UPDATE: Armstrong was inducted into the Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 4.
When Otis Armstrong came to Denver as a first-round pick in 1973, he said he was just looking to follow in fellow running back Floyd Little’s footsteps.
On Tuesday, it was announced that Armstrong has done just that, joining his former Broncos teammate in the College Football Hall of Fame in the Class of 2012.
“It means a lot to me,” Armstrong said. “When you go into the College Football Hall of Fame, that’s one of the highest honors you can achieve. I’m very, very honored.”
Armstrong attended Purdue, first flashing his potential as a sophomore in 1970. He set the school season record for rushing yards with 1,009 — just the second running back in school history to top the 1,000-yard mark.
For his career, Armstrong rushed 670 times — a school record — for 3,315 yards, which ranks second in Purdue annals. He also ranked third in career kickoff return average and was one of just two players to return more than one kickoff for a touchdown.
But as far as Armstrong is concerned, there’s one game that stands out above all others.
“My last game was a good game — actually it was my best game, so I kind of saved the best for last,” Armstrong said. “I won’t forget that game. I had almost 300 yards rushing and three touchdowns. It was a big day for me.”
The “big day” brought 276 rushing yards for Armstrong, which remains a school single-game record. Better yet, it came against arch-rival Indiana.
“Coach told me just to keep hitting it as hard as I could and eventually it would break,” he said. “And it did.”
He followed up that success with the Broncos, spending eight seasons in Denver where he ran for 4,453 yards and 25 touchdowns in addition to 1,302 yards and seven touchdowns through the air.
Armstrong won the NFL rushing title with 1,407 yards in 1974, leading the league with 5.3 yards per carry. He went to two Pro Bowls in his career, and was part of the Broncos’ first ever Super Bowl team in 1977.
“We were good — let me just put it like that,” Armstrong recalled. “That team, I think we were 12-2, we had a good nucleus. Our defense was good. We just had to score points on offense — the Orange Rush, as we used to call it.”
Armstrong said he still keeps up with the club.
“Once a Bronco, always a Bronco,” he said. “I stick with my team forever.”
But Tuesday’s announcement was all about Armstrong’s college career, and he couldn’t have been happier to receive the news that he was headed into the Hall of Fame.
“Actually they sent me a football and a little note,” he said, noting that he and his wife were jumping for joy. “They sent it first class, and when I opened it up I just couldn’t believe it.
“At last.”
Tags: College Football Hall of Fame, Floyd Little, Otis Armstrong
Congratulations, Mr. Armstrong. I remember you playing all those years ago, and you were great! And fun to watch. Thanks for being a Bronco.
Another good draft by Belichick? Lol
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/football/nfl/05/15/alfonzo.dennard.ap/index.html?sct=nfl_t2_a8
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8291a8a2/article/tavon-wilson-signs-with-patriots?module=HP11_content_stream
2 and a half hours and no posts….WOW!
I was thinking about the Outlook for this season and the way last off season went and there are glaring differences. Last year we signed Willis McGahee and he had some injuries over the year. In addition the rookies had a tough time impacting the team… even Miller and Franklin who both got going after a few games. This year coaches work with players all off season and will be conditioning and receiving treatment… etc… I think this will have a big difference on the team and the offense and defense will both be getting off to much better starts with the extended time to learn
looking forward to it. 2012 i mean. i havent been this excited since 98. i kinew we were goin to the superbowl that year and got alotta flack saying it. now i know better than saying i know we’ll win the sb this year, but we have a chance. and then the two next years? super bowl contenders man!!! all the way. bottom line is things are looking up and i am sooo excited for the year. and that feels good.
The 107th best day ever! I got my Nike Elite Von Miller jersey in the mail today. It’s better then Christmas!
Thanks, Main. Always great to see you here, as well. Didn’t see your post before I checked out earlier.
Excellent points, Lax. Great comment! Having a bona fide off-season should make a huge difference this year, and hopefully some of our key players will keep their noses clean and stay out of jail and/or trouble with the law. I mean, seriously, how much sense does it take to not get behind the wheel of a vehicle when you’re drunk? Or not put illegal drugs in your system when you know you’re subject to testing? It’s almost as if some of these guys have no regard for the law, the rules, the team, themselves or others, or their careers.
Sorry for venting, but I just don’t understand risking the possibility of throwing everything away for a few hours of careless “recreation,” but that’s just me…..
Yay, 3rd! Good deal!
Marrio Haggan signed with STL today…
Hey Turtle!! I really liked Mario, and hate to see him in a Rams uniform. Good luck to him, though.
How are Norman and Daisy Mae? And how are you?
Gotta make room for the new guys,good luck to MH!
BTW, nice write-up, Gray. Congratulations to Otis! Well deserved, and a long time coming.
Yeah, BFE, that’s always one of the hardest things for me from year to year…..watching some of our players go to other teams, by either being cut/released, traded, or to FA, but that’s just part of it. Always have to make a little room for the rooks.
Speaking of LBs I hope Mays steps it up this year,he had a pretty good year last year,but he has to get better,or we have to go with Irving,imo.Maybe Wolfe helps shore up the Dline and frees up Mays and the rest of the LBs to make more plays!
Yeah Tide,hard to let go of players that we like,but it’s the business side of football!
Heard something pretty funny on the radio today. This guy was talking sports and he brought up Denver signing Manning and trading Tebow. Heres why he said Tebow chose to be a Jet.
“Now while I am a little stunned that back in March Mr. Tebow chose to be a Jet over a Jaguar im more surprised that no one said a very obvious reason as to why. Jaguars are mean animals and attack people and Mr. Tebow wouldnt want to be associated with that. He chose to be a Jet so he can fly high closer to his God”
Now the guy hasnt been on air since February which is why its so late. He is also an atheist which is why he said “his God”
BFE I dont think Mays will start. I think its going to be Irving because ive been hearing a a lot of talk that he is being very impressive. Hes learning well and is doing everything in workouts asked of him. Yet it is a little early to say anything about on the field because the coaches dont know yet.
Fox said earlier today (saw it on twitter) that Irving as any player has a chance to compete not only for a roster spot but starter as well. But with what we have seen so far off the field he may have a better chance to start than some may think. He is a secret to many teams and some of our staff as well.”
But Jets leave a large carbon footprint…
Pretty funny..
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d827f5e8f/article/who-has-the-edge-in-new-york-tebow-or-sanchez-?module=HP11_cp
KOBE IS THE GREATEST
AND UNC RULES
paid mt dues check back laters
Hey all –
Tide – I agree with your 6:38 post. AB thinks that if you expect them to not get arrested that it equates to asking them to be perfect. Go figure. I usually agree with most of what AB says – but not that one. LOL
Glad to see Otis Armstrong get some love. I wasn’t a Bronco fan in his day but I remember watching him play. Can have too many Broncos in Canton!
Orangepickle from the previous blog reminds me of another blogger. Bloggers beware.
Skillz – you are an honorable man!
i try
ugh makes me sick lol
Awesome Otis, congrats, so happy for you, so many great memories you left me with, the Orange Crush days, those were the days….
DB what you were saying wasnt just arrested but being associated with the police at all. And that they should be fined for being even in the wrong place at the wrong time. Expecting that is expecting perfection. Sometimes its not their fault they are at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Now if you meant just arrests or given a DUI or failing a drug test, I do agree they should be fined or suspended (as is the case in some cases but not others)
Hello Baylinocrush. I never met you or blogged with you but from what ive seen we have been compared to a lot. Someone even thinks we are one in the same. lol.
ab i tried saying hi to em last time i seen him on but like everyone else he ignored lil ole me
u see i paid my dues ab ?
glax could never stay away.
and hello to bay. always good to see u.
Lol Skillz I saw.
Hi everybody including happy face skillz, not ignoring anyone, just moving on, you guys have fun on here you hear, I did.
I was 23 for our first SB in 77 just to put things in perspective, a lot of miles between now and then and if you can all enjoy it half as much as I have you will become a consummate Bronco fan like some of us out there.
And alaska, probably the main thing we have in common is how much we blog/used too, I would think the similarities stop there, no offense.
None taken bay. I wouldnt know as I was around when you were.
Broham! What, you hiding in the bathroom with that laptop and running the shower so your wife can’t hear you type….? kiddn!
It’s wonderful to have you in this place……
thanks bay u are loved round these parts that i know forsure
Hey man, did you get my season prediction of 11-5?
Not that you’re running a contest or anything but just between me and you, what do you think?
ILMSDB!
My first take when the schedule was finalized is 10-6 and I always stick with my original impression of it so I don’t get sidetracked by enthusiasm later on just because the season gets closer, so 10-6 is mine.
Time for a revolt Denver fans. This is not my comment but a comment from a guy who is arguing with me about different QBs…..He who shall not be named has been brought up….By me….It explains why he think Brees doesnt have a strong arm and that Smith (Alex of the Niners) is a top 5 QB…..
i haven watched 2 much den. i saw him a little in college and he was a force. i do think he has a place in the nfl but with the right team and the jets may be the right one.if mcdaniels stayed im sure he wud have turned tebow into a very good qb in a short passing based system with a good slot wr like royal and outside threats. the spread option is his game and his running ability makes it possible. i respect tebow as a player and person and root for him
Glad to see you are still having fun on here OC, good for you, Bronc on!
Hey Bro, tell me your season prediction and I’ll hold a personal contest between you and me (just like it all started)…..?
If you win I’ll send you my Tebow jerseys……
If I win you send me your Cutler jersey….
Then we’ll meet in Denver and donate them to Goodwill, and then I’ll spring for two Manning jerseys, microbrews and tickets for a playoff game!
not kddn!!!!!!
ILMSDB!!!!
i think the blog should have a BLOG HALL OF FAME and BAY as its first entry i was not around yet but i know he would be the guy to get the honor
as for me i am just a nice rotational blogger and i am happy bout it
i know my place
I don’t want your damn Tebow jersey and you certainly don’t want my Cutler one, LMAO!! I think the loser should be forced to have both AND wear them, haha.
Now microbrews… that’s another story….
Ha! didn’t think you would answer back…. so quickly even, lol… okay.. official Bay v.s OC 2012 Bronco contest entry…
Baylinorcrush 10-6
Orange_Crusher 11-5
GOT IT!
Skillz your place is with those yucky Duke fans
Lol Just kiddin Bro!!! Your always fun to have around!!!
ty ty ab
u see duke got Amile Jefferson today ?
Skillz no I didnt. I dont pay much attention to college BBall recruiting. I have no idea who the kid is lol.
ranked 20th in the class a sf/pf