"[Shanahan] was able to do it two times and win back-to-back Super Bowls, which I think really kind of separates you," Pro Football Hall of Fame voter and Coach/Contributor Selection Committee member Charean Williams said.

Gradishar played alongside Jackson for the duration of the new Hall of Famer's 10-year career, and the two Ohio natives became close friends.

The heart of the Broncos' "Orange Crush" defense is headed for pro football immortality.

Ring of Famers Rod Smith, Tom Nalen and Jason Elam are among the retired former Broncos under consideration by the Hall of Fame's selection committee.

While Gradishar's significant jump toward being enshrined in Canton honored his individual accomplishments, it was also the long-awaited recognition of Denver's famed Orange Crush defense.

One of the greatest defenders in Broncos history is one step away from being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Shanahan is among 12 Coach/Contributor semifinalists who remain in the running to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2024.

"I think his leadership qualities and the energy that he had and that he brought to the room was definitely a catalyst of getting us over the hump," Von Miller said.

The former Broncos great and Super Bowl 50 champion detailed the challenges he faced in his youth that shaped his Hall of Fame path.

The smile that Broncos fans became so accustomed to seeing during Ware's three years in Denver was hard for the Super Bowl 50 champion to contain.

In August, the Seniors and Coach/Contributor committees will pick three former players and one coach or contributor for final consideration for the Hall of Fame.