankful…an opposing offenses should not.
