ESPN unveiled this week its list of the 150 greatest college football players ever and Colorado has its fair share of ties to the list. Here’s a breakdown of Centennial State representatives:
Those who played at Colorado schools:
- 116. Byron “Whizzer” White (RB, Colorado, 1935-37)
Before he went to the Supreme Court, White was a standout with the Buffs. From ESPN: “In 1937, the Heisman runner-up led the nation in four major statistical categories: scoring, rushing, total offense and all-purpose yards. White’s record-setting 246 all-purpose yards per game stood until Barry Sanders broke the mark in 1988.”
Those who starred at Colorado high schools but went elsewhere:
- 118. Christian McCaffrey (RB, Stanford, 2014-16)
The former Valor Christian star brought the all-purpose yards record back to Colorado. From ESPN: “One of the most explosive offensive players in history, McCaffrey broke Barry Sanders’ NCAA single-season all-purpose yards record (3,864) as a sophomore in 2015.” - 144. Tony Boselli (T, USC, 1991-94)
Those who played with the Broncos:
- 17. Tony Dorsett (RB, Pitt 1973-76)
- 21. Peyton Manning (QB, Tennessee, 1994-97)
- 33. John Elway (QB, Stanford, 1979-82)
- 52. Floyd Little (RB, Syracuse, 1964-66)
- 76. Tim Tebow (QB, Florida, 2006-09)
- 82. Ron Dayne (RB, Wisconsin, 1996-99)
- 149. Champ Bailey (DB/AP, Georgia, 1996-98)
Those who kind of played with the Broncos or had an opportunity to:
- 8. Dick Butkus (LB, Illinois, 1962-64)
The Hall of Fame linebacker was drafted by the Broncos with the ninth overall pick in the 1965 AFL draft. He elected to play with the Chicago Bears of the NFL instead. - 32. Jerry Rice (WR, Mississippi Valley State, 1981-84)
The NFL’s all-time leader in receptions, yards receiving, touchdowns and yards from scrimmage signed a one-year deal with the Broncos in 2005. But rather than being a depth receiver on the roster, he opted to retire. - 80. Merlin Olsen (DL, Utah State, 1959-61)
Like Butkus, the Hall of Famer was drafted by the Broncos (second overall pick in 1962) during their AFL days. But he chose to go to the Los Angeles Rams of the NFL instead.
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers! Subscribe to The Denver Post’s sports coverage for just 99¢ for the first month and only $6.99/month thereafter. Cancel anytime.
What’s on Tap?
- Avalanche: St. Louis Blues, 1 p.m. Saturday, ALT
- Nuggets: Indiana Pacers, 6 p.m. Sunday, ALT
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Scoreboard
NHL: Avalanche 4, Sharks 0
Full story | Boxscore
NBA: Nuggets 134, Warriors 131
Full story | Boxscore
Check out our new and improved stats page.
Must-Read
Jerry Schemmel loses job as voice of Rockies on KOA radio
Jerry Schemmel, the longtime sports broadcaster on KOA radio who has called Rockies games for the past 10 seasons, has lost his job.
Schemmel said Thursday that he was laid off as part iHeartMedia’s massive job cuts around the country that began this week. KOA is part of iHeartMedia, the largest radio conglomerate in the United States, Patrick Saunders reports. Read more…
Nuggets Mailbag: Could a trade disrupt Denver’s great team chemistry?
There are two schools of thought here. First, the Nuggets have cherished their continuity and firmly believe it’s had an impact on their success over the last two years. The other, though, embraces the kind of ruthless basketball decision that makes you better while sacrificing chemistry, Mike Singer writes. Read more…
Cowboy Cerrone’s grandma talks UFC 246, and why Conor McGregor “knows absolutely nothing about grappling”
“The first round is Conor’s. The rest of the fight is Cowboy’s. I don’t think there’s a soul in the world that doesn’t know that,” Jerry Cerrone, 82, tells The Denver Post. “If Donald takes him down, the fight’s over.” Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Kiszla: If Nuggets don’t start playing Michael Porter 25 minutes every game, it’s darn near basketball malpractice
+ Nuggets guard Jamal Murray out for “foreseeable future,” says Michael Malone
+ CU Buffs 2020 football schedule: Mel Tucker, Colorado open 2020 Pac-12 slate vs. Oregon Ducks
+ Rapids to sign Argentine prospect Braian Galván, potentially as a young designated player
+ NBA all-star voting update: Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic maintains spot in vote
+ Broncos’ Von Miller to take part in Pro Bowl skills showdown
+ Carlos Beltran out as Mets manager in wake of Astros’ sign-stealing scandal
+ Phil Mickelson struggles with driver in 2020 debut at La Quinta
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.
By The Numbers
No. 1
Where former Fossil Ridge High School graduate Sophia Smith was selected in the National Women’s Soccer League college draft on Thursday. Smith was one of three players with a Colorado tie selected in the first six picks. Read more…
Parting Shot
Colorado Avalanche unveils NHL Stadium Series jerseys
POLL: What do you think of the Avs’ NHL Stadium Series jerseys? Vote here…
Get in Touch
If you see something that’s cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me @danielboniface.
