Located in the mile high city of Denver, CO, the Denver Broncos are one of the NFL's most successful football franchises. They began play in 1960 as an original member of the old AFL and became part of the NFL when the two leagues merged. This storied football team is a member of the AFC Western Division and has been a part of 6 Super Bowls during this time, winning 2 of them. Let's take a brief look at the history of the Denver Broncos football team.
Success wasn't always with the Broncos. During their first 13 years, the team never had a winning record. Then beginning in the late 70s this football team began a run of Super Bowl appearances. Although their first 4 Super Bowls resulted in lopsided defeats, they were able to win back-to-back Super Bowls in 1997 and 98. The team continues to this day to be among the NFL's elite.
Playing their football games in Mile High Stadium, the team had a distinct home field advantage. Mile High Stadium was the loudest stadium in all of football with good reason. The flooring was made of steel instead of concrete. The sound was deafening to opposing players and coaches. And with their nicknamed "Orange Crush" defense, it's little wonder why this team was so dominant. Mile High Stadium lasted from 1960 until 2000 and was then replaced by the new Invesco Field at Mile High.
Although Denver had begin to experience a little success in the late 70s, it wasn't until 1983 when they truly became a powerful organization with the arrival of the great John Elway at quarterback. Under his leadership the team went on to 5 Super Bowls. As talented as John Elway was in football, he was also drafted at the same time by the New York Yankees to play baseball. John made the decision to stick with football and the rest is history.
Hall of Fame
The Broncos have only 3 football Hall of Fame players. The first one was Willie Brown, who played with the team from 1963-66 at CB. Next is Tony Dorsett, who played his only season with the team in 1988. Finally, there is John Elway, who played from 1983-1998.
Other very good football players for the Broncos over the years include: Gene Mingo (the first African-American kicker in the NFL in 1960) Floyd Little Lionel Taylor Rich Jackson Charley Johnson Frank Tripucka Paul Smith Billy Thompson Craig Morton Jim Turner Haven Moses Tom Jackson Randy Gradishar Louis Wright Dennis Smith Steve Atwater Karl Mecklenburg Gary Zimmerman Terrell Davis Shannon Sharpe Jason Elam
Mike Shanahan, who has also guided the team to their 2 Super Bowl wins, coaches the Broncos. The Denver football team is also known for their prolific running backs, including two who surpassed the 1,000 yard mark in the same season.
With another strong draft in 2006, the Denver Broncos should continue to experience success in the NFL for years to come. Cheered on by a fan base that is among the most loyal in all of football, this team has come to expect this success, year after year.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Football
Written By: Michael Russell
