Governor declares May 3 ‘Randy Gradishar Day’

The celebration will begin outside the State Capitol at 2 p.m.

Randy Gradishar is going into the Hall of Fame in August.

But on Friday, the state of Colorado is celebrating “Randy Gradishar Day” – No. 53 on 5/3.

Gov. Jared Polis announced the declaration, which will be celebrated via a special proclamation reading at the State Capitol building’s west steps at 2 p.m. Mile High Time.

Gradishar, anchor of the Orange Crush defense and member of the Ring of Fame, was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 this February, and will become officially enshrined in Canton, Ohio, in August.

Gradishar is the first member of the Orange Crush defense to get inducted into the Hall of Fame. He’s also the third defensive player in Broncos’ history to get this honor.

Jim Saccamano, former head of Broncos PR, told Mile High Report’s Ian St. Clair last year that Gradishar going in the Hall of Fame was as big of a deal as Floyd Little and John Elway.

“I think it’s as significant of a Hall of Fame induction as Floyd Little and John Elway.

“Randy was a guy symbolic of the defensive side of the ball, as Floyd was on the offensive side of the ball. He was a great player. It was a different era. It was an era defined by the middle linebackers. They funneled everything to the middle, and he was like Pac-Man. He was just unbelievable. It’s a great moment for the Orange Crush defense. For the fans who supported the team at that time. That leader of that team and defense is in.”

Gradishar’s selection to the Hall of Fame was long overdue as everyone in Broncos Country knew his contributions to the team and to pro football generally were huge.

There have been 10 linebackers in NFL history who have 20+ career interceptions, 10+ fumble recoveries and 7+ Pro Bowl selections.

Of those 10, eight were on the NFL 100 team and nine were inducted into the Hall of Fame within TWO years of eligibility. The lone linebacker not to gain induction until this year was Gradishar.

And then, of course, there are Gradishar’s 2,000 tackles. It will be nice to put the debate to rest about the legitimacy of those tackles – because we all know they were legit. As does anyone who was tackled by No, 53.

There will be a lot to celebrate on Friday.