Denver Broncos Eye Hall of Fame Recognition as 12 Modern Era Stars Contend for 2026 Induction
The Denver Broncos are gearing up for a potentially historic year as they celebrate the nomination of 12 former players for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame. This prestigious list, which features a total of 128 candidates, includes some of the most iconic figures in Broncos history.
Broncos Nominees for the Hall of Fame
Among the 12 Broncos nominated for induction are:
Rod Smith | WR (1994-2006)
Tom Nalen | C (1994-2008)
Jamaal Charles | RB (2017)
Brandon Lloyd | WR (2009-11)
Brandon Marshall | WR (2006-09)
Wes Welker | WR (2013-14)
Vernon Davis | TE (2015)
Ryan Clady | OT (2008-15)
Jurrell Casey | DT (2020)
Elvis Dumervil | DE (2006-12)
Simeon Rice | DE (2007)
Ted Washington | DT (1994)
The Hall of Fame Selection Committee will narrow this extensive pool down to 50 candidates in October, which will then reduce to 25 and finally 15 before the Super Bowl. At least three players will ultimately be selected for the Class of 2026, raising the stakes for the Broncos’ hopefuls.
Key Contenders: Rod Smith and Tom Nalen
While all nominees hold merit, two names stand out above the rest: Rod Smith and Tom Nalen. Both were integral to the Broncos’ back-to-back Super Bowl victories in the late 1990s, yet they have yet to receive the Hall of Fame recognition many feel they deserve.
Rod Smith: A Legacy of Excellence
Rod Smith is often regarded as one of the greatest undrafted success stories in NFL history. Throughout his 13 seasons with the Broncos, he amassed a remarkable 849 receptions for 11,389 yards and 68 touchdowns. Despite being a three-time Pro Bowler and a two-time second-team All-Pro, his accolades seem insufficient given his production.
Smith achieved eight 1,000-yard receiving seasons, six of which were consecutive. He excelled not just under Hall of Famer John Elway but also maintained his effectiveness with subsequent quarterbacks, including Brian Griese and Jake Plummer. His receiving records remain unparalleled in Broncos history, with only Demaryius Thomas trailing him.
Had Smith played for a franchise with a more storied history, such as the Cowboys or Packers, his accolades would likely include more Pro Bowl selections. His standing as the 39th all-time in NFL receiving yards, just behind Calvin Johnson, speaks to the need for the Hall of Fame Selection Committee to correct this oversight.
Tom Nalen: The Unsung Hero
Much of what has been said about Smith applies equally to Tom Nalen, albeit from the perspective of an offensive lineman. Drafted in the seventh round of 1994, Nalen became a fixture on the Broncos’ offensive line, starting 188 games over his 14-year career. His contributions were pivotal in securing two Super Bowl championships and protecting the quarterbacks who led the team to glory.
Nalen’s ability to block for elite running backs is noteworthy. He paved the way for numerous 1,000-yard rushing seasons, including Terrell Davis’s remarkable 2,000-yard campaign in 1998. He earned five Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro honors, and his impact on the game is undeniable.
While both Smith and Nalen have strong cases for induction, the likelihood of their simultaneous enshrinement remains uncertain. However, the passion of Broncos fans could sway the Selection Committee in their favor.
The Other Contenders
The remaining ten nominees also warrant recognition, particularly Brandon Marshall, Wes Welker, and Ryan Clady. Marshall, a product of the late Shanahan era, delivered three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with the Broncos and continued his success with multiple teams. Welker, although a brief member of the Broncos, played a critical role in their record-setting offense during the Peyton Manning era.
Ryan Clady, a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, is regarded as one of the best left tackles in Broncos history, second only to Hall of Famer Gary Zimmerman. His contributions to the team’s success, including a Super Bowl victory, add to his candidacy.
Seniors Category Nominees
In addition to the modern era candidates, the Hall of Fame has announced nominees for the Seniors category, with seven former Broncos listed, six of whom are in the Ring of Fame:
Lionel Taylor | WR
Rick Upchurch | WR
Karl Mecklenburg | LB
Goose Gonsoulin | S
Louis Wright | CB
Dennis Smith | S
Neil Smith | DE
Among these, Mecklenburg and Wright stand out as particularly deserving. Mecklenburg’s six Pro Bowl selections and four first-team All-Pro honors, along with Wright’s status as a five-time Pro Bowler and member of the 1970s All-Decade Team, solidify their legacies.
As the countdown to the 2026 Hall of Fame induction continues, the hope remains strong among Broncos fans that their legends will finally receive the recognition they so richly deserve.
