The Denver Broncos, founded in 1960, boast a rich history of legendary players. This article delves into the careers of the seven greatest Broncos of all time, highlighting their contributions to the team’s three Super Bowl victories and lasting legacy in the NFL.
While iconic players like Peyton Manning have donned the orange and blue, this list focuses on those who dedicated a significant portion of their careers to the Broncos and left an indelible mark on the franchise. Let’s explore the careers of these Denver Broncos legends.
Quarterback Royalty: John Elway
Leading the list is quarterback John Elway, the No. 1 overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft. Elway spent his entire 16-year career with the Broncos, leading the team to five Super Bowl appearances and victories in Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII.
Elway’s remarkable scrambling ability, powerful arm, and leadership qualities earned him a Super Bowl MVP award, an NFL MVP award, and nine Pro Bowl selections. His jersey, No. 7, is retired by the Broncos, and he is enshrined in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.
Undrafted to Unstoppable: Rod Smith
Wide receiver Rod Smith defied the odds, rising from an undrafted free agent in 1994 to become one of the Broncos’ most prolific receivers. Smith played a crucial role in the Broncos’ back-to-back Super Bowl wins, forming a dynamic duo with John Elway.
Over his career, Smith amassed over 11,000 receiving yards and 68 touchdowns. His dedication and exceptional performance earned him three Pro Bowl selections and a place in the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.
The Sack Master: Von Miller
Linebacker Von Miller, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, quickly established himself as a dominant force in the NFL. Miller’s exceptional speed, strength, and agility made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
His performance in Super Bowl 50, where he recorded 2.5 sacks and a crucial strip-sack, solidified his legacy as a game-changer. While Miller’s career continues, his impact on the Broncos and his future Hall of Fame induction are undeniable.
Defensive Dynamo: Karl Mecklenburg
Karl Mecklenburg, a versatile defensive player, excelled in multiple roles for the Broncos during the 1980s. His ability to rush the passer, stop the run, and deliver bone-jarring tackles made him an integral part of the Broncos’ defense that reached three Super Bowls.
Mecklenburg’s contributions earned him four First-Team All-Pro selections, six Pro Bowl nods, and a place in the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame. His hard-hitting style and versatility defined a generation of Broncos defenders.
The Athletic Tight End: Shannon Sharpe
Tight end Shannon Sharpe revolutionized the position with his exceptional athleticism and receiving skills. Sharpe played 12 of his 14 NFL seasons with the Broncos, contributing significantly to their Super Bowl victories in the late 1990s.
Sharpe’s record-breaking performance, including the most receiving yards in a game by a tight end (214), earned him four First-Team All-Pro selections, eight Pro Bowl selections, and enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Lockdown Corner: Champ Bailey
Cornerback Champ Bailey, though drafted by Washington, spent the majority of his illustrious career with the Broncos. Bailey’s exceptional speed, athleticism, and football IQ made him a shutdown corner, feared by quarterbacks and wide receivers alike.
Bailey’s ability to neutralize opposing offenses earned him four First-Team All-Pro selections, four Second-Team All-Pro selections, and 12 Pro Bowl nods. He is a member of both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.
The Rushing Force: Terrell Davis
Running back Terrell Davis, a sixth-round draft pick, became a driving force behind the Broncos’ Super Bowl victories in the late 1990s. Davis’s powerful running style, combined with his vision and speed, allowed him to dominate opposing defenses.
Despite a career cut short by injury, Davis earned a Super Bowl MVP award, an NFL MVP award, and two Offensive Player of the Year awards. His impactful career secured him a place in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.
In conclusion, these seven players represent the pinnacle of excellence in Denver Broncos history. Their contributions on the field, leadership qualities, and lasting impact on the franchise have solidified their places as legends in the NFL.
