David Bakhtiari was one of the premier offensive tackles of his era, anchoring the blindside for 17 seasons with the Denver Horns and Orlando Spartans. Drafted in the 3rd round of the inaugural draft (Pick 67), Bakhtiari quickly developed into a cornerstone in Denver, becoming known for his elite pass protection and consistency against the league’s top edge rushers. In Season 4, he earned Offensive Lineman of the Year honors, cementing himself as one of the most reliable tackles in football.

During his 11 seasons in Denver, Bakhtiari was the definition of steady excellence, making 9 Pro Bowls and 7 All-Pro teams. He helped the Horns capture two NFC titles and a Super Bowl VI championship, establishing himself as one of the franchise’s most decorated linemen. While never the flashiest player, his dominance in the trenches provided stability and allowed Denver’s offense to thrive year after year.

Bakhtiari closed out his career with the Orlando Spartans, signing ahead of Season 12 and finishing through Season 17. Though he never replicated the accolades of his Denver years, his leadership and durability made him a trusted veteran presence on a playoff-caliber roster. Across 17 seasons, Bakhtiari was part of 13 playoff teams, won 7 division titles, and remained a fixture on winning squads. A one-time Super Bowl champion and one of the most decorated linemen in Horns history, Bakhtiari’s legacy rests on his remarkable consistency and dominance in protecting the quarterback at the highest level.