Tom Graham never got to be a part of the Broncos’ legendary Orange Crush defense. The former linebacker missed the cutoff by about three seasons and, although he was teammates with many players from the 1977 team, he never got to bask in the glory.
He’s hoping to change that this year.
Graham, 65, a Bronco from 1972-74 and the father of former University of Colorado and Broncos tight end Daniel Graham, recently registered trademarks with the Colorado Secretary of State with the intent to capitalize on the success of the 2015 defense, a group that has led its team to a 6-0 start and leads the league in sacks (26) and takeaways (17).
The Broncos have morphed into a defense-first group, which has inevitably led to talk of a new nickname for Wade Phillips’ crew, like Pittsburgh’s “Steel Curtain.” Or Cincinnati’s “SWAT Team.” Or Minnesota’s “Purple People Eaters.” Or, yes, even Seattle’s “Legion of Boom.”
The Broncos’ secondary has fittingly begun to call itself “No Fly Zone,” a tribute to their nine interceptions and four defensive touchdowns. But comparisons have been made to the Orange Crush of the late 1970s and early ’80s, the benchmark for defensive greatness in Denver.
After watching the Broncos record seven sacks of Minnesota quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in Week 4, Graham registered eight marks, believing any new label would have to connect to the past:
“CRUSH 2.0,” “Crush2.o,” “Orange crush 2,” “Orange Crush 2.0,” “Orange Crush RELOADED,” “orange. crush2.o,” “OC2.0” and “OC2.”
“I’m sitting at home and I’m like, ‘Hey, wait a minute, these guys are that good,'” Graham said. “From what I remember, the Orange Crush started just like this.'”
Graham has partnered with Ford Kimball, the founder and CEO of Redford Day, LLC consulting firm in Denver to create a line of promotional goods for the Broncos’ defense — T-shirts, caps, drinking glasses, scarves — with a design that marries the old with the new. Graham, who has yet to discuss his plan with the team, said he has already started making the rounds to retail outlets and will sell all items on his website, .
Graham isn’t convinced the 2015 Broncos are on par with the Orange Crush — yet. But they’re close, he said.
And this time he hopes to ride the wave of success.
“The ultimate goal,” he said, “is to once again be a part of something that is very unique and exciting for the city of Denver.”
CHEW ON THIS
• Seven years ago today, scored his final career goal (No. 625), against the Edmonton Oilers.
• . I want Missy Elliott.
• With the Packers game approaching and the Broncos set to honor longtime owner Pat Bowlen at halftime, I started digging through photos from Super Bowl XXXII. Because that’s what normal people do with their spare time. And I’ve decided that this is that game.
• Josh McCown went ” ” following the Browns’ loss to the Broncos.
• Former Broncos GM Ted Sundquist wrote a long piece for Bleacher Report on why he drafted Jay Cutler. .
• Ever wonder what Broncos players listen to before games? .
• This would indeed be epic. .
WATCH THIS
• : Because I know you can’t get enough barbershop quartet.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
• Breakfast cereal magnate Doug Flutie turns 53 today. OK, I guess he’s probably better known for back in college.
Nicki Jhabvala: njhabvala@denverpost.com or @NickiJhabvala
