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Joe Collier, Architect of Broncos' 'Orange Crush' Defense, Passes Away at 91

The influential NFL coach, known for his innovative 3-4 defense, left a lasting legacy on American football.

  • Joe Collier died at his home in Littleton, surrounded by family, marking the end of an era for the Denver Broncos.
  • Collier's strategic innovations propelled the Broncos to three Super Bowl appearances and significantly shaped modern defensive play.
  • He served as the Broncos' defensive coordinator for nearly two decades, earning a reputation as one of the sport's great tacticians.
  • Beyond his coaching tenure, Collier's influence extended into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, advocating for players like Randy Gradishar.
  • His coaching legacy includes a profound impact on numerous players and coaches, cementing his place in NFL history.
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