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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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.

Wide receiver Rod Smith and former coach Dan Reeves are among the 77 nominees named in September that did not advance.

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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.

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