Photos: All of the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame inductees

Lionel Taylor, one of the "original Broncos," was one of the initial Ring of Famers after being inducted with the inaugural class in 1984. He finished his seven-year Broncos career (1960-66) as the franchise's all-time leader in receptions (543) and receiving yards (6,872), records he held until 1999 (and now ranks fourth in each). Regarded by many as the possessor of the best hands in pro football, Taylor led the AFL in receiving for five of the league's first six years of existence and was a three-time All-AFL selection (1960-61, '65) who played in the league all-star game in 1962.

Floyd Little, named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2010, was one of the four original Denver Broncos Ring of Fame inductees from 1984 and joins John Elway and Frank Tripucka as one of three Broncos whose jersey number is retired. A first-round (sixth overall) draft choice of the Broncos in 1967 from Syracuse University, Little was the first No. 1 draft pick ever signed by the Broncos and was widely regarded as "The Franchise" for much of his nine-year career in which he established himself as Denver's first serious threat at running back. A Pro Bowl participant from 1970-71 and in '73, Little twice played in the AFL All-Star Game (1968-69) and was named the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Pro Athlete of the Year in 1972. He finished his Broncos career ranked No. 1 on the franchise's all-time list for rushing attempts (1,641), rushing yards (6,323) and rushing touchdowns (43), and he now ranks second in each behind Terrell Davis. Among professional football players from 1967-75, only O.J. Simpson totaled more rushing yards than Little, who also posted the fourth-most rushing scores in football during that time. He led Denver in rushing for seven consecutive seasons from 1967-73, marking the longest such streak in club history, and at the time of his retirement ranked seventh in NFL annals in career rushing yards.

Rich Jackson was one of the four original Ring of Famers who were inducted in 1984 and was recognized for his six outstanding seasons with the Broncos from 1967-72. He was considered by many as the best defensive end in professional football during his prime. Known as "Tombstone," Jackson was the first Bronco to be named to the All-NFL first team in 1970. His 43 sacks as a Bronco were the most by any player in club history at the conclusion of his career.

Austin "Goose" Gonsoulin was one of the four original Ring of Fame inductees in 1984 and was recognized for his splendid play at safety for seven seasons. Gonsoulin was one of the original Broncos from the 1960 season and was one of three original Broncos still with the team at the start of his final year with the club in 1966. At the end of his Broncos career, he was the all-time American Football League leader in interceptions with 43 and still ranks second in club history in that category. He was an All-AFL choice in 1960, '62 and '63 while also being named to the AFL All-Star Game from 1961-64 and in '66.

Gerald H. Phipps became the first non-player to be inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 1985. Under the guidance of Phipps and his brother Allan, the Broncos rose from their less than auspicious beginnings to the top of the American Football Conference after Phipps purchased the club on Feb. 15, 1965. In 1977, the Broncos posted a 12-2 regular-season record and advanced to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history en route to claiming their first-ever AFC Championship and appearing in their first Super Bowl (XII vs. Dallas). Denver won the AFC West title in 1977 and '78 with Phipps as owner, and the club made three consecutive playoff appearances (1977-79). Under Phipps, the Broncos ultimately rose to a position as one of the NFL's most stable franchises after recording the first winning season in club history under his direction in 1973 (7-5-2 record).

Frank Tripucka, who joined the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 1986, is one of the "original Broncos," playing for the team from 1960-63. Tripucka led the Broncos to their first-ever .500 season in 1962 (7-7) and represented half of the Tripucka-to-Lionel Taylor passing combination as the duo (both Ring of Famers) went on to set various records together. Tripucka, who joins John Elway and Floyd Little as one of three Broncos whose jersey number is retired, recorded his best statistical season in 1960 when he completed 248-of-478 passes (51.9%) for 3,038 yards with 24 touchdowns. His 3,038 passing yards led the AFL that year while his 24 touchdown passes tied for the second-highest total in the league.

A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Paul Smith led an illustrious career for the Broncos over 11 seasons, which included the team's first playoff appearance and Super Bowl run.

Charley Johnson, a Bronco from 1972-75, quarterbacked the Broncos to their first winning season (7-5-2 in 1973), a landmark moment in the first 14 years of club annals. Johnson set a Broncos record for passing accuracy in 1974 by completing 55.7 percent of his attempts. He made the All-AFC team picked by UPI and Pro Football Weekly after the 1973 season while being chosen by his teammates as the Broncos' most valuable offensive player.

Billy Thompson, regarded by many as one of the best defensive backs in Denver Broncos history, was the only Ring of Fame inductee in 1987. A third-round draft choice (61st overall) by the Broncos in 1969, Thompson was the first player in team history to play 13 seasons with Denver (1969-81) with that total tying for the sixth highest in franchise annals. Thompson was a three-time Pro Bowl selection (1977-78, '81) who earned All-NFL honors twice (1977-78) while establishing himself as one of the game's top ballhawks, finishing his career with a club-record 61 takeaways (40 INTs/21 FUM) as a member of teams that reached the playoffs three times (1977-79), won two division titles (1977-78) and appeared in one Super Bowl (XII in 1977).

Jim Turner, a 1988 inductee into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame, ranks as one of the most prolific kickers of all time in professional football. He never missed a game as a pro and finished with a streak of 228 consecutive appearances, including 130 in nine seasons (1971-79) with the Broncos, for whom he scored 742 points to establish himself as Denver's all-time scoring leader until Jason Elam passed his mark in 1999. Turner also ranks behind only Elam in Broncos history in career field goals made (151) and extra points made (283). Turner's 151 field goals made with Denver from 1971-79 marked the fourth-highest total in the NFL during that period while his 742 points scored were the fifth most in the league over that span. In 1977, Turner helped Denver post a 12-2 regular-season record to earn the franchise's first-ever playoff appearance en route to advancing to Super Bowl XII against Dallas. Turner was a key part of Broncos squads that earned a total of three playoff appearances (1977-79) and two division titles (1977-78).

Moses played 10 seasons for the Broncos from 1972-81 and was a key member of the team's first playoff team that earned the franchise's first Super Bowl appearance. He finished his Broncos career ranked third in receptions and receiving yards and tied for first in receiving touchdowns.

Craig Morton, who joined the Broncos from the New York Giants in a 1977 trade, was Denver's starting quarterback for most of the period from 1977-82 and led the team to its first postseason and Super Bowl berth (XII vs. Dallas) in 1977 when he guided the Broncos to a 12-2 regular-season record and home playoff wins against Pittsburgh and Oakland that year. Morton, who played for the Cowboys from 1965-74, earned a variety of awards for his performance in 1977, including AFC Most Valuable Player honors after ranking fourth in the league in passer rating (82.0). During his career with Denver, he led the team to two division titles (1977-78) and three playoff berths (1977-79).

Randy Gradishar was the only Ring of Fame inductee in 1989 in recognition of his outstanding 10-year career (1974-83) at linebacker for the Broncos. Gradishar earned seven Pro Bowl selections, a total that was the most by a Bronco at the end of his career, and he is the Broncos' all-time leader in tackles with 2,049. Voted the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1978 by AP, UPI, Pro Football Weekly and NEA (George Halas Award), Gradishar helped the Broncos to four playoff berths (1977-79, '83), two division titles (1977-78) and an appearance in Super Bowl XII during the 1977 season.

Selected by the Broncos in the fourth round (88th overall) of the 1973 NFL Draft from the University of Louisville, Tom Jackson finished his 14-year career (1973-86) having played the most games in Broncos history at 191 and currently stands fourth on that list. Jackson, who started every possible game in a season seven times for his career, made three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances from 1977-79 and was named first-team All- Pro twice (1977-78). He also was named by his teammates as Denver's defensive MVP in 1974, '76 and '77. The linebacker helped the Broncos to six playoff berths (1977-79, '83-84, '86), four division titles (1977-78, '84, '86) and two Super Bowls (XII in 1977, XXI in '86). He was a key member of the 1977 squad that posted a 12-2 regular-season record en route to earning the franchise's first-ever playoff berth and advancing to Super Bowl XII against the Cowboys.

Louis Wright was a five-time Pro Bowl choice (1977-79, '83, '85) and is one of nine players in franchise history to be selected to at least five Pro Bowls. He was named All-NFL by The Sporting News, Pro Football Weekly and the NEA in 1977, a year in which he was a key member of Denver's 12-2 team that became the first in franchise history to make the playoffs en route to reaching Super Bowl XII against Dallas. For his career, Wright helped the Broncos earn six playoff berths (1977-79, '83-84, '86), four division titles (1977-78, '84, '86) and two Super Bowl appearances (XII in '77 and XXI in '86).

John Elway, a two-time Super Bowl champion as a player, a member of the Hall of Fame Class of 2004 and the most accomplished player in Denver Broncos history, was elected to the franchise's Ring of Fame in 1999. The only player for whom the customary wait for Ring of Fame induction was waived, Elway finished his magnificent career completing 4,123-of-7,250 passes (56.9%) for 51,475 yards with 300 touchdowns and 226 interceptions. A starter in five Super Bowls overall, Elway capped his playing days with Super Bowl XXXIII Most Valuable Player honors after helping the Broncos capture the second of back-to-back world championships following the 1998 season. Elway, who retired as the NFL's all-time winningest starting quarterback (148-82-1 / .643) was voted to a franchise-record nine Pro Bowl appearances (1986, '87, '89, '91, '93, '94, '96, '97 and '98) and as a starter six times. He was the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1987 and AFC Player of the Year in 1993.

Dennis Smith was inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 2001, honoring his stellar 14-year career (1981-94) with the club during which he established himself as one of the most feared safeties in the NFL. A ferocious hitter, Smith was voted to six Pro Bowls (1985-86, '89-91, '93) that tie for the sixth most by a player in Broncos history. The four-time All-NFL choice (1985-86, '89, '93) was a key part of seven playoff teams, five division champions and three Super Bowl teams (XXI in 1986, XXII in '87, XXIV in '89) with Denver.

Karl Mecklenburg joined the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 2001 after establishing himself as one of the most outstanding defensive players in franchise history during his 12-year career from 1983-94. Mecklenburg overcame long odds to achieve greatness after being drafted by the Broncos in the 12th round from the University of Minnesota in 1983—the 310th player chosen. Mecklenburg was voted to play in six Pro Bowls (1985-87, '89, '91, '93), a total that ties for the fifth highest by a player in team history. He was named All-AFC and All-NFL four times (1985-87, '89) and was tabbed the 1986 AFC Player of the Year by Football News. Mecklenburg helped Denver to seven postseason appearances (1983-84, '86-87, '89, '91, '93), five division titles (1984, '86-87, '89, '91) and three Super Bowl berths (XXI in 1986, XXII in '87, XXIV in '89).

Gary Zimmerman, named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2008, was inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 2003. He played tackle for the Broncos for five seasons (1993-97) and became the first offensive lineman in the history of the franchise to be honored with inclusion in the Ring. He was named to the Pro Bowl three times (1994-96) as a Bronco and helped the franchise to its first-ever world championship with a victory over Green Bay in Super Bowl XXXII during his final season in 1997.

Steve Atwater, a 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, was chosen as the 20th member of the Broncos' Ring of Fame in 2005 after a brilliant 10-year career with the club from 1989-98. Regarded as one of the toughest safeties in the NFL during his playing days, Atwater was voted to a franchise record-tying seven consecutive Pro Bowls from 1990-96, and his eight career Pro Bowl selections are the second most by a player in Broncos history. He was also a key member of the team's back-to-back Super Bowl victories.

A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2017, Terrell Davis was inducted as the 21st member of the Ring of Fame in 2007 after establishing himself as the Denver Broncos' all-time leading rusher while spending his entire eight-year career with the team from 1995-2002. Davis, the 1998 league MVP, was a three-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro selection and helped lead the Broncos to back-to-back world championships.

Shannon Sharpe was elected as the 22nd member of the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame on May 12, 2009, after 12 record-setting seasons with the club from 1990-99 and 2002-03. A Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee in 2011, Sharpe tied a Broncos record with seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1992-98 while becoming the NFL's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns by a tight end. A key member of the Broncos' back-to-back Super Bowl championship teams from 1997-98, Sharpe also was a four-time first-team All-Pro selection by the Associated Press as a Bronco.

Rod Smith, the franchise's all-time leading receiver, was elected to the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 2012. A three-time Pro Bowl selection (2000-01, '05), Smith played 183 regular-season games (158 starts) over 12 seasons while setting club records for receptions (849), receiving yards (11,389) and receiving touchdowns (68). He also established the team's career postseason receiving marks with 49 catches for 860 yards and six touchdowns in 13 playoff games, including Denver's back-to-back Super Bowl championships following the 1997 and '98 seasons.

A center for the Broncos for 14 seasons (1994-2008), Tom Nalen made five Pro Bowls and was a member of the team's back-to-back Super Bowl championship teams.

Gene Mingo, who played five seasons with the club (1960-64), was one of three inductees into the Ring of Fame in 2014, becoming the fourth "original Bronco" to receive the honor. During the first four seasons (1960-63) in Broncos history, Mingo ranked third in professional football with 375 total points, trailing only Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Paul Hornung (396 pts.) and Patriots Hall of Fame wide receiver/kicker Gino Cappelletti (448 pts.). He led the American Football League in scoring on two occasions—producing 123 points (6 TDs, 18 FGs, 33 PATs) in Denver's inaugural 1960 season and 137 points (4 TDs, 27 FGs, 32 PATs) as an AFL All-Star selection in 1962.

Rick Upchurch, who spent his entire nine-year NFL career (1975-83) with the Broncos, made four Pro Bowls (1976, '78-79, '82) and five Associated Press All-Pro teams (1976-79, '82) as a returner. He was named a first-team 1970s NFL All-Decade choice by the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee in addition to earning second-team 1980s NFL All-Decade honors as a kick returner. Upchurch is the only player in Broncos history to make multiple all-decade teams with the franchise.

Dan Reeves became the first head coach to be elected to the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame when he was chosen along with Gene Mingo and Rick Upchurch in 2014. Reeves coached the Broncos from 1981-92 and compiled a 110-73-1 (.600) record in his 12 seasons while leading the team to a franchise-best five division titles (1984, '86- 87, '89, '91) and three Super Bowl appearances (1986-87, '89). His 110 regular-season wins and seven playoff victories each rank second in Broncos history behind former Head Coach Mike Shanahan (138 reg. season/8 postseason). Hired by the Broncos on March 10, 1981, Reeves made six postseason appearances with Denver and finished with a losing record on just two occasions—one of which was the strike-shortened 1982 season. The pinnacle of his coaching career with the Broncos came in the late 1980s when he led the Broncos to the Super Bowl three times in a four-year span (1986-87, '89).

Late Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen was elected as the newest member of the team's Ring of Fame in 2015—his 32nd season with the franchise. One of two owners and one of just three non-players elected to the Ring of Fame, Mr. Bowlen guided the Broncos to an unprecedented period of success during his three-plus decades in Denver. A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019, Mr. Bowlen was the first owner in NFL history to achieve 300 overall victories during his first 30 seasons, Mr. Bowlen has totaled 333 regular-season wins, 21 winning seasons and 18 playoff appearances since he purchased the team in 1984.

Also inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021, safety John Lynch played in Denver from 2004-07 and earned Pro Bowls in each of the four years he spent with the Broncos.

Simon Fletcher spent his entire 11-year NFL career (1985-95) with the Broncos and finished as the franchise's all-time sack leader with 97.5 quarterback takedowns—a record that wasn't surpassed until 2018 by Von Miller. A member of the Broncos' 50th Anniversary Team, Fletcher never missed a game in his career, setting a team mark by appearing in 172 consecutive contests. At the conclusion of his career, Fletcher was tied for 13th on the NFL's all-time sack list.

A three-time Pro Bowler, Jason Elam played 15 seasons in Denver (1993-2007) and is the franchise's all-time leader in field goals and points.

Red Miller was elected to the Broncos Ring of Fame in 2017, joining Dan Reeves as the only two coaches in team history to receive the prestigious honor. Hired as the eighth head coach in Broncos history on Feb. 1, 1977, Miller compiled a 40-22 (.645) regular-season record and a 2-3 (.400) playoff mark from 1977-80. He never had a losing record in his four seasons with the Broncos, tying for the fourth-most regular- season wins (40) in the NFL during his head coaching tenure—a figure that ranks fourth in Broncos history. Miller's 1977 squad posted a 12-2 record and won Denver's first-ever AFC West title, wrestling it away from the defending Super Bowl-champion Oakland Raiders. After earning their first-ever playoff berth, the Broncos went on to beat the Raiders in the AFC Championship Game and advanced to their first Super Bowl. Despite losing to the Dallas Cowboys 27-10 in Super Bowl XII, Miller was named 1977 NFL Coach of the Year by the Associated Press and K.C. 101 Club.

Bailey played 10 seasons with the Broncos (2004-13) after five years with Washington from 1999-2003. He was selected to 12 Pro Bowls during his career to tie for the third-most in history among defensive players, including eight with Denver. He was also a member of the 2000s NFL All-Decade Team.

The Broncos' all-time winningest head coach, Mike Shanahan led the Broncos to their first two Super Bowl championship victories. Shanahan coached the Broncos as an assistant coach from 1984-87 and '89-91 and as head coach from 1995-2008.

Peyton Manning, the only five-time Most Valuable Player in NFL history (2003-04, '08-09, '13), played 18 seasons with Indianapolis (1998-2011) and Denver (2012-15). He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Broncos Ring of Fame in 2021. Manning helped lead the Broncos to two Super Bowl appearances during his four years with the team, including a victory in Super Bowl 50.