The 'Technician': Zimmerman to Canton

When John Elway finally hoisted a Super Bowl trophy in the twilight of his career, much of the credit went to running back Terrell Davis.

**FILE** In this file photo of Feb. 9, 2008, former Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings tackle Gary...

**FILE** In this file photo of Feb. 9, 2008, former Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings tackle Gary Zimmerman talks during a Pro Football Hall of Fame news conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. When John Elway finally hoisted a Super Bowl trophy in the twilight of his career, much of the credit went to running back Terrell Davis. Yet the one protecting Elway's blind side and anchoring the stellar offensive line that opened all those holes for Davis was Gary Zimmerman, who will join Elway in the Pro Football Hall of Fame with his induction Saturday.

(Paul Sakuma/AP Photo )
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Yet the one protecting Elway's blind side and anchoring the stellar offensive line that opened all those holes for Davis was Gary Zimmerman, who will join Elway in the Pro Football Hall of Fame with his induction Saturday.

"Gary was the best left tackle I ever saw play the game," Elway told The Associated Press. "His strength and athleticism were exceptional. He understood the game and was as tough as I have ever seen, also.

"He practically played his last year one-armed because of a bad shoulder. He was a classic left tackle and very deserving of his election to the Hall of Fame."

Zimmerman will join Elway as the only Broncos enshrined in Canton, Ohio. Hall of Famers Tony Dorsett and Willie Brown played in Denver, too, but they had their best seasons elsewhere.

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Zimmerman began his career with the L.A. Express of the USFL before reporting to the Minnesota Vikings, where he began a streak of 169 straight starts that lasted until 1996, when surgery sidelined him. He was traded to Denver in 1993 and retired after helping the Broncos win the Super Bowl following the 1997 season.

He was one of just a handful of players chosen for two NFL all-decade teams, the 1980s and 1990s; earned first- or second-team All-Pro honors eight times; and was selected to play in seven Pro Bowls.

At the team party following the Broncos' 31-24 Super Bowl win over heavily favored Green Bay, owner Pat Bowlen asked Zimmerman if he'd be back the next year to help defend the title.

"He said, 'No, Mr. B., I'd be stealing your money. I don't feel I can play anymore. I'm retiring,'" recounted Bowlen, who will present Zimmerman into the Hall.

"It was kind of a storybook ending there for me," Zimmerman said.

Going out on top, champagne and the Vince Lombardi trophy in hand.

"I thought I could change his mind," Bowlen said.