Mike Shanahan is most deserving of his spot in the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame, to which he was recently elected.
His statistics are plentiful, obvious and listed in various articles all over this website.
But as he has been associated with the Broncos since 1984 and I since 1978, I felt more like writing about some of my memories of and with Mike, rather than another recitation of statistics.
I first took note of Mike (and for me, it's "Mike," not "Shanahan," regardless of what the Associated Press style book says) before he came to Denver.
Back in 1983 the University of Florida had a quarterback named Wayne Peace, who was completing over 70 percent of his passes at a time when other college quarterbacks were in the high 50s, maybe in the low 60s.
What is Florida doing that no one else is, I wondered.
I soon saw my answer in the flesh. It was their offensive coordinator, Mike Shanahan, who joined us in 1984. From the first moment, I felt that he had it, that quality that you can tell separates someone from everyone else in his field.
When Mike was interviewed for the University of Kentucky head coaching job and made a fabulous offer by the Wildcats in 1989, he turned them down to stay in Denver.
I remember that he called me early on a Sunday morning to tell me he was coming back. I did not want to be intrusive, but considering the published offer, I asked why he would turn it down.
"I have just always felt that I want to be a head coach in the NFL, Jim," he said, "and so I decided to come back to Denver."
Of course, I had no idea how successful he would be, and how dramatically he would lift the Mile High City — indeed, the entire time zone — in the world of sports.
One year when we were undefeated (which sounds rare, but Mike was undefeated at home for three seasons and his Broncos went almost a calendar year without a loss) I asked him what he sees that others cannot.
"I don't know," he replied in his very modest way. "I just hope I keep seeing it."
One time I asked Mike if he played Little League Baseball, and if so, what position. The answers were yes, and catcher.
It figures, I thought. I could see young Mike standing at the plate watching the action and noting who had run too far, who was going too slow, who was not paying enough attention, and on and on.
Mike saw everything, and he could not be fooled or surprised.
Mike was and is organized, structured, disciplined, and he sees and sets a final goal and cannot be driven away from it.
I remember one time when he was discussing something on our agenda with his longtime assistant, Cindi Lowe. He made a comment that stuck with me and showed his goals.
"Remember, Cindi, whenever we are going to the Super Bowl, we do it this way."
Not "if we happen to go," but "whenever we go."
Indeed, we went to the Super Bowl five times with Mike (three times as an assistant), winning twice, and he won another title with the San Francisco 49ers.
Look back through the coaching career of the Broncos' all-time winningest coach — new Ring of Famer Mike Shanahan.
Coach Mike Shanahan of the Denver Broncos in 1990. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Owner Pat Bowlen and coach Mike Shanahan at the Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre.
Coach Mike Shanahan signs autographs for fans at 1995 training camp.
A portrait of Mike Shanahan in 1995
Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan talks to quarterback John Elway during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills in Denver Sunday night, Sept. 3, 1995. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, December 24, 1995. The Broncos beat the Raiders 31-28. Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway (7) shakes hands with head coach Mike Shanahan. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Coach Mike Shanahan rides in a cart at the June 9, 1997 Mike Shanahan Golf Classic.
John Denver and Mike Shanahan during the Special Olympics Dinner on April 26, 1997 in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Michael Martin
Mike Shanahan during the Special Olympics Dinner on April 26, 1997 in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Michael Martin
Mike Shanahan, with Gary Kubiak behind him, checks the play clock during a game against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 6, 1997.
Mike Shanahan looks up to the big screen to watch an instant replay against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1997.
John Elway talks with Mike Shanahan on the sideline during a game against the Seattle Seahawks at the Kingdome in Seattle, WA on September 7, 1997.
Coach Mike Shanahan of the Denver Broncos talks with coach Pete Carroll of the New England Patriots in August 1997. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Owner Pat Bowlen and coach Mike Shanahan look on during an August 4, 1997 preseason game against the Miami Dolphins in Mexico City.
Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan, Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway (7) and offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak watch from the during an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on November 9,1997. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 34-0. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
John Elway and Mike Shanahan discuss strategy in the locker room after a game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, CA on November 30, 1997.
Head Coach Mike Shanahan yells directions during the AFC Championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Head coach Mike Shanahan speaks with his players in the locker room after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 27, 1997.
Head Coach Mike Shanahan addresses the team in the locker room after the Broncos won their divisional round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.
Denver Broncos linebacker Bill Romanowski douses coach Mike Shanahan after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-21 to win the AFC Championship Sunday, Jan. 11, 1998, at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)
Owner Pat Bowlen and Head Coach Mike Shanahan pose with the AFC Championship trophy after the Broncos' victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Mike Shanahan holds up the AFC Championship trophy and says, "This is not the one we want," after the Broncos beat the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Coach Mike Shanahan of the Denver Broncos poses with players and staff on photo day at Super Bowl XXXII January 20, 1998 in San Diego, California. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Head Coach Mike Shanahan shakes the hand of Shannon Sharpe during pregame warmups before Super Bowl XXXII against the Green Bay Packers on January 25, 1998.
Mike Shanahan addresses his team in the locker room during his post-game speech after winning Super Bowl XXXII against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
Head Coach Mike Shanahan takes the Vince Lombardi Trophy from owner Pat Bowlen in the locker room during post-game celebrations after winning Super Bowl XXXII against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
John Elway receives post-game congratulations in the locker room from coach Mike Shanahan after winning Super Bowl XXXII against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
Mike Shanahan waves to the crowd of fans during the team's Super Bowl XXXII championship parade.
Head coach Mike Shanahan during the championship parade rally, the day after returning from the Super Bowl.
Mike Shanahan speaks to the crowd during the Super Bowl XXXII championship parade and rally.
Pat Bowlen and Mike Shanahan poses for a photo with the Lombardi Trophy.
Mike Shanahan watches the action from the sidelines against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 8, 1998.
Head coach Mike Shanahan congratulates his quarterback John Elway during a game against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 7, 1998.
Mike Shanahan gives a game ball to John Elway after the Broncos won their first playoff game against the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Mike Shanahan, Gary Kubiak and John Elway discuss strategy along the sidelines during a game against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on December 13, 1998.
Mike Shanahan gives a postgame speech after a Broncos win against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, OH on November 1, 1998.
Mike Shanahan gets a victory hug from Keith Burns after winning Super Bowl III against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan and the sideline react to a scoring play during the Broncos' 34-19 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII on January 31, 1999 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
John Elway gets a hug from Mike Shanahan after winning Super Bowl III against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan, right, and Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Reeves, left, meet at midfield at the end of Super Bowl XXXIII, in Miami Sunday Jan. 31, 1999. The two had worked together on the Broncos' coaching staff in the '80s. (AP Photo/John Gaps III)
Mike Shanahan receives the Lombardi Trophy from Terry Bradshaw after winning Super Bowl III against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
John Elway and Mike Shanahan celebrate their second straight Super Bowl title after defeating the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Mike Shanahan addresses his players following the Broncos' Super Bowl XXXIII victory against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway, left, joins head coach Mike Shanahan at a news conference Monday, Feb. 1, 1999, in a downtown Miami hotel in holding the Super Bowl MVP trophy that Elway earned with his performance in leading the Broncos to their second straight title by winning Super Bowl XXXIII over the Atlanta Falcons. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
An estimated 350,000 fans turned out in downtown Denver and then on to city hall to catch a glimpse of their back-to-back world champion Broncos. Mike Shanahan gets a chant started of "one more year, one more year ..."
Mike Shanahan and Jack Elway watch the players participate in the Broncos' minicamp held at the Broncos' training facility in Englewood, CO.
Mike Shanahan and Terrell Davis talk before the start of their season opener against the St. Louis Rams against the St. Louis Rams at Trans World Dome in St. Louis, MO on September 4, 2000.
Mike Shanahan heads into the locker room prior to the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 23, 2000.
Mike Shanahan and Brian Griese talk before the start of their season opener against the St. Louis Rams against the St. Louis Rams at Trans World Dome in St. Louis, MO on September 4, 2000.
Mike Shanahan shakes hands with Raiders head coach Jon Gruden after the game against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum on September 17, 2000.
Mike Shanahan watches the action from the sidelines against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on October 8, 2000.
Mike Shanahan addresses his players following the Broncos' victory over the Falcons against the Atlanta Falcons at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 10, 2000.
Mike Shanahan addresses his players following the Broncos' victory against the San Francisco 49ers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 23, 2000.
Mike Shanahan speaks to the media at the Broncos' training camp held in Greeley, CO.
Mike Shanahan gives his postgame speech following the Broncos' victory against the New Orleans Saints at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on August 25, 2001.
Mike Shanahan chats with Bill Belichick following the game against the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 28, 2001.
Following the 2002 NFL Draft, second-round pick Clinton Portis sits down to talk with Mike Shanahan.
Various players, coaches, alumni and local celebrities came out the Inverness Golf Course in Englewood, CO. to take part in the annual Mike Shanahan Golf Classic.
Mike Shanahan chats with Terrell Davis along the sidelines against the San Francisco 49ers at INVESCO Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on August 19, 2002.
Steve Atwater greets Mike Shanahan along the sidelines against the St. Louis Rams at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 8, 2002.
Mike Shanahan gives instructions to Jason Elam during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 22, 2002.
Mike Shanahan gives his players a hug in the final seconds of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 7, 2003.
Mike Shanahan chats with Tony Dungy before the start of a Broncos game against the Indianapolis Colts at RCA Dome in Indianapolis, IN on January 4, 2004.
Mike Shanahan made a visit to Eaglecrest High School in Centennial, CO. to present a check to the school for being voted the Staples Coach of the Week.
The Denver Broncos held a special press conference at their Dove Valley facility to announce the retirement of Ed McCaffrey, pictured here shaking hands with head coach Mike Shanahan.
Mike Shanahan greets John Lynch shortly before the press conference introducing Lynch as a new Bronco.
Mike Shanahan was on hand at McGlone Elementary School to conduct a press conference and take a tour of the new playground under construction.
Mike Shanahan jokingly hops onto a motorcycle that was autographed by several players for an auction.
Mike Shanahan was on hand at McGlone Elementary School to conduct a press conference and take a tour of the new playground under construction.
Mike Shanahan watches the players go through their pregame drills before the NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on September 26, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Mike Shanahan watches the game action from the sidelines during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on October 17, 2004 at Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California.
Mike Shanahan and John Fox chat during the pregame drills before the NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on October 10, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Jake Plummer and Mike Shanahan discuss a strategy along the sidelines during a 2004 game against the Raiders. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Mike Shanahan watches his players during their pregame drills before a 2005 game against the Colts. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Mike Shanahan watches the game action from the sidelines during a 2005 game.
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Mike Shanahan chats with Steve Atwater before the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony for John Elway and the Class of 2004
Mike Shanahan hands out game balls after the Broncos' victory during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on October 17, 2004 at Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California.
Mike Shanahan discusses a strategy with his players along the bench area during a 2004 game against the Falcons at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO. ©Brett Wilhelm/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Mike Shanahan watches game action as snow falls during a 2004 game against the Raiders. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Mike Shanahan looks out on the field during game action against the Raiders in 2004.
Mike Shanahan goes over the game plan with Jeb Putzier during the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans on December 25, 2004 at The Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee.
Mike Shanahan and his players say a prayer following a 2005 game against the Indianapolis Colts on January 2, 2005 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Mike Shanahan is presented with a game ball after his 100th Broncos coaching victory during the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans on December 25, 2004 at The Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee.
Mike Shanahan speaks to the team after a 2005 victory over the Chargers.
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Mike Shanahan patrols the sideline during a 2005 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars at ALLTEL Stadium in Jacksonville, FL.
Photo: Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Mike Shanahan greets Bill Belichick after a 2005 game against the Patriots. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Mike Shanahan poses with Jake Plummer as the Denver Broncos hold their awards banquet for the 2005 Walter Payton Man of the Year at Morton's Steakhouse. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Mike Shanahan holds up a decorative game ball commemorating the win that made him the franchise's all-time winningest coach.
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Pat Bowlen talks with Mike Shanahan in the locker room after the Broncos beat the Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO in the playoffs. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Terrell Davis talks with Mike Shanahan on the sideline before the 2005 AFC Championship Game.
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Mike Shanahan looks on from the sideline before the 2005 AFC Championship at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO.
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan of the American Football Conference AFC All-Stars surveys the field during the game against the NFC at the NFL Pro Bowl on February 12, 2006 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan passes the ball as he waits for the start of the team's first football practice after a bye week in Denver on Monday, Oct. 2, 2006. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Mike Shanahan coaches from the sidelines during a 2006 game against the Colts at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO. Photo: Rich Clarkson/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Mike Shanahan talks to the team after a 2006 game against the Raiders.
Photo: Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates, LLC
Mike Shanahan talks with Texans head coach Gary Kubiak, who was Shanahan's longtime offensive coordinator, after a preseason match up at Invesco Field in Denver, CO in 2006. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
Mike Shanahan prepares to lead the team onto the field before a game against the Raiders.
Photo: Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates, LLC
Mike Shanahan talks defensive leaders Champ Bailey, John Lynch and Al Wilson during a 2006 game against the Cardinals.
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
Mike Shanahan greets cornerback Champ Bailey before a 2006 game against the Chargers.
Photo: Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates, LLC.
Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan, center, is flanked by the director of player personnel Jim Goodman, left, and Ted Sundquist, right, in the team's draft room at the their headquarters in Denver, Colo., on Saturday, April 28, 2007, as the National Football League's annual draft began. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
Head coaches Herm Edwards of the Kansas City Chiefs speaks with Mike Shanahan of the Denver Broncos on November 11, 2007 in Kansas City, Missouri. Denver defeated Kansas City 27-11. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Members of the 1997 Denver Broncos Super Bowl Team gather with Head Coach Mike Shanahan during Terrell Davis' Ring of Fame ceremony at Invesco Field September 21, 2007.
Coach Mike Shanahan addresses his team in the locker room after Denver defeated Atlanta on November 16, 2008 at the Georgia Dome.
Mike Shanahan talks with Jeremy Bates and Jay Cutler as he tries to redirect the offense in the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium December 12, 2008
Head coach Mike Shanahan gave a game ball to Marquand Manuel for his galant play during a week of family strife after the team defeated the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field September 14, 2008
Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan looks over possible picks as the Broncos prepare for the NFL football draft, in Denver on Saturday, April 26, 2008. The Broncos have the 12th pick in the first round of the draft. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
I remember once when we had won the Super Bowl, one of our great players gave his ring to his brother. A wonderful and magnanimous gesture.
Then, one day during the lunch break, Mike called the player to his office and gave him another ring, which Mike had quietly and personally had made for him.
Players would run though walls for him.
Once upon a time, our local television affiliate mentioned that before our preseason game, which they were to televise, they wished to meet with Mike, like the network guys do.
"Of course," Mike told me when I asked him. "It's very important that we have a good TV broadcast."
Every detail. None too small.
He raised all boats and all those who rode in them.
I am considered very highly by people in the public relations world, and I can honestly say I learned things to do — and not do — from Mike, which raised my game to another level.
Once upon a time, Denver got a tremendous snowstorm, so I left my house hours early (I lived the farthest away of any employee at that time) and was sitting at my desk when my cell phone rang. It was our director of operations telling me we would be closed on that day, as "no one can get in."
I thanked him and went down the hall to tell the one other person in the office that the Broncos were closed because no one could get in.
It was Mike, and we shared a chuckle.
You can do anything. Plan, prepare and do.
As I write this, one memory turns into another, and they just flood my mind.
I still have dreams (good dreams) about those days working with Mike, standards and expectations, more fulfilled than not.
But the most searing thought is that all those memories combine to tell me this: Mike Shanahan was one of a kind.
