6 Broncos greats who should go into the Ring of Fame next
6 Broncos greats who should go into the Ring of Fame next
With the Denver Broncos' recent announcement of Demaryius Thomas going into the team's Ring of Fame, there should be some discussion of who should go into the Broncos Ring of Fame next. We take a look at the next five worthy candidates. Note that players must wait at least five years after retirement and have played for the Broncos for at least four seasons to be eligible.
1. Ed McCaffrey
The former Broncos receiver was one of the toughest players in franchise history. One of the biggest surprises is that McCaffrey isn't in the Ring of Fame yet. As one of the primary pass-catchers for Denver during the Super Bowl-winning years in 1997 and 1998, McCaffrey played in Denver for nine years (1995-2003), recording 462 receptions for 6,200 yards and 46 touchdowns. The fact that he's produced an All-Pro running back as a son in Christian McCaffrey and is a Colorado lifer should say something as well. McCaffrey was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 2022; the next logical space for McCaffrey should be on the Level 5 facade of Empower Field at Mile High.
2. Al Wilson
Wilson played for the Broncos from 1999-2006, earning five Pro Bowl selections as well as first- (2005) and second-team (2006) All-Pro nods. His 723 tackles rank eighth on the team's all-time list. Wilson had a falling out with the team over the handling of a neck injury near the end of his career, but the two sides have since mended their relationship. He should now go into the club's Ring of Fame.
3. Von Miller
While Miller is still an active player, there is no doubt that Miller will one day be a Ring of Famer, and very likely, a Pro Football Hall of Famer. Miller is the Broncos' all-time leader in sacks (110.5) and was the MVP of Super Bowl 50, and he's a two-time Super Bowl champion. Miller was a Bronco for 10 seasons, and he will always be beloved in Denver.
4. Chris Harris
Harris is a Broncos success story as an undrafted free agent. Harris defined the slot corner position for many years, and was one of the original anchors of the "No-Fly Zone" defense that helped Denver to a victory in Super Bowl 50. In nine seasons with the Broncos, Harris started 121 games, totaling 518 tackles (443 solo, 75 assisted), recovering four fumbles, forcing six fumbles, 86 pass deflections and intercepting 20 passes (including four returned for touchdowns). Harris was a Pat Bowlen player, one of the highest compliments one could receive.
5. Ryan Clady
Clady was one of the offensive lineman mainstays for the Broncos from the time he was drafted out of Boise State (12th overall) in 2008 until 2014. Clady was the blindside protector for several Broncos quarterbacks (Kyle Orton, Tim Tebow and Peyton Manning), starting 106 games for Denver. A four-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro, Clady was named second runner-up for the 2008 AP Offensive Player of the Year, an award most linemen could never even dream about touching. Clady has been eligible for Ring of Fame status since 2021.
6. Matt Prater
This one could be considered controversial. Prater is still an active kicker, and is an unrestricted free agent in 2025. Prater first came to the Broncos in 2007, playing for Denver from 2007-2014. Prater was an extremely reliable kicker during his time in Mile High, benefiting from the thin Colorado air. A two-time Pro Bowler, Prater is the current NFL leader in kicks attempted (487), extra points attempted (603) and extra points made (587). During the Broncos' historic offensive season in 2013, Prater set a then-NFL record with a 64-yard field goal. Prater's time in Denver came to an ignominious ending in 2014 when he was cut for a suspension from the NFL for abusing the league's substance abuse policy, but his time with the club was historic. He holds the NFL record for field goals made over 50 yards (81) and is fourth on the Broncos' all-time scoring list.
Who else should be on this list, modern or classic? We'd love to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter/X!
Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
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