Former Broncos LB Delivers Gospel Message During Hall of Fame Induction
By Movieguide® Contributor
Recent NFL Hall of Fame inductee and former Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar shared his faith during his acceptance speech.
Gradishar served as a linebacker for the Denver Broncos in the 1970s as part of the team’s “Orange Crush” defense team. He played for the Broncos for 10 years, taking part in the team’s first Super Bowl appearance ever. Gradishar was also named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1978. He retired in 1983 and has been Hall of Fame-eligible since 1989.
“I’m grateful to God for the key individuals He brought into my life — difference makers — because among other strengths, they are loyal and trustworthy,” Gradishar said during his speech.
He thanked his wife and pastor, calling them his “key prayer warriors,” and shouted out former NFL running back and Ohio State University classmate Archie Griffin.
Gradishar shared that “the best invitation” he ever received was when Griffin invited him to attend a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bible study on campus. While he had grown up attending church, Gradishar said it wasn’t until that meeting that he truly knew Jesus.
“At age 22, I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior,” he said.
Gradishar emphasized to the audience that the only path to salvation is by “asking Jesus by faith to be your personal Lord and Savior. [That] is the only way to be right with God and to live out His plan for our lives — not ours.”
He also shared one of his favorite passages of scripture, as well as his personal mantra — “Work diligently for the Lord rather than for people…earthly status is very temporary.”
“Today, I dedicate my Pro Football Hall of Fame 2024 induction to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave me His life so I could be built to last,” he concluded.
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