GARY ZIMMERMAN, LEFT TACKLE

Size: 6'6", 294 pounds
Age: 36
College: Oregon

Playing attributes: Strong, quick and tough. Separated shoulder on Oct. 19 against the Raiders but still played entire game. Says Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, "He'd play if he had a broken leg." Technically sound and has excellent footwork.

MARK SCHLERETH, LEFT GUARD

Size: 6'3", 278
Age: 32, on Super Sunday
College: Idaho

Playing attributes: One of the league's strongest linemen, with high tolerance for pain. Has endured 20 operations, including 16 on knees. Most recently had surgery to repair herniated disk, which he noticed only when he lost feeling in one leg while warming up for Nov. 16 game at Kansas City. Played the entire game and had operation four days later.

TOM NALEN, CENTER

Size: 6'2", 280
Age: 26
College: Boston College

Playing attributes: So athletic that in a pinch he could play any position on the line. Second among centers to the Steelers' Dermontti Dawson as a drive-blocker. A smart player, though it's not always apparent off the field. Upon arriving in Tokyo for a 1995 preseason game, he remarked to teammates, "Boy, there sure are a lot of Japanese here."

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BRIAN HABIB, RIGHT GUARD

Size: 6'7", 299
Age: 33
College: Washington

Playing attributes: Punishing run blocker known for his relentless effort. Shares salty disposition of friend and former college teammate Kevin Gogan, the 49ers' Pro Bowl guard. Teammates chide him for being a cleaning freak, but, says Nalen, "when it comes to football, Brian doesn't mind getting dirty."

TONY JONES, RIGHT TACKLE

Size: 6'5", 295
Age: 31
College: Western Carolina

Playing attributes: Standout pass protector with versatility. Shanahan says Jones was enjoying a Pro Bowl year at left tackle before being switched to the right side in October to accommodate Zimmerman. "He looked totally natural as soon as he made the switch, and that's unusual when a guy can do that," Shanahan says. Works well on double-team blocking with tight ends Shannon Sharpe and Dwayne Carswell and right guard Habib.

Issue date: January 26, 1998