Randy Gradishar

Linebacker for the Denver Broncos, 1974–1983, centerpiece of the Orange Crush Defense, 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee.

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Randolph Charles Gradishar (born March 3, 1952) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for 10 seasons with the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL) during the 1970s and 1980s. A native of Ohio, Gradishar was a one-time consensus and one-time unanimous All-American playing college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, before playing ten seasons for Denver, where he was the centerpiece of their "Orange Crush Defense". In 2024, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Quick Facts

Position: Linebacker
Born: 3 March 1952
Birthplace: Warren, Ohio, U.S.
Draft year: 1974
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 14
High school: Champion (Champion Township, Ohio)
College: Ohio State

Lore & Background

Gradishar was drafted in the first round with the 14th overall pick in the 1974 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos. He became a starter midway through his rookie season and was named to his first Pro Bowl after the 1975 season. He was named consensus NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1978 by winning the Associated Press Award, along with the UPI Defensive Player of the Year award and the NEA Defensive MVP award, receiving the George Halas Trophy. His number 53 is not officially retired by the Broncos; it is only honored in the Ring of Fame.

Reader's Guide

Gradishar played 10 seasons with the Denver Broncos, anchoring the Orange Crush Defense. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, named to his first Pro Bowl after the 1975 season. He won consensus NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1978, earning the AP, UPI, and NEA awards. His number 53 is honored in the Broncos Ring of Fame but not officially retired.