On Feb. 15, 1965, Gerald and Allan Phipps purchased 52 percent of the stock of Empire Sports. This granted the two virtually 100 percent ownership of the Broncos franchise for Denver. Gerald, who was the first non-player member of the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame, guided the franchise to their first ever AFC Championship, a Western Division title in 1977 and 1978, and three consecutive playoff appearances in 1977-79.
Mile High Heritage