Former Bronco Fletcher On Ring Of Fame Selection: 'Did This Really Happen?'

By Mark Haas

"I was going go through my list, thinking I need to talk to someone, I need calming down, what in the world is going on? Did this really happen? And then you think you are dreaming." – Simon Fletcher

FORT MORGAN, Colo. (CBS4) - The Denver Broncos Ring of Fame will grow to 31 members this year, with the additions of kicker Jason Elam (1993-2007), safety John Lynch (2004-07) and linebacker Simon Fletcher (1985-95).

An argument can be made that Simon Fletcher's selection was long overdue, as he is the franchise's all-time sack leader with 97.5 and during his career set an NFL record (now shared with DeMarcus Ware) of recording a sack in 10 straight games.

These days, you can find Fletcher manning the grill at his new restaurant in Fort Morgan -- Simon Fletcher's Gridiron Grill -- where he got the call this week about his selection.

"I woke up the last few mornings, thinking, this didn't really happen," Fletcher says. "Simon, have you been in the Bud Light again?"

Fletcher is full of jokes and one-liners as moves him around his kitchen and restaurant, and he is a great storyteller. Like this one, about a year Fletcher got off to a slow start before Broncos owner Pat Bowlen had a talk with him.

"I am like I don't know maybe I don't have it anymore, and one day at practice an arm reaches around my waist, and people didn't touch me it just wasn't done. I looked down it was Pat Bowlen, he looked at me and says 'How you doing son?' I say 'Oh, I'm good. I wish I could get more sacks." He says, 'Listen, watch the tape, you are running the quarterback over to Mike (Croel)'s side of the field. You keep doing what you are doing because by season's end, I fully expect you to lead the club in sacks again.' That vote of confidence, I took off and by the end of the year I had 16. And all it took was the guy who signs my checks saying I believe in you. That's who pat Bowlen is."

Fletcher appeared in 172 consecutive games during his career, and there was a five year stretch where only Reggie White had more sacks in the NFL. Fletcher played on three AFC Championship teams, yet never made a Pro Bowl.

"Obviously I thought he should have been in the Pro Bowl a few times," Wade Phillips, one of Fletcher's former coaches said. "Especially when you are near the lead in sacks, but it wasn't as big of a criteria. Now if you get that many sacks everyone is talking about you all the time."

But Fletcher is perfectly happy to talk about his teammates, like his Hall of Fame quarterback.

"If we were in a game and Derrick Thomas, Neil Smith or anyone sacked John (Elway), you could bet I would do everything to get a sack, because if you touch my quarterback I'd like to put yours flat on his back," Fletcher said.

Fletcher heads outside as he lights his grill for the next batch of ribs, and for a moment the conversation turns serious as Fletcher speaks about his family.

"When I see that name (on the restaurant sign) I know I represent more than just Simon," Fletcher says. "And it motivates me to work hard, never complain, do the best job I can and be satisfied with it."

And after speaking for an hour straight while constantly cooking, Fletcher finally pauses when asked what it will mean to see "Simon Fletcher" in the Ring or Fame.

"This Ring of Fame, means..." Fletcher says, and thinks for a second. "If only my grandfather had lived to see it. He was my best friend, but even though he didn't live to see it, because he lived, it is happening, because he put good stuff in me."

Mark Haas is a sports anchor/reporter for CBS4. Read his bio or follow him on Twitter @markhaastv or on Facebook.