Denver Broncos all-time 100 greatest players: No. 33 Tom Nalen

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Tom Nalen, a cornerstone of the Denver Broncos offensive line during his illustrious NFL career, epitomized excellence and consistency at the center position. Nalen's journey to NFL stardom began with humble origins but quickly transformed into a legacy of durability and accomplishment.

Nalen's football prowess was evident early on, as he attended Boston College, where he played as an offensive lineman. His skill and tenacity caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft. This pick proved to be a gem for the Broncos, as Nalen would go on to become a leaders of their offensive line for over a decade.

Upon joining the Broncos, Nalen wasted no time in proving himself. His rookie season saw limited playing time, but he quickly earned a starting role in his second year. From there, Nalen anchored the center position with a blend of intelligence, technique, and physicality that made him a force in the trenches. He became known for his ability to read defenses, make adjustments on the fly, and execute blocks that opened lanes for Denver's potent rushing attack.

Nalen's career reached its pinnacle during the late 1990s and early 2000s when the Broncos, under the leadership of quarterback John Elway and head coach Mike Shanahan, became a dominant force in the NFL. Nalen played a crucial role in two of the Broncos' Super Bowl victories, in 1997 and 1998. His ability to control the line of scrimmage against formidable defensive fronts earned him widespread respect across the league.

What set Nalen apart was not just his physical skills but also his football IQ and leadership qualities. He was known as a cerebral player who could diagnose defenses and communicate effectively with his fellow linemen. His durability was also a hallmark of his career, as he started 188 games over 14 seasons with the Broncos, a testament to his toughness and dedication to his craft.

In addition to his Super Bowl victories, Nalen earned numerous individual accolades throughout his career. He was selected to the Pro Bowl five times (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003) and was named First-Team All-Pro three times (2000, 2003, 2005). These honors underscored his reputation as one of the premier centers of his era and solidified his place among the Broncos' all-time greats.

Off the field, Nalen was known for his low-key demeanor and commitment to community service. He was actively involved in charitable endeavors throughout his career, reflecting his desire to give back to the community that supported him during his playing days.

Nalen's career came to an end following the 2008 season, during which he battled injuries that ultimately led to his retirement. His departure marked the end of an era for the Broncos' offensive line, but his impact continued to resonate within the organization and among fans.

Since retiring from football, Nalen has maintained ties to the game through various endeavors. He has occasionally worked as an analyst, providing insights into offensive line play and sharing his wealth of knowledge with a new generation of players and fans.