Simon Fletcher was born in Texas and played college football at the University of Houston.

The Broncos legend still considers Colorado home.

That’s why Fletcher — who played all of his 11 NFL seasons (1985-95) in Denver — was overjoyed last week to be selected into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame’s class of 2025.

“I fell in love with the state within the first few days of being there. So, to be counted among the absolutely fabulous athletes that have grown up or had an affiliation with Colorado is an honor second to none,” Fletcher told The Denver Gazette. “Having adopted Colorado as my home … it means as much, if not a little more, than any award that I’ve gotten.”

Fletcher, 62, entered the Broncos Ring of Fame in 2016. He never missed a game in his NFL career and started in 140 of 172 total games played. Fletcher posted five straight seasons with double-digit sacks. His teams won the AFC championship in 1986, 1987 and 1989 with three Super Bowl losses.

Fletcher closed his Broncos career with the most sacks in franchise history (97.5) before Von Miller broke his record in 2018.

“Perhaps I’m not old enough yet to sit around and reminisce. But I remain in contact with guys that have played for the Broncos since their inception,” Fletcher said. “I’ve made friendships with them. Of course, the camaraderie of being fellow Denver Broncos is a great icebreaker. … You have this automatic friendship because you can relate to what another guy is going through.”

Fletcher nowadays doesn’t watch the Broncos play every week. But he’s kept tabs on the current team with enthusiasm for the future, especially with their pass rushers. The Broncos enter Week 13 on Monday Night Football against the Browns leading the NFL in team sacks with 44. Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto ranks tied for third in the league with 10 sacks.

“I think this defense has the chance to be a championship-caliber defense. They’ll need another season to gel and get to where they know where the other guys will be and come to trust that they’ll be there for them,” Fletcher said. “Then you mix in what I think is one of the premiere quarterbacks in the league today, for a rookie. As Bo (Nix) grows, and becomes more familiar, I think the defense will play even harder football.”

Fletcher retired from the Broncos following the 1995 NFL season.

“I was busy while I was playing football,” Fletcher said. “I did rental properties and restaurants while I was playing. I have done construction companies since. But I think the biggest thing that made it easy to transition from football to (normal) life, in Colorado particular, is that fans don’t forget you just because you hang up your cleats.”

The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame will host its annual induction ceremony in mid-April. The class of 2025 includes Mikaela Shiffrin (alpine skiing), Troy Tulowitzki (Rockies), Larry Brown (Nuggets), Theodore “Bubbles” Anderson (Negro Leagues Baseball), Lisa Van Goor (University of Colorado) and Fletcher.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’ve already confirmed that I will be in attendance,” Fletcher said. “The prospect of being in the room with great athletes from all over the state of Colorado … is exciting.”

Fletcher relocated to Texas recently to be closer to family. But future plans include a return to the one place he belongs.

“I’m looking to spend 2025 back in my home of Colorado,” Fletcher said.