And then there was one.
After all seven of the Denver Broncos’ senior nominees for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class were eliminated in the voting process, the team’s list of modern-era candidates has now been trimmed down to one player: defensive lineman Simeon Rice, who had a short stint with the club in 2007.
Not advancing among the 52 modern-era Hall of Fame candidates are wide receiver Rod Smith, center Tom Nalen, left tackle Ryan Clady, pass rusher Elvis Dumervil, receiver Brandon Marshall, receiver Wes Welker, receiver Brandon Lloyd, tight end Vernon Davis, running back Jamaal Charles, defensive lineman Jurrell Casey and defensive tackle Ted Washington.
Rice totaled seven tackles, two pass breakups and one quarterback hit in seven games with the Broncos in 2007 before being cut. He then spent two games with the Indianapolis Colts and later played for the UFL’s New York Sentinels in 2009 before hanging up his cleats with 122 career sacks.
Former Broncos coaches Mike Shanahan and Dan Reeves also remain in contention for the 2026 class in the coach category. One coach finalist will be announced in November from a group of 12 candidates.
Broncos Hall of Fame candidates
- DE Simeon Rice
- Coach Mike Shanahan
- Coach Dan Reeves
The list of modern-era player candidates will be trimmed down to 25 semifinalists later this fall, followed by additional voting. The full 2026 Hall of Fame class will be announced before the Super Bowl in February.
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