The Pro Football Hall of Fame stands as the pinnacle of individual accolades for a player after their playing career concludes. Among the revered Denver Broncos who have been enshrined in Canton, we have legends like John Elway, Terrell Davis, and Peyton Manning, to name a few. But it's not all about the offensive stars; the defense had its share of titans too. However, there's a bit of an oversight, as two remarkable defensive stars are yet to be honored in the Hall of Fame: Barney Chavous and Lyle Alzado.
Chavous and Alzado were a formidable pair on the Denver defense, playing six seasons together and leaving an indelible mark. According to John Turney of Talk of Fame Two, this duo ranks as the eleventh-best defensive end pair in NFL history who have not yet made it to the Hall of Fame. That’s a pretty high praise, considering the myriad of defensive legends who have graced the NFL.
“Both were extremely good vs. the run, and both were solid pass rushers, especially Alzado," Turney noted on TalkOfFameTwo.com. Their prime was during the early 'Orange Crush' years, including 1977, a standout season where the Broncos clinched the AFC championship and squared off against the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XII. That era of Denver football was electric, and these two were at the heart of it.
Let's dive into some stats and accolades. Alzado retired with a commendable 112.5 sacks, notched three All-Pro selections, and made it to two Pro Bowls. His prowess on the field was undeniable, but his off-field admission of steroid use might have cast a shadow over his Hall of Fame candidacy. Despite this, his impact on the game remains undisputed.
Chavous, on the other hand, tallied 75 sacks in his career. While he may not have the All-Pro or Pro Bowl nods like Alzado, he was a stalwart on the Broncos' defense. Some say that accolades don’t always tell the full story, and in Chavous's case, it rings true. He was consistently one of the best players on the field, even if he didn’t get the all-star notice he deserved.
Alzado’s list of honors includes being a first-team All-Pro in 1977, a second-team All-Pro in 1978, and a Pro Bowler for both of those seasons. Chavous didn’t get to make it to a Pro Bowl nor was he named All-AFC, yet his contribution to the team was immense. He was a standout player who, for whatever reason, didn’t receive the star-studded recognition.
The 'Orange Crush' defense is a term that Broncos fans hold dear, and Chavous and Alzado were central figures in that famed defense. During their peak years, the Broncos' defense was a force to be reckoned with, and the duo's chemistry and skill were significant contributors.
Even if their achievements haven’t secured them a spot in Canton, the legacy of Chavous and Alzado remains etched in the hearts of Denver fans. Their six seasons together in Denver were marked by grit, determination, and outstanding performances on the field. Broncos fans who witnessed that era still speak of these players with reverence.
- Key Highlights:
- Chavous and Alzado: Ranked 11th best defensive end duo in NFL history not in the Hall of Fame by Talk of Fame Two.
- Alzado: 112.5 sacks, three All-Pro selections, two Pro Bowls, admitted steroid use potentially affecting Hall of Fame status.
- Chavous: 75 sacks, no Pro Bowl or All-Pro selections but a key player for Denver’s defense.
To sum it up, while Barney Chavous and Lyle Alzado may not have the gold jackets that come with a Hall of Fame induction, their contributions to the Denver Broncos and the NFL are undeniable. They were game-changers, warriors on the field, and a duo that every Denver fan cherishes. Their journey through the NFL might not have ended in Canton, but their impact on the game and the memories they created are immortal.
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