ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — A dozen former Broncos have been nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 as Modern-Era Players.
The list of 128 nominees, unveiled on Wednesday, features two Broncos Ring of Famers in former wide receiver Rod Smith and center Tom Nalen and several other luminaries from the franchise's storied past.
Smith, the Broncos' all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown receptions, was also one of the most successful undrafted players in league history. The Missouri Southern product joined the team as a college free agent in 1994 and entered the team's starting lineup in 1997, helping the Broncos and their prolific offense win back-to-back Super Bowls. He also earned three Pro Bowl selections and was named a second-team All-Pro receiver twice (2000-01). In 2001, he also finished the season as the league leader in receptions with 113 (also a single-season franchise record).
Nalen, elected to the Ring of Fame in 2013, also joined the Broncos in 1994 and served an instrumental role in the team's Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII victories. At the middle of a dominant offensive line that helped Broncos running backs rush for 1,000 yards 11 times, Nalen was one of the finest centers of his era. Denver's line also allowed just 395 sacks during his tenure, which represent the third fewest in the league in that time. The former seventh-round pick is also the most-decorated Broncos offensive lineman, as he was named a five-time Pro Bowler, a two-time first-team All-Pro and a 1999 second-team All-Pro. Nalen was also one of the most dependable players in team history, as his 188 starts are second only to John Elway's 231.
Joining Smith and Nalen as Modern-Era nominees are:
- RB Jamaal Charles (2017)
- WR Brandon Lloyd (2009-11)
- WR Brandon Marshall (2006-09)
- WR Wes Welker (2013-14)
- TE Vernon Davis (2015)
- T Ryan Clady (2008-15)
- DT Jurrell Casey (2020)
- DE Elvis Dumervil (2006-12)
- DE Simeon Rice (2007)
- DT Ted Washington (1994)
The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Selection Committee will cut the list of 128 Modern-Era nominees to 50 in October, then to 25 semifinalists later this year and then to 15 finalists to be considered for election prior to Super Bowl LX. A minimum of three and maximum of five Modern-Era Players may be elected to the Class of 2026.
The committee will also consider finalists from the Seniors, Coach and Contributor categories. Several former Broncos, including six Ring of Famers, were previously announced as nominees in the Seniors category.
The most-recent former Bronco inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame was Ring of Fame linebacker Randy Gradishar, who was picked from the Seniors category in 2024. The Broncos last saw one of their alumni elected as a Modern-Era selection in 2023, when Super Bowl 50 champion DeMarcus Ware was enshrined.
