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.

View the full list of semifinalists here >>>>

You can join the Twitter conversation about this year’s class by using the hashtag: #PFHOF13

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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.

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Broncos’ John Fox, Jack Del Rio fined for berating officials in Atlanta - All these years, John Fox had stayed out of trouble.  Then along came a crew of replacement officials.  For the first time in his 24-year NFL coaching career, Fox has been fined by the league office. Fox, the Broncos’ head coach, was docked $30,000 and his defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio was fined $25,000 for their demonstrative protests of how the replacement officials were calling the game last Monday in Atlanta.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Mark Kiszla: Fan from Mexico sees his favorite Broncos team, but not a victory - All the way up in Section 505 of the stadium, discontented Broncomaniacs could see what apparently eludes Denver coach John Fox: There’s no reason to have Peyton Manning as quarterback if your offense is so boring it can put a crowd of 76,566 to sleep.  Juan Naranjo traveled 1,002 miles from Mexico to watch his favorite NFL team play. But down at midfield, the Broncos were going nowhere.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Broncos list Willis McGahee, Nate Irving and others as “day to day” – When John Fox comes to his Monday press briefing and announces he has no update to the injury report, that means none of the players injured in the previous day’s game suffered season-ending injuries.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Next Day Notebook: Denver Eyes Kuper Comeback - The return of a team captain to Denver’s offensive line could be near.  Guard Chris Kuper has been out since Aug. 14 after suffering a forearm injury during a training camp practice. During Monday afternoon’s press conference, Head Coach John Fox said the staff will “have a look-see” at Kuper to determine his status for this weekend’s game against the Oakland Raiders.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

John Fox Press Conference - After watching game film, Head Coach John Fox talks about Sunday’s game against Houston.  Watch video from Denver Broncos >>>>

Rod Smith’s Ring of Fame Induction - Wide receiver Rod Smith is inducted into the team’s Ring of Fame during halftime of Sunday’s game.  Watch video from Denver Broncos >>>>

Broncos Report Card: Poor timing and communication still hindering performance - The phrase “work in progress” is heard often in regard to the Denver Broncos, and is a catch-all justification for the timing problems, drops and breakdowns for an offense adjusting to QB Peyton Manning – and Manning adjusting to his post-surgical limitations.  But it became clear Sunday that the defense is adjusting, too. It has seven starters who were not in the starting lineup at the end of 2011, and Sunday night against the Houston Texans, the unit was plagued by missed assignments that directly led to two first-half touchdowns.  Read more from CBSSports.com >>>>

Broncos far from a finished product - These new-look Denver Broncos are on the right track. But they are far from a finished product. Peyton Manning and the Broncos teased the home crowd in an impressive season-opening win over Pittsburgh two weeks ago. However, Sunday, fans were given a dose of reality.  For the second straight week, Manning and the Broncos were given a stern, painful lesson by one of the better teams in the league. The Houston Texans showed the Broncos they have a ways to go if they think they can hang with the top playoff contenders.  Read more from ESPN >>>>

Denver Broncos are not Playing Complimentary Football - Following the Denver Broncos loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday, there are two schools of thought as to what is wrong. The first one is that Peyton Manning and the offense are not pulling their weight, and are completely out of sync. The second thought is that the defense for the Broncos is the problem, so which school of thought is correct? They are both right, and here’s why.  Read more from Rant Sports >>>>

Manning, slow-starting Broncos search for answers - The Broncos changed quarterbacks, tight ends and offensive emphasis this offseason. But one thing hasn’t: They’re still a fourthquarter team that expounds most of its energy getting back into games when the scoreboard dictates that their situation is helpless.  The difference is the holes the Broncos have tried to climb from the last two weeks. They’re not down one or two scores, as they were before the Tim Tebow-led rallies against the Dolphins, Jets, Chargers and Bears last season. They have fallen into 20-point holes, plagued by a balky passing game prone to errant passes and drops.  Read more from Sporting News >>>>

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Former Broncos coaches Kubiak, Phillips enjoy Texans’ victory - Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips posed a question to the fans above the visitor’s tunnel Sunday, seconds after Houston completed its 31-25 victory:  ”Hey, who’s No. 1?” Phillips said with his right index finger pointed to the sky.   Later, the former Broncos defensive coordinator and head coach played down the impact of beating quarterback Peyton Manning and the Broncos to improve to 3-0.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Denver Broncos safety Mike Adams a big fan of helping children - As a child growing up in Paterson, N.J., Mike Adams said he and his peers had two choices: sports or the streets.  Adams picked sports, and now, at age 31 and in his ninth season in the NFL, is working toward a goal of establishing a community center for kids in his old neighborhood.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Rod Smith inducted into Denver Broncos Ring of Fame – With the Broncos trailing 21-11 at halftime Sunday, former wide receiver Rod Smith felt obligated to change the collective mood during his Ring of Fame induction ceremony. The club’s record holder in career receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns turned into a cheerleader, leading fans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in a four-way “Go! Broncos!” salute.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Sounds from the Locker Room - Locker room reaction following Sunday’s 31-25 loss to the Texans.  Watch video from Denver Broncos >>>>

Broncos vs. Texans: Fox - Head Coach John Fox talks to the press after Sunday’s 31-25 loss to Houston.  Watch video from Denver Broncos >>>>

Denver Broncos: Winners and Losers from Week 3 vs. Houston Texans - The Denver Broncos mounted a furious comeback against the Houston Texanson Sunday, but just like Week 2 against Atlanta, they fell short.  Down 31-11 entering the fourth, the Broncos got two touchdown passes from Peyton Manning in the quarter—one off a lucky bounce—but they couldn’t score in the end and fell to the Texans 31-25.  The Broncos now sit at 1-2 with a home game against their bitter rivals the Oakland Raiders next on the docket.  But instead of looking at that matchup, let’s see who were the winners and losers for the Broncos in their loss to Houston.  Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

Harvey: Crazy finish, but it never should have been that close - This would have been an improbable comeback even for Tim Tebow.  Divine intervention seemed to be the only hope the Denver Broncos had Sunday against the Texans, a team that had been playing better through two games and three quarters of the season than any other team in the NFL.  But Tebow is with the New York Jets now. So who was going to give the Broncos a chance to win when they fell behind 31-11 after three quarters at Sports Authority Field at Mile High?  Read more from Houston Chronicle >>>>

BroncosRants: Grades for Denver Broncos vs Houston Texans – On a day when Broncos great Rod Smith was honored at halftime for being chosen to enter their Ring of Fame, the Mile High magic seemed lost. The Denver Broncos for the second week in a row came out of the starting gate sluggish in their secondary.  After Elvis Dumervil sacked Matt Schaub in the end zone for a safety and Matt Prater kicked a field goal to put the Broncos up 5-0, the Houston Texans answered with 21 straight points.  Schaub torched Tracy Porter for a 60yd and 52yd TD passes to Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter, respectively, while also hooking up with Arian Foster for a 3yd toss. In preseason, the secondary was considered to be the strength of the Broncos with the additions of Porter and S Mike Adams, while there were many questions about the run defense. Through the first three weeks, though, Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio needs to find some answers as to why this secondary cannot keep up with their man.  Read more from Rant Sports >>>>

John Fox, Jack Del Rio to be fined - The NFL plans to fine Denver Broncos coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio approximately $20,000 apiece for the way they publicly criticized officials in last Monday night’s game against the Atlanta Falcons, according to a league source.  Read more from ESPN >>>>

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• Tailgate Lots open at 8:00 a.m.
• All Lots open at 9:00 a.m.
• Mountain Village opens at 10:30 a.m.
• Premium Gates open 11:00 a.m.
• All Gates open at 12:00 p.m.

Kickoff Forecast: Lows 80s and partly cloudy

And for your halftime entertainment…

The Denver Broncos will celebrate Rod Smith’s induction in to the Ring of Fame. Smith will become the 23rd inductee.

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Mark Kiszla: Peyton Manning is mad, which is great news for Broncos - There’s only one way the Broncos beat Houston on Sunday: Peyton Manning is going to have to dress up his wobbly passes so they look prettier than the tight spirals thrown by Houston quarterback Matt Schaub.  The Texans are a stronger team than Denver.  So, for the Broncos to win, Manning needs to play more like a feisty legend than a 36-year-old quarterback whose arm strength is an open, festering topic of debate.  Hey, relax. He’s working on it.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

First three games for Broncos this year look more like playoff games - If all goes well for the Broncos this season, they will play through January.  And if they do reach the postseason, will they play three tougher opponents than the Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans?  The early portion of the Broncos’ schedule has a playoff degree of difficulty. Cornerback Champ Bailey was asked about the Houston counterparts he will face Sunday: quarterback Matt Schaub and wide receiver Andre Johnson.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Broncos rookie report: LB Danny Trevathan making mark on special teams - DT Derek Wolfe — Started in Atlanta and after a big opening night the week before against the Steelers in his NFL debut, the Falcons were far more prepared for what Wolfe brings to the lineup. The physical Atlanta offensive front limited Wolfe’s ability to get up field and he finished the game without a tackle.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Notebook: Strong Start Key in Week 3- After last week’s turnover-plagued start, which Offensive Coordinator Mike McCoy called “as bad a start as you can possibly have,” the Broncos are looking to get off on the right foot against Houston.  ”(With) four turnovers early on in the game, we were very fortunate our defense kept us in the game,” McCoy said. “(The defense) only gave up 13 points on those four turnovers and then we got rolling. (Starting off strong) definitely something we’ve discussed and just said, ‘Listen, we’ve got to eliminate the turnovers and play our game, do the things we know we can do and do your job every play and good things will happen.’”  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

The Sacks Will Come – No sacks, no problem. Defensive end Elvis Dumervil, the Broncos’ all-time single-season sack leader, has been held without a sack in the first two contests.  The two-time Pro Bowler isn’t concerned, and neither are his coaches.  Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio said that we was “very happy with Elvis” on Thursday and called his play in the 2012 season “outstanding.”  Head Coach John Fox believes sacks aren’t the only thing that should be used in evaluating the play of a defensive lineman.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Rod Smith: Next Step Canton? - With Rod Smith’s upcoming induction into the Broncos Ring of Fame during halftime of Sunday’s game vs. Houston, there is only one remaining NFL honor to add to Smith’s resume.  The Pro Football Hall of Fame.  There are currently 21 wide receivers with busts in Canton.  Smith’s numbers are comparable to those of that elite group. His stats would rank in the top 10 in games played, receptions, receiving yards and NFL Championships. His 68 touchdowns rank 11th among Hall of Famers.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Broncos: Is the chatter over Manning’s arm strength just hot air? - Rarely do players pay the reporters watching the first periods of practice any mind. But rarely has Broncos QB Peyton Manning been as ruffled by criticism as he has this week.  As Manning threw toward an end zone where reporters stood early in Thursday’s practice, he glanced over and announced, “Hey, those wobblers still hurt if they hit you in the head.”  If there was any doubt that Manning took note of the fusillade of critiques over his misfires Monday night, it was erased with that zinger, which he delivered with as much pop as his lone touchdown pass Monday night — a pass that sailed longer than any of his three first-quarter interceptions were intended.  Read more from CBSSports.com >>>>

BroncosRants: Denver Broncos Eric Decker Ready For Breakout Game vs Houston Texans - The one thing the Denver Broncos have going for them on both sides of the ball is talent at several positions.  The most explosive of the talent on the offensive side that has yet to be unveiled, however, is the stud receiving duo of Salt and Pepper, Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas.  So far, Thomas has received most of the attention while hauling in 13 catches for 188yds and 2TDs over the first two games of this young NFL season.  The problem is that Decker has been average at best and needs to find ways to get more looks from Peyton Manning’s direction.  Read more from Rant Sports >>>>

AP source: ‘serious’ gaps divide NFL, officials - The NFL and its locked-out officials met the last two days, but a person familiar with the negotiations said Friday the sides remain far apart and no further talks are scheduled.  The person said in an email to The Associated Press that there are ”significant and serious economic gaps.” The person requested anonymity in characterizing the negotiations because they are intended to remain private.  Read more from The Associated Press >>>>

Broncos pass rush specialist Elvis Dumervil inventing new moves as he draws more attention - So Elvis Dumervil doesn’t have any sacks through the first two games.  Hardly a big deal this early in the season. Or so the Denver Broncos defensive end thought.  His mom recently called and asked him very matter-of-factly, “Why don’t you have any sacks yet?”  So maybe this was a little bigger deal than he figured.  Read more from The Associated Press >>>>

Houston Texans vs. Denver Broncos: Preview And Prediction - After their sixth preseason game, the Texans will face their first test this Sunday in Denver against the Broncos. In previous seasons a 2-0 start would be celebrated as a Super Bowl victory for some Texans fans, but the expectations this year are much higher. This off-season has been filled with hype and hope that the Texans could take the step from pretty good to great and make a deep playoff run. They want to believe but there is still some nagging doubt in the back of the mind of many fans. If they lose, we’ll hear the ‘same ole Texans’ phone calls on sports talk radio on Monday; guaranteed. Some fans just can’t shake the image of the Texans being a team that always blows it and never delivers. If they beat the Broncos on Sunday, that image will start to change. It may only be week three, but a lot is riding on this game.  Read more from SB Nation >>>>

Three And Out: Useless Predictions For Texans-Broncos - Last week’s predictions were rather hit or miss (before you say something, yes, I realize all predictions are by definition hit or miss…it’s merely a turn of phrase which I’ll use to segue into a quick tangent about Blaine Gabbert, thankyouverymuch), which I attribute to me giving Jacksonville far too much credit. What was I thinking? I watched Blaine Gabbert play QB last year. How could I predict that he’d somehow lead a team to 16 points against a Houston defense that’s firing on all cylinders? Blaine Gabbert is not a good NFL quarterback. That could change at some point, but it hasn’t changed yet. That failure’s on me, and I’ll get it corrected. Or maybe I won’t, and this weekly feature will become even more of a dumpster fire than it already is. I suppose you’ll just have to keep reading to see.  Read more from Battle Red Blog >>>>

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The odds are stacked against undrafted free agents.

Making the final 53-man roster is an accomplishment, and even fewer actually contribute in game situations.  The pay is modest – at least by NFL standards – and typically, after a few seasons, the careers come to an unceremonious end. 

Rod Smith’s NFL career, however, was anything but the standard for an undrafted player.

On Sunday, Smith will become the 23rd inductee to the Denver Broncos’ Ring of Fame.

The Broncos signed the wide receiver in 1994.  Smith spent his entire 14-year career in Denver, retiring as the team’s all-time leader in career receptions (849), receiving yards (11,389), and touchdown receptions (68).  Those numbers are also NFL records for an undrafted wide receiver.  Smith ranks 15th in league history in career receptions and 16th in receiving yards.

Career Highlights

• Two-time Super Bowl champion (XXXII, XXXIII)
• Three-time Pro Bowl selection (2000, 2001, and 2005)
• Only undrafted player to reach 10,000 receiving yards
• Denver’s all-time leader in yards from scrimmage
• One of six players in NFL history with 100 receptions against at least three teams (Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders).
• Division II Hall of Fame inductee (2008)
• College Football Hall of Fame inductee (2009)

To celebrate Smith’s accomplishments as a Denver Bronco, here’s a collection of some of his best moments:

Note: There is some repetition here, but I didn’t think you’d mind.

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Speedy Ronnie Hillman slow to get first chance to play with Broncos - For such a fast guy, Ronnie Hillman has had to learn to take it slow.  The third-round pick running back, who celebrated his 21st birthday last week, missed more than two weeks of training camp with a strained hamstring. Although he’s mostly recovered, Hillman has been inactive for the Broncos’ first two games. He is listed fourth on the depth chart, behind veterans Willis McGahee, Knowshon Moreno and Lance Ball.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Mark Kiszla: For now, Denver Broncos come in vanilla flavor - Will the real Broncos please stand up? Before Denver can begin a quest for a championship, these players must find themselves. This is an NFL team without an identity.  How much does quarterback Peyton Manning trust his arm? Whatever happened to the pass-rush specialist formerly known as Elvis Dumervil? Ball control? No huddle? What kind of offense does coach John Fox desire, other than one that might score in the first quarter?  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Arm strength of Broncos’ Manning targeted for criticism after first loss - Let’s talk arm strength.  The topic comes up from time to time regarding Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. The arm strength subject has been rekindled this week.  ”Who’s been talking about that?” Manning said.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

One Day at a Time - When Rod Smith began his days as a Bronco, he was just hoping to still have his job the next day. He held onto that job for 14 seasons, finally retiring as the franchise’s all-time leading receiver in 2007.  During halftime of Sunday’s game vs. Houston, Smith will be recognized as the 23rd member of the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.  It’s an honor that Smith never envisioned for himself during his playing days.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>> 

Smith Continues to Make Impression- Although he hung up his cleats in 2007, Rod Smith has continued to impact the only franchise that he played for during his 14-year, record-setting NFL career.  Since his retirement, Smith has still found a way to help the organization, especially the young wide receivers on the teams.  “They say experience is the best teacher,” he said. “I have a lot of experience in this locker room. This is the only one I ever was in, in the NFL. When those guys come in this locker room, they respect the fact that I have experience here, not somewhere else.”  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>> 

The Sacks Will Come - No sacks, no problem. Defensive end Elvis Dumervil, the Broncos’ all-time single-season sack leader, has been held without a sack in the first two contests.  The two-time Pro Bowler isn’t concerned, and neither are his coaches.  Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio said that we was “very happy with Elvis” on Thursday and called his play in the 2012 season “outstanding.”  Head Coach John Fox believes sacks aren’t the only thing that should be used in evaluating the play of a defensive lineman.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Denver Broncos Need More Depth at Running Back Behind Willis McGahee: Fan’s Take - While the entirety of the NFL is fixated on Peyton Manning as the focal point of the Denver Broncos offense, the running game has been performing well. Both of Denver’s first two opponents, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, have very good defenses. Despite that, running back Willis McGahee amassed a total of 177 yards rushing and two touchdowns against them. While he’s seemingly well on his way to another 1,000-yard season, the Broncos badly need for someone to step up behind McGahee and produce.  Read more from Yahoo! Sports >>>>

Denver Broncos vs Houston Texans: A Reunion Feel - When the Denver Broncos host the Houston Texans on Sunday, the game is going to have a reunion feel to it.  The Texans head coach is, Gary Kubiak who played and coached for the Broncos in the 1980’s and 90’s.  Kubiak was a rookie the same season as John Elway, and served as his backup for nine seasons.  He didn’t play a lot but when he did, he almost always played well.  Read more from Rant Sports >>>>

 Coffee with Denver Broncos Cindy Kellogg - Broncos Tackle Hunger, NFL Play 60, Broncos Drive For Life. Denver Broncos fans have all probably heard of these special initiatives either at a game or on the website, but most people don’t know who is responsible for them. Meet Cindy Kellogg, the Vice President of Community Development for the Denver Broncos. She has been the backbone of the community department for nearly 10 years, and her passion for involving the Broncos in the community in which they play sets her apart from the crowd.  Read more from Her Game Life >>>>

Schlereth’s chili to be sold at Sports Authority Field - A former Denver Broncos player’s business recently got a boost when Centerplate Corp. decided to start selling his chili at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.  Mark Schlereth, who played guard in the National Football League for 12 seasons with the Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos, has made Stinkin’ Good Green Chili with his company, Stink Inc., for four years.  Read more from Denver Business Journal >>>>

Denver Broncos Power Rankings: Week 3 - Denver Broncos power rankings from around the web. How did Monday’s 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons affect the Broncos’ power rankings? Let’s find out.  Read more from BroncoTalk >>>> 

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Normalcy.  Finally.

My apologies for the lack of recent coverage.  After five days out-of-state, DHF is back in Denver…just as it should be.

Peyton Manning answers tough questions on heels of 1st loss as Bronco - Given his previous NFL success and respect throughout the league, Peyton Manning appeared insulted Wednesday when asked about the state of his confidence on the heels of Monday’s 27-21 loss at Atlanta.  ”It’s not deterred at all, if you’re insinuating that,” Manning said during his weekly press conference. “We’re still learning about each other. Different opponents each week, live bullets, different types of defenses. As we all continue to learn, the key is you want to win games while you continue to learn. We did that the first game, didn’t do it this week. But there is that process.”  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Broncos cornerback Chris Harris sits out again as Texans await -The Broncos are preparing for the chance that they will once again be without nickel cornerback Chris Harris Sunday against Houston.  Harris, who sprained his ankle on Sept. 9, participated in the stretching portion of practice with his teammates Wednesday, but did conditioning work rather than participate in individual drills. Harris was inactive in Monday’s game at Atlanta, and was replaced by Tony Carter.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Rod Smith to Join Ring of Fame Sunday - At halftime of Sunday’s game vs. Houston, Rod Smith’s name will be immortalized as the 23rd member of the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.  The team’s leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, Smith’s induction was announced by Owner Pat Bowlen in May.  “Players like Rod don’t come through your door very often, but he came through ours every day with a purpose and hunger to be great,” Bowlen said in a statement at the time. “Rod’s production and numbers — as outstanding as they were — paled in comparison to his commitment to winning and the respect he commanded from each and every one of his teammates throughout his career. Emerging from an undrafted player to one of the best to ever play his position, Rod has truly earned his place among the greatest Broncos of all time.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Next-Day Notebook: ‘Not All Negative’- A day after the Broncos fell to the Falcons, 27-21, Head Coach John Fox reflected on the game during a conference call with Denver media.  First, he announced a few roster changes that have been made.  Rookie guard/center Philip Blake has been placed on injured reserve. Center C.J. Davis has been brought up to the active roster from the practice squad, while guard Adam Grant was added to the practice squad.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Manning Moving Forward -Moments after the Broncos’ 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Head Coach John Fox stepped to the podium to address the media.  Asked about quarterback Peyton Manning’s three first-quarter interceptions, Fox pointed to a fact sometimes forgotten with the season underway — Manning and the Broncos are still getting to know one another.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Willis McGahee Continues To Prove He Still Has Heart, Skill - Willis McGahee has lived a long, storied football life.  The 30-year old running back had a dream come true when he was able to play college football in his hometown of Miami, Fla. for the University of Miami (aka “The U”), and he played very well.  In 2001, McGahee won a national championship with the Hurricanes.  Read more from CBS4 >>>>

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Broncos expect more from TE Julius Thomas in regular season - Today’s question about the Broncos comes from David DeChant in Illinois:  Q: What’s going on with Julius Thomas? Is his ankle still bothering him since surgery? He’s barely been on the field, yet nobody (mentioned) him as a final roster cut candidate.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Broncos’ Peyton Manning, Jacob Tamme and Brandon Stokley visit with former coach Tony Dungy - For a few minutes there, it seemed the old Indianapolis Colts had taken over Dove Valley.  Every Broncos player was off the practice fields Monday except for rookie Ronnie Hillman, who stayed late to field some kickoffs. Just off the other practice field were Peyton Manning, Jacob Tamme and Brandon Stokley, former Colts who were gathered around Tony Dungy, their old coach.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Demaryius Thomas, Broncos hope there’s more history in the making - All through the months of the calendar that didn’t include football, Demaryius Thomas always had his answer ready.  Because he knew, without fail, no matter the place and time, a certain 11-second slice of his NFL life was going to come up, often even before the hello.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Elway, Russell Chat with Fans - On Tuesday, the Broncos hosted another fan forum — this time with Denver Broncos Facebook fans as well as season-ticket holders.  The conference call with Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway and Director of Player Personnel Matt Russell drew more than 8,000 fans.  The forum lasted an hour, but drew rave reviews right away.  ”First of all, thank you for having a fan forum,” said Dwayne, a season ticket holder for 20 years. “It’s awesome.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Broncos to Honor Colorado Olympians - A dozen Colorado athletes who competed in the London 2012 Olympic Games will be honored as Broncos Country Heroes during the first quarter of Denver’s season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sunday (6:30 p.m. MDT kickoff).  As part of the celebration, Centennial resident and Regis Jesuit High School student Missy Franklin will serve as an honorary captain and accompany the rest of the Broncos’ captains to midfield for the pregame coin toss. Franklin captured four gold medals and one bronze in her Olympic swimming debut last month.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Smith to Unveil Broncos Fan Flag - This week, the NFL gets back to football. And the Broncos’ newest Ring of Famer, wide receiver Rod Smith, will be in New York City to help celebrate.  As part of the 2012 NFL Kickoff Show, Smith will be part of the pregame celebration at Rockefeller Center on Wednesday in advance of the first game of the season, when the Dallas Cowboys take on the New York Giants.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Hey, somebody’s got to win AFC West – As the season draws near, NFL on FOX analyst Brian Billick gives his predictions for each division in 2012.  Read more from FOX Sports >>>> 

NFL Power Rankings: Denver Broncos middle of the pack according to experts - The start of the NFL regular season is only five days away for most teams, excitement is building and predictions are flying.  The Denver Broncos are slated to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football September 9 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium, and expectations are a Mile High now that the man holding the reins of the Broncos’ offense is Peyton Manning.  Read more from Examiner >>>>

Denver Broncos vs. Pittsburgh Steelers-How Each Can Win – In some ways it seems like we’ve been waiting forever for the Denver Broncos opener versus the Pittsburgh Steelers and in other ways it’s hard to believe it is only five days away. There will be plenty of breakdowns, predictions and discussion about Sunday night’s game in the coming days, but today I am going to tell you why the Broncos can win and why the Steelers can win. We will focus on the offenses now, and take a look at the defenses later tonight.  Read more from Rant Sports >>>> 

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