After retired safety Steve Atwater was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, he spoke with media members in Miami about his career and who he hopes will join him in Canton.
“I’m hoping Randy Gradishar of course can get in,” Atwater said, via a quote sheet from the Broncos. “We’ve got a lot of guys that are on the slate. Karl [Mecklenburg] probably be in the seniors pool. Of course, Dennis Smith — hopefully in the future we can get more guys in. I think it certainly helps to have more guys in than with fewer.”
Of the three players Atwater mentioned, Gradishar is likely the most notable candidate for the Hall of Fame. He was a “Centennial Slate” finalist this year but was not among the 10 senior players voted into the Hall of Fame.
Gradishar was a key member of the Broncos’ defense from 1974–1983. During that time, Gradishar earned seven Pro Bowl nods and Defensive Player of the Year honors (1978). He helped Denver’s famous “Orange Crush” defense lead the Broncos to the Super Bowl in 1977 and he is a member of the team’s Ring of Fame.
Atwater is right — Gradishar belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
[vertical-gallery id=632159]