Randy Gradishar
The heart of the Orange Crush defense and a Ring of Fame legend whose number 53 remains in circulation.
Drafted in the first round with the 14th overall pick in the 1974 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos, Randy Gradishar spent ten seasons with the franchise. He played along with Tom Jackson as part of the Orange Crush Defense and is considered by some to be the greatest defensive player in Broncos history. Gradishar became a starter midway through his rookie season and was named to his first Pro Bowl after the 1975 season. He anchored a defense that led the AFC in fewest points allowed in 1977 and assisted the Broncos to Super Bowl XII, their very first.
- Position
- Linebacker
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Gradishar was the centerpiece of the Broncos' 'Orange Crush Defense' and was named consensus NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1978, winning the Associated Press Award, the UPI Defensive Player of the Year award, and the NEA Defensive MVP award, receiving the George Halas Trophy. He earned Pro Bowl honors in seven of his ten NFL seasons. His former coach Dan Reeves said, 'He was as good a linebacker as I have ever been around... He never missed a game and was a dominant force on the field.' Gradishar retired after the 1983 season. His number 53 is honored in the Ring of Fame but has not been officially retired by the Broncos.
In Their Own Story
In a 1975 Monday Night Football game versus the Green Bay Packers, Gradishar picked off a pass and returned it for a game-sealing touchdown while also recording a sack, two tackles for loss, knocked down two passes, and recorded six solo tackles. Against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium in 1980, he returned an interception 93 yards for a touchdown, his career-long interception return and a team record. In week 12 of the 1983 season against the Seattle Seahawks, Gradishar intercepted a pass, recovered a fumble, recorded a sack, and a tackle for loss to go with his season-high 15 tackles in a key 38–27 win.
Reader's Guide
Randy Gradishar played for the Denver Broncos from 1974 to 1983, serving as the cornerstone of their defense during a transformative era. As a linebacker, he combined exceptional coverage skills with hard-hitting tackling, earning seven Pro Bowl selections. His greatest achievements include leading the team to its first Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl XII and being named consensus NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1978. From 1975 through 1983, the Broncos' 'Orange Crush' defense allowed the third fewest rushing yards in the NFL, behind only the Steelers' 'Steel Curtain' defense and the Cowboys' 'Doomsday' defense. Gradishar was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024.
Did You Know?
- Gradishar was a consensus First-team All-American in 1972 and a unanimous First-team selection in 1973 at Ohio State.
- He finished sixth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy in 1973.
- Gradishar made 22 tackles against Washington State in 1973, then the second most in a game in Ohio State history, and still stands as 9th best.
- His 320 career tackles at Ohio State were the most in school history when he left and now stand as 11th best in team history.
- Gradishar was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Randy Gradishar?
Randy 'Grad' Gradishar was the starting linebacker for the Denver Broncos from 1974 to 1985, serving as the defensive anchor during the team's transformation into a playoff contender.
What role did he play on the field?
As the physical engine of the legendary Orange Crush defense, Gradishar led the linebacker corps with relentless tackling and disciplined coverage that stifled opposing offenses.
Why is Randy Gradishar important to Broncos history?
He provided essential stability in the locker room and on the field, guiding a struggling squad through rough patches until they finally reached the Super Bowl stage.
Was his jersey number officially retired?
Although his number 53 was honored with induction into the Ring of Fame, it is not officially retired and remains available for current players to wear.
How did his career end?
Gradishar concluded his eleven-year tenure as a cornerstone of the defense in 1985, leaving behind a legacy defined by durability and leadership that helped establish the franchise's identity.
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