NFL Unveils Broncos 'Mount Rushmore', Stirs Controversy

Let's just say Broncos Country is divided over the list.
Nov 1, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Bronco former tight end Shannon Sharpe and former Broncos quarterback and current general manager John Elway during a ceremony inducting owner Pat Bowlen (not pictured) into the Broncos Ring of Fame during halftime between the Denver Broncos and the Green Bay Packers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 29-10. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Bronco former tight end Shannon Sharpe and former Broncos quarterback and current general manager John Elway during a ceremony inducting owner Pat Bowlen (not pictured) into the Broncos Ring of Fame during halftime between the Denver Broncos and the Green Bay Packers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 29-10. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports / Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
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On Thursday, the NFL's official X account revealed the Denver Broncos' "Mount Rushmore," a who's who of the most iconic players in the franchise's long and (mostly) illustrious history.

An exercise in subjectivity, the person(s) responsible for the four-headed list selected former quarterback John Elway, running back Terrell Davis, tight end Shannon Sharpe, and outside linebacker Von Miller.

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To say the unveiling was met with controversy would be an understatement. Though nearly all of Broncos Country acknowledged that Elway and Miller are locks, a large sect disputed whether Sharpe or (to a lesser extent) Davis belonged alongside them.

Many fans pointed out numerous Pro Football Hall-of-Famers and team legends (Peyton Manning, Steve Atwater, Floyd Little, Randy Gradishar, Karl Mecklenburg, Champ Bailey, Ed McCaffrey) who should've been considered instead.

Others, however, took no umbrage with the choices.

This brand of offseason engagement is meant to spark discussion — a job well done by the league in that regard. Not every Broncos fan will agree simply because so many fantastic players have walked through the door over the years, each carrying their own nostalgia to fans.

That's ultimately a good problem to have, and if nothing else a worthy debate to pass time until training camp.


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Zack Kelberman
ZACK KELBERMAN

Zack Kelberman is the Senior Editor for Mile High Huddle. He has covered the NFL for more than a decade and the Denver Broncos since 2016. He's also the co-host of the wildly popular Broncos show the Mile High Huddle Podcast.