Sometimes when you are just sitting around thinking about players and their backgrounds, one thing leads to another and an interesting theme is developed.
In this case, I started thinking about two-sport Broncos, players (or administrators) who worked or played for the Broncos and also took a crack, however brief at another sport professionally.
Just for fun, here is what I came up with.
In 50 years of Broncos history, there have been a number of individuals with two-sport ties. I think it is safe to say most people are unaware of this, so that’s why I wrote the blog.
Many people are aware that John Elway played college baseball, but a lot of you don’t know that he played professionally for the New York Yankees organization (an action, by the way, that stripped him of his scholarship at Stanford for his final two years, meaning one of the greatest of the all-time greats had to pay his own tuition for his junior and senior years). Elway led the Oneonta Yankees in runs batted in during his season there. He did not wear number 7 by the way, but had number 8 instead (“I was Yogi!,” John once told me).
But way before John, the Broncos had a star linebacker named John “The Bull” Bramlett, a very tough customer. As in, very tough. He played baseball for two years in the St. Louis Cardinals organization before deciding to channel his aggressiveness into pro football instead. A mediocre baseball player, Bramlett was one of the fiercest linebackers in the American Football League.
A placekicker here in the 1960’s was Bobby Howfield, who came to the Broncos after more than a decade as a professional soccer player in the United Kingdom. Howfield was a fine kicker who eventually was traded to the New York jets for Jim Turner. Overall, Howfield played pro sports, soccer and football, here and there, for 20 years.
Elway and Bramlett were not the only baseball-playing Broncos, either.
Pro Bowl safety John Lynch played baseball in college and was drafted as a pitcher by the Florida Marlins in the second round of the 1992 amateur draft. He threw the first pitch in the organization’s history as a member of the Erie Sailors (a 95 mile per hour strike, by the way). Lynch has his Erie Sailors jersey in the Baseball Hall of Fame. He played two seasons in the minor leagues with the Sailors and the Kane County Cougars, starting nine games and going 1-3 overall, with a fine 2.36 earned run average.
Carroll Hardy, who is one of the greatest athletes ever produced by the University of Colorado (the best, old timers will say) played pro football for the 49ers and baseball for several organizations, a two-sport guy back in the 1950’s—but then, after his retirement as a player, Carroll became a player personnel man for the Broncos and had a 20-year career as one of the NFL’s best talent evaluators. Carroll had a lot to do with drafting the players who made up the foundation of the Broncos’ first Super Bowl team in 1977. A couple of Carroll Hardy notes: one of the most intimidating physical presences a scout could have. He always reminded me of sheriff Matt Dillon on “Gunsmoke,” except Carroll Hardy was real. He is the only [player in baseball history to have pinch hit for Ted Williams (Ted fouled a ball off his foot and could not continue the at bat), and Carl Yastrzemski—thus, the only guy in history to have pinch hit for two Hall of Famers. And just for good measure, he once pinch hit for his good friend (and one of my very favorite all-time players) Roger Maris, with Carroll hitting his first major league home run in that at bat.
When Lonnie Wright was a star basketball player at Colorado State everyone who saw him commented on his physique and said he could probably play pro football. Turns out, he could. Upon graduation Lonnie Wright joined the Broncos as a free agent safety and played here in 1966 and 1967, with five pass interceptions over his two years in the secondary. Along the way, Wright decided to play for the Denver Rockets (now the Nuggets) in the off-season, becoming a genuine two-sports at one time pro player. Wright went on to play five years overall in the American Basketball Association, four with the Rockets (1967-71) and one with the Floridians (no city name, just the Floridians). He averaged 10.7 points per game over his pro career
How about pro wrestling?
Recent era fans might remember defensive end Darren Drozdov, who played for the Broncos from 1993-1994. Afterwards, he became a pro wrestler in the World Wrestling Federation in 1998 and 1998 under the ring names “Puke” and “Droz.” Sadly, Drozdov is a quadriplegic due to a neck injury sustained from a failed wrestling maneuver. Drozdov still is very active as a writer in the wrestling world, contributing numerous articles to trade publications.
Greg Boyd was a defensive end for the Broncos and is still active as an NFL employee who keeps track of proper uniform issues (he is the uniform policeman for the league) at Bronco games. Greg too was a pro wrestler, and one of the names under which he competed was “Herculoid” Boyd. One look at Greg’s physique, and you would get the Herculoid name immediately.
But the top Bronco (1961-63 with Denver, nine pro years overall) pro wrestler, by far, was Ed “Wahoo” McDaniel. There are enough stories about Wahoo McDaniel to literally write a book about, so I can’t even begin to tough on all of them here. But Wahoo played college football for Bud Wilkinson at Oklahoma (well, he sort of played for Wilkinson; Wahoo made a lot of his own decisions about when to practice, when to show up, etc.; but he was a great player, without question). Again, too many stories to tell, most of them great, but he played football during the fall, wrestled in the off-season, and was very prominent into the 1990’s. That’s four decades of pro sports, a lot of liniment and leg wraps.
How can you mention wrestling and not boxing?
Lyle Alzado was a dear friend of mine. He had a lot of well documented weaknesses, but I can tell you from years of knowing him that as tough as he was on the field, No player ever had a bigger heart of gold. Many of the great things he did in the community he made me privy to, with the stipulation that the press could never know. A guy with a big heart, and a great one. Most have forgotten, but right after Sylvester Stallone hit it big with “Rocky,” Lyle boxed in an exhibition with Muhammad Ali in 1979. Now, that was a media circus here in Denver. Again, there are so many untold stories relative to the before, during and after of that exhibition that we can’t get into them here, but it happened. Lyle was a Gold Gloves champion in his raucous youth, and that exhibition match is part of Bronco lore.
And if you can read on for just one more, how about Jake Plummer? Since his departure from the Broncos and pro football Jake has become an avid player of 4-Wall Handball. He attended his first pro handball tournament in 2007 along with his brother Eric. Jake Plummer played and lost in the semifinals versus brother Eric Plummer (the eventual champion) at the 2008 Idaho State Singles Championships. Jake hosted his own pro invitational in 2008, losing in the finals of the pro consultation bracket.
It just goes to show that when someone has athletic talent, it can be spread around over a lot of different sports.
Tags: Bobby Howfield, Carroll Hardy, Darren Drozdov, Ed “Wahoo” McDaniel, Greg Boyd, Jake Plummer, John Bramlett, John Elway, John Lynch, Lonnie Wright, Lyle Alzado
This was an interesting read Jim… thanks for sharing.
Of course Elway was a two-sport player… he’s Superman!! haha
And I can totally picture John Lynch as a pitcher. I’d hate to be on the other end of that curve ball. Ouch! lol All these guys had so much talent, it would’ve been a shame to only put that talent to use in just one sport. The world would’ve been robbed of the talents they possess.
I gotta say though, even though Elway is my hero & a football genius… I love that bit about Alzado in a boxing match against Ali. I’m sure that was quite the match to watch. Very cool stuff & interesting. Thanks again for sharing.
Keep the faith Bronco Country…
GO BRONCOS in 2010!!!!
I just finished making my first broncos music vid.you guys should watch and rate it tell me how I did
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWd5TvLv1_8
Great story! Thanks for putting that one together. I never knew about Ed “Wahoo” McDaniel. That dude looks like a Mack Truck! Huge hands and pretty scary looking haha no wonder he decided when he’d show up for practice. Who’d tell him different. Thanks again -excellent read
Great video Steveatwater5…!
Great video Steveatwater5…!
Can’t help but thinking that this article was brought upon by Orton’s hole in one the other day, if not it’s just a strange coincidence. I mean holing a 190 yard hole with a 7 iron is right down impressive stuff.
And about the exhibition boxing match between Ali and Alzado, I remember it as a pretty sad deal, with both players at the end of their careers just out for to make a buck, there was nothing of sporting interest to it in my opinion, just the sad end of the road for both. In an interesting twist they both got to endure painful ends to their life’s even so Ali is still hanging in there. Alzado succombed to steroids and Ali to constant human punishment to the head. I do hold Ali in the greatest of respect considering him one of the top 5 all time great in any sports, but looking back now what a sorry way of life boxing is to have to earn a living. Just my opinion.
My top five in my lifetime any sports:
Eddy Merckx
Muhammad Ali
John Elway
Pele
Michael Jordan
Sorry Tiger Woods, you used to be on my list but now you eat dirt. For me to make the top not only do you have to be the greatest athlete at what you do but you have to have a conscience to go with it. What a scumbag, and he was one of my favorite athlete to watch, never missed a major with him in it, biggest sports letdown I have ever had.
Some good reads is to be had in the DP this morning, Klis talks about the value of Tebow in one article and how Woodyard says Moreno seems to be much improved this year, also Woody has a good light hearted and funny story on the three horse QB race. Worth your while, check it out, too much to copy and paste.
Going to show my age here a little bit. I remember watching Ed McDaniel, who I believe went by “Chief Wahoo” McDaniel. He used to come into the ring with full head dress and do a “war dance” before he whupped up on the opposition. Thanks for the memory , he was my favorite wrestler and a kid and I have vivid memories of his actions in the ring. Never knew he was a Bronco.
Always like reading your posts of past players and tradition. I think you should write a book of all your experances. I know I would bye it!!
steveatwater5
Very nice Vid. Great touch with white wedding as audio! I down loaded it to my real video collection.
FTR
Congrats to Kuper! Of all the hoopla, he was the one under the radar. Now lets hope Beadles and Walton can make the transition.
Love the read Mr. Sacco! I read it twice. Even emailed it to a few Broncoholics!
The DP articles. Sometimes its like reading a gossip column. Putting Moreno in the category of Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith and even LT, its sort of a stretch. While Im happy to hear hes improving (its certainly better than digressing), its still only his second year. Whos heard of the sophmore slump? I hope he can be the horse McD envisions. But he has a LONG way to go.
The QB derby, can we call it the triple crown race??? lol My $$$ is still on Orton. Thats all I have to say about that!
baylin, you got me thinking-
Elway
Nolan Ryan
Larry Bird
Joe Sakic
Jerry Rice
But thats not what I was thinking- more like
Tyson
Woods
T.O
Leaf
Kenny Lofton
All the talent, but TOO MUCH EGO…
GO BRONCOS 2K10!!!!!!!!!!
Chief Wahoo McDaniel used to be a Bronco..WOW!!!!! didn’t know that,and by the way I figured Moreno would be much improved this year,this is the year we get our ground attack back!!!!!!!!!!!!GO BRONCS!!!!!!!!!!!!
BFE
My Top List:
John Elway
Joe Montana
Wayne Gretzky
Michael Jordan
Pele
Muhammad Ali
Jerry Rice
Barry Sanders
Lou Gehrig
Jackie Robinson
Don Hutson
Larry Bird
………………..Okay top 12. But there are just some guys that had different impacts from different perspectives.
Like Bird and Jordan. Two different players, but two of the biggest impacts of the sport of basketball.
Some more….
Wilt Chamberlain
Cal Ripken
Brett Favre
Jim Brown
So sweet 16. :-} LOL
Steveatwater5 – Just want to add my compliments on a very enjoyable video. So great to see some of the real heroes of recent Bronco history in action!
If I were to give you one piece of advice to improve your editing, I would tell you to pay attention to the rhythm of the song, especially at big moments, and try to line up some hits, catches, etc. with them. A good example of where this *does* happen is at 3:10, where “start agai—-n” is perfectly timed with Elway’s throw.
But overall, very cool!!
My top ten list would be:
Elway (of course my #1 guy)
Mia Hamm
Pele
Kristine Lilly
Brianna Scurry
Jerry Rice
Muhammad Ali
Brett Favre (my dad’s most favorite person in the world of sports)
Randy Gradishar
Michael Jordan
Jackie Robinson
Wayne Gretsky
lol, more like Top 12. Like baylinor said… I used to be a fan of Tiger Woods as well but he went & ruined his reputation. He lost a lot of respect for what he did… otherwise he would’ve made my list. Too bad, so sad.
steveatwater5 — nice video! Brings back good memories of my Broncos.
Keep the faith Bronco Country…
GO BRONCOS in 2010!!!!
thanks guys hopefully when I get some new scenes I can do one for this season,I can’t wait till the season starts
I miss Plummer!!! The 2nd greatest QB in Broncos history!!!
…Enter insults.
God bless…
Not an insult, but it was reported by Woody Paige that Plummer only could memorize 25% of the plays, hence improvisation rolling out was his forte. Not me talking, just Woody. I don’t know where he got those facts but when you think of it and remember how Plummer played, it makes some sense. Still I liked him fine but he was no Peyton Manning brain wise, not that anyone else is either, more a happy go lucky type of Idaho hippie remnant, not that there is anything wrong with that, but it didn’t exactly mesh well with the NFL, handball was probably a less stressful environment for him. Just my opinion.
I loved Jake Plummer when he was with us, those were some good years, except when we played the colts, Tatum Bell and Mike Anderson almost rushing 1000 a piece.
Yeah Jake(the snake)Plummer was the 2nd best QB in the last 20-25 years.Overall in Broncos history Elway #1,and Craig Morten #2,and Plummer #3.
BFE
Yeah Jake(the snake)Plummer was the 3rd best QB in Broncos history:
Elway #1
Morten #2
Plummer #3.
BFE
Just read Steve Wyche rank all the teams from 1-32 he had the chargers at #1 and had are Broncos at #24. He said that the Broncos will have the 9th pick in the draft because we need to fix our defence. Well I believe we had the 7th or 8th ranked defense last year Doom got 17 sacks and we just bought a whole new defensive line what is there to fix.
steveatwater5- great video. very cool to see.
Voluntary mini camp starting today through Wednesday and more importantly the first mandatory mini camp this Friday through Sunday. Last week for us to have much to talk about for awhile because after that everyone gets a whole month off, probably the time that they will use to sign Dumervil.
steveatwater5: Nice vid! It’s been so long that I almost forgot how much of a bad a** Elway was. He could throw a rocket with little to no effort. Hens the ‘Elway Cross’.
I hope that Tebow or Quinn will develop at least half that talant! I think Tebow has the smarts and the drive to get somewhere in the ballpark.
Nice job signing one of the best Guards in the NFL,now PLEASE Sign Doom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LT Clady
LG Beadles
C Walton
RG Kuper
RT Harris
If healthy,and Walton and Beadles play as well as I expect them to,you are looking at the most dominating Oline in the NFL for many years to come,I for one am excited to see them on the field for 2010.
BFE
To go with the top ten list theme here is my top ten football players list.
1. John Elway
2. Terrell Davis (His carreer was cut short but he was still an all time great)
3. Joe Montana
4. Steve Young
5. Jerry Rice
6. Rod Smith (Second only to Rice as recievers go)
7. Steve Atwater
8. Floyd Little (nuff said)
9. Karl Meclenburg (I know spelling)
10. Champ Bailey
I know there are those who will disagree but I am biased toward the Broncos. I must say I dont hold too many current players in high regard. I guess I just miss the old school style of play. The times when QBs dove head first, when recievers caught the ball and took the hit.
Ah the good old days of yesteryear when football was mean and ridiculously hardcore.
Defense wins Championships!!!!!! GO BORNCOS 2010 A NEW ERA BEGINS
Thanks for the great read Jim!
Wow. No one put Lance Armstrong on the list of favorite all time athletes.
D. Thomas was a good basketball player in high school. That helped make him the best deep ball prospect in the draft in my opinion. His highlights on youtube show the great timing, positioning to go up and get it in a crowd. Rebounding teaches this and is also about heart and who wants it the most. Randy Moss was also good at basketball in high school.
Big D, no but I put Eddy Merckx first in my list, no stranger to cycling here.
good old lyle alzado went to my high school lawerence how cool is that his family lived around the corner from me as well
Top sports hero’s hmmm…..
Jenna Jameson, Tera Patrick. Just kidding no but seriously
John Elway
John Lynch
Al Wilson
anyone who was a Bronco then there’s everybody else
Kurt Warner gotta love his story stocking shelves at the Hyvee supermarket to Superbowl MVP.
Steve Young the man was tough he ran over people as a QB in the 80′s and 90′s which was unusual back then.
Ray Lewis he’s intense and his dance is entertaining.
Sam Huff Middle Linebacker for the NY Giants old school tough guy.
Joe Namath I Guarantee it! Plus he was a ladies man what’s not to like about this guy.
Barry Sanders just awesome!
Michael Jordan another good dude.
Wayne Gretzky that’s all that needs to be said.
Andy Hug Champion Kickboxer all heart.
Dennis Alexio Undisputed Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion of all time.
Evander Holyfield another guy all heart.
Lance Armstrong the Man.
Eddy Merckx the animal.
Greg Lemond the 1st American to win the Tour De France.
The 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Awesome team, Awesome defense and they royally whipped the Raiders in the Superbowl!
Brett Favre the old fart is like the energizer bunny he keeps going and going.
2005 Seattle Seahawks because they got robbed in that Superbowl. Honorable mention why not.
Vince Lombardi era Green Bay Packers.
Too many to list I give up.
cgyj, nice input on the top athletes list, but Eddy Merckx was known as “the Cannibal”, much more intense than the animal. I grew up watching him win everything, often having to follow his races listening on the radio since TV for cycling was limited then, even in Europe, he would tell you ahead of time what race he was gonna win on any given year and usually pulled it off. There was no athlete ever in complete control and domination of his sport like he did in my opinion, his records are so far ahead of any other cyclists to this day, it’s not even worth comparing. He won all the Classics multiple times and the 3 Tours (Vuelta, Giro and Tour) multiple times including winning them in the same year!!!! He was not just a Tour de France racer like Lance, not even comparable… I got to meet him in the mid seventies when he was in Colorado for the Coors Classic, it was something I’ll never forget and he signed a hat for me. Just goes to show, I’m not all just about Broncos, LOL.
And I live in Austin just like Lance Armstrong, just saying, but even Lance would not compare himself to Eddy, it’s like Eddy won something like around 1,300 races to where Lance won like around 200…..Nuff said.
BTW, the Tour is starting Saturday everyday on Versus for over three weeks. Warning, don’t attempt to watch it if you don’t want to get hooked.
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