Orange Crusher Randy Gradishar

Number: 53
Position: Linebacker
Year Inducted: 1989
Years with Broncos: 1974-83

• Gradishar Visits Troops in Iraq -- May 17, 2004

Then: Randy Gradishar was the only Ring of Fame inductee in 1989, in recognition of a 10-year career at linebacker with the Broncos. During his career, Gradishar was a seven-time Pro Bowler, the most by any Bronco at the end of his career, and he is also the all-time leader in tackles for Denver, finishing with 2,049. Gradishar never missed a game, playing in 145 in a row. He accounted for 33 turnovers in his career (20 INTs and 13 fumble recoveries) and was voted the Defensive Player of the Year in 1978 by AP, UPI, Pro Football Weekly and NEA (George Halas Award). His teammates also voted him team defensive MVP in 1978 and 1980. While at Ohio State, Gradishar was referred to by his head coach -- the legendary Woody Hayes -- as "the best linebacker I ever coached at Ohio State." Randy was a three-year starter for the Buckeyes and was named to every All-America team following his senior season, as well as being an Academic All-America selection, graduating with a degree in distributive education. Gradishar was also the president of the Denver Broncos Youth Foundation from 1982-92. He was inducted in 1998 into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Now: Gradishar joined the Phil Long Dealerships as Leadership Manager in December 1997, a position in which he helps train, equip and support employees in the quest to achieve their goals and objectives. In that capacity he encourages employees to exceed customer expectations and ensure customer satisfaction. Gradishar is also instrumental in the Phil Long Community Fund, which operates in conjunction with the Denver Broncos Charities Fund to make an investment back into the communities with which it does business, as well as the Phil Long University, furnishing employees with career opportunities through quality education and state-of-the-art training. Gradishar and his wife, Beth, make their home in Denver. He has three children: Paige, Meredith and Mark.

Randy Gradishar's Regular Season Record
Year	Games	Starts	Tackles	Ints.	Yards	Avg.	TD
1974	14	4	51	0	0	0.0	0
1975	14	14	177	3	77	25.7	1
1976	14	14	198	3	44	14.7	1
1977	14	14	219	3	56	18.7	0
1978	16	16	286	4	19	4.8	0
1979	16	15	235	0	0	0.0	0
1980	16	16	250	2	96	38.0	1
1981	16	16	258	4	38	9.5	0
1982	9	9	151	0	0	0.0	0
1983	16	16	224	1	5	5.0	0
Career Totals	145	134	2,049	20	335	16.8	3