Ian Gold was the best player to wear jersey No. 52 for the Denver Broncos.
Gold was picked by the Broncos in the second round of the 2000 NFL draft out of Michigan. He spent the first two seasons of his career as a rotational linebacker and special teams ace, recording 72 tackles and 5.5 sacks from 2000-2001.
Gold then emerged as a 16-game starter in 2002 and recorded 100 tackles, 6.5 sacks, four pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. He suffered a leg injury six games into the following season and went on injured reserve.
Gold became a free agent in 2004 and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the Broncos drafted D. J. Williams. He dressed for all 16 games that year, earning 13 starts, but was cut by the Bucs in 2005.
Happy Birthday, no. 5⃣2⃣ Ian Gold! The Denver Broncos drafted Gold in the 2000 2nd round. He played LB and specials for Denver from 2000–2003 and again from 2005–2007. As a Bronco, Gold amassed 456 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 9 FFs, 10 FRs, 3 INTs, and 2 TDs (1 on a punt he blocked)! pic.twitter.com/17T84dHlVx
— Mile High Moments (@MileHighMoments) August 24, 2022
Denver then re-signed Gold in 2005 and he spent the final three years of his career with the Broncos before hanging up his cleats. Gold retired in 2008 with 527 tackles, 30 pass breakups, 17 sacks, 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, four interceptions and two touchdowns on his resume. He was the best Bronco to ever wear No. 52.
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