Broncos Legends: Randy Gradishar's career with the Broncos in photos
Take a look back through Randy Gradishar's career with the Broncos with these photos.

Denver Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar (53) smiles on the sideline during an NFL game in Denver, Colo., in 1979. Exact date is unknown. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)

Linebacker Randy Gradishar chases down a Buffalo Bills ball carrier during a game at Mile High Stadium.

Steelers' quarterback Terry Bradshaw (12) is hit from behind by Denver Broncos' Randy Gradishar (53) and Bob Swenson during AFC Playoff game, Dec. 30, 1978 in Pittsburgh. Bradshaw had just released a successful pass to Lynn Swann. (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy)

Denver Broncos defensive end Lyle Alzado (77), and linebackers Bob Swenson (51) and Randy Gradishar (53) stops Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Randy Grossman (84) during an 1977 AFC Divisional NFL playoff game on December 24, 1977. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 34-21. (Peter Read Miller via AP)

Linebacker Randy Gradishar chases down the Oakland Raiders ball carrier during a game at Mile High Stadium.

Denver Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar (53) looks into the backfield during an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers in Denver, 1970s. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)

Linebacker Randy Gradishar eyes the Bengals quarterback during a game against Cincinnati at Mile High Stadium.

Denver Broncos Randy Gradishar (53) during a game from his 1978 season with the Denver Broncos. Randy Gradishar played for 10 seasons, all with the Denver Broncos and was a 7-time Pro Bowler.(David Durochik via AP)

Randy Gradishar waits for the snap.

Randy Gradishar takes a breather.

Randy Gradishar during a break between plays.

Randy Gradishar talks with defensive coordinator Joe Collier and head coach Dan Reeves.

Randy Gradishar wears a jersey adorned with the nickname "Meatball" as part of a practical joke.

Denver Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar (53) looks into the backfield during an NFL game in Denver, Colo., 1979. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)

Randy Gradishar runs with the play

Denver Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar (53) watches from the sideline during an NFL game in Denver, Colo., in 1979. Exact date is unknown. (AP Photo/NFL Photo)

Pro Bowl Selects Craig Penrose,Rick Upcurch and Randy Gradishar

NOV 1983: Randy Gradishar of the Denver Broncos in action against the Seattle Seahawks, Denver, CO

FILE Denver Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar follows the action in this Dec. 30, 1977 file photo, during a football game against the Oakland Raiders in Denver. Gradishar hopes he gets the phone call on Saturday that he has been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Gradishar was a linebacker with the Denver Broncos from 1974 thru 1983. He was the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year in 1978. (AP Photo/File)

Linebacker Randy Gradishar, the Denver Broncos' No. 1 draft choice, struggles with the bar during chin-up exercises as the NFL team began practice with rookies at Pomona, Calif., July 19, 1974. (AP Photo/Wally Fong)

Randy Gradishar takes a breather.

Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris (32) is met by Denver Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar (53) during an 1977 AFC Divisional NFL playoff on December 24, 1977. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 34-21. (Peter Read Miller via AP)

Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler looks for room under pressure from Denver Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar during first quarter action, Oct. 31, 1976 at the Oakland Coliseum. Stabler was sacked for an eight yard loss on the play. (AP Photo/Jim Palmer)

Randy Gradishar makes a tackle against the Browns.

Randy Gradishar (53) of the Denver Broncos leads the defensive surge during a game against the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 11, 1979. Gradishar has been chosen The Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year. (AP Photo)