Little becomes third Bronco voted into Pro Football Hall of Fame

After a long wait, Floyd Little is finally in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Meanwhile, fellow Denver Bronco Shannon Sharpe will have to wait a little longer.

Little, who starred for the Broncos from 1967-75, was voted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday in South Florida.

"I never thought this day would ever come," Little said during the news conference shown on NFL Network. "I waited over 30 years for this day to come. Now I sit here living my dream, and this truly is a dream."

Sharpe, who retired with NFL career records for receptions (815), receiving yards (10,060) and touchdowns (62) by a tight end, was passed over for the second straight year. He did not make the final list of five finalists.

By what reasoning is Shannon Sharpe not a Hall of Famer? Read Frank Schwab's blog on the topic

Receiver Jerry Rice, who was with the Broncos for training camp in 2005 before retiring, was inducted, as was guard Russ Grimm, linebacker Rickey Jackson, defensive tackle John Randle, running back Emmitt Smith and cornerback Dick LeBeau.

Little was a veterans’ committee nominee. He was the Broncos' first No. 1 draft pick to sign, and the franchise’s first superstar. His 6,323 rushing yards are still second in Broncos history, and his 12,173 all-purpose yards are second in team history as well.

“It’s been a long journey to get here," Little said. "But we’re here, my whole family is here to celebrate with me. God bless them. This has been one heck of a run.”

Little is the third Bronco to make the Hall of Fame. Quarterback John Elway was the first Broncos player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004. He was joined by offensive tackle Gary Zimmerman in 2008.

"This is a great day for Floyd Little individually as well as for the Denver Broncos' entire organization," Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said in a statement. "Floyd has made immeasurable contributions to this franchise and the NFL, and he deservedly will take his place among the greatest to play this game in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"Although his playing career with the Broncos took place before my time with the team, I am well aware of what Floyd Little means to this franchise, city and league. Aside from his stellar play on the field, he helped make the Broncos relevant in the NFL and strengthened the bond between this team and its fans. He has waited a long time for this honor, and I couldn't be happier for him."