Time coming for Broncos. “More Broncos deserve to be recognized by being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, including Shannon Sharpe, Randy Gradishar and Terrell Davis, who should not be penalized for injuries that shortened his career. But I never hear anyone talking about Rich “Tombstone” Jackson, the greatest defensive player in the history of the Broncos and the history of the American Football League.”
Bill, Pueblo
Kiz: Orange will never be the nation’s favorite color. And the Broncos will never be America’s team. But here’s my thinking. Tackle Gary Zimmerman opened a hole for Denver players to take a run at Canton. Sharpe is a lock; the only question is whether he makes it his first time on the ballot. And don’t cry for Gradishar. One of these years, a grizzled old guardian of the game will reward Gradishar’s ferocious tackles with a Hall pass.
Go for Foppa. “Is there any reason Avalanche general manager Francois Giguere should not be making as hard a pitch as possible to sign Peter Forsberg? With reports of NHL revenues rising again, the salary cap could increase next year by another $3 million. Go get Foppa, Mr. Giguere.”
Jim, Avs fan
Kiz: All those folks who wear Forsberg sweaters to Avalanche games is our version of a Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac. Why? I wonder if those fans want Foppa to return so they can feel young again. It would be great to have Forsberg back in town, for pure entertainment fun. But me? I would rather see Giguere go out and get a goalie — because that would be a move about winning rather than sentiment.
Kiz, quit pickin’ on ’72 Dolphins. “You really are a piece of work, Kiz. You wish the grumpy old 1972 Dolphins would stop yapping about perfection. Hey, they did what no other NFL team managed to do, including the pretender Patsies and Denver Donkeys. The ’72 Dolphins don’t carry on all the time. They simply celebrate each year when the last pretender to perfection goes down. What’s wrong with that? Nothing. It galls the envious who haven’t attained perfection.”
Bill, Colorado Springs
Kiz: One of these years, I expect Jim Kiick and Mercury Morris to star in a Super Bowl commercial for Viagra. Hey, nobody’s perfect forever.
Belichick is no genius. “Your recent column on the Patriots losing the Super Bowl was pure hogwash. Oh, by the way, tell me the last time your beloved Broncos were 18-0. Sour grapes! If you want to dis the Pats, get real facts. Coach Bill Belichick is not an arrogant person.”
Bob, Sarasota, Fla.
Kiz: Belichick was no genius in the big game.
Vince still the one. “Great column on the Patriots losing the Super Bowl. The thing that puzzles me is the cheaters caught trying to get an edge on the New York Jets? I picture Green Bay coach Vince Lombardi viewing sideline film of the 1966 Atlanta Falcons. Nah, I don’t.”
Roy, Fort Collins
Kiz: Lombardi is to Belichick as James Bond is to Austin Powers. Some things about the 1960s really were way cooler.
Parting shot
And today’s parting shot can be heard all the way from South America, where not many buffalo roam, but at least one gaucho is a big fan of Colorado football coach Dan Hawkins.
“If a parent had one thing to give a child, it should be the enthusiasm demonstrated by Hawkins. And the same is true for the best teaching attribute of a university, whether it be in sports or education.”
JD, Junin, Argentina
