The name “Denver Broncos” was chosen from 500 entries in a name-the-team contest in January 1960.
Frank Filchock named first head coach of the Broncos
Denver placed in AFL’s western division with Dallas, Oakland and Los Angeles
Lionel Taylor Records Reception Record
Lionel Taylor followed his impressive 1960 career with 100 receptions (1,176 yds.) in 1961 that stood as the franchise record until 2000 (and currently tie for eighth on its single-season chart).
Empire Sports
On May 26, 1961 the original principal owners of the Broncos sell their stock to a new syndicate headed by Cal Kunz and Gerry Phipps.
Frank Filchock released as Broncos head coach
Jack Faulkner hired as Broncos head coach
Jack Faulkner named coach of the year in AFL
Gene Mingo sets professional field goal record of 27 in a season
Historic 9-Player Trade
In January of 1964, the Broncos and the Jets completed an historic nine-player trade, the largest that had ever been made in the AFL.
October 4, 1964
Jack Faulkner released as head coach
October 5, 1964
Mac Speedie accepts appointment as interim head coach
Broncos Franchise Ownership
On February 15, 1965, Gerald and Allan Phipps purchased 52 percent of the stock of Empire Sports.
March 5, 1965
Record sale of 941 season tickets in one day
Season ticket drive goal of 20,000 sales reached
Lionel Taylor records 500th Catch
Lionel Taylor made his 500th catch of his career in a game against Boston.
December, 1965
Tackle Eldon Danenhauer, Split End Lionel Taylor and Fullback Cookie Gilchrist named to the all-AFL team
June 8, 1966
Merger of American and National Leagues announced
September 19, 1966
Ray Malavasi named Head Coach of the Broncos
Lou Saban As Head Coach
On December 19, 1966, Lou Saban signed a 10-year contract as General Manager and Head Coach of the Denver Broncos.
New Offices and Practice Fields
The Broncos moved to new suburban executive offices with an adjacent practice field and locker room facilities.
“DOERS” Save the Stadium
Metropolitan Denver voters turned down a bond issue to construct a new stadium for the team.
May 17, 1967
Floyd Little becomes the first No. 1 choice to sign with Denver in the history of the club
August 5, 1967
Broncos defeat Detroit Lions 13-7 in preseason game at DU for AFL’s first win over the NFL
January 1968
Lou Saban and staff coach the West stars
Stadium Capacity Increased
The addition of an upper deck to the stadium began following the acquisition.
The New Offices
By Sept. 21, 1968, the Broncos’ custom-designed facility was ready for occupation.
December 14, 1968
Bears Stadium is officially re-named Denver Mile High Stadium
January 17, 1970
Rich Jackson, Dave Costa, Floyd Little, Mike Current and George Goeddeke play in All-Star Game on West team
September, 1970
Season ticket sale hits record number of 43,584
Lou Saban resigns
Lou Saban resigns as head coach of Broncos, a position he had held for five years.
Fred Gehrke Mural
In 1973, then-assistant general manager Fred Gehrke took some NFL team posters and created a mural.
Super Bowl XXXII Parade
An estimated 650,000 fans gathered in downtown Denver for a victory parade and rally to honor the World Champion Denver Broncos.
AFC-NFC Pro Bowl in Honolulu
The Broncos are represented in the annual AFC-NFC Pro Bowl in Honolulu by running back Terrell Davis, center Tom Nalen, tight end Shannon Sharpe and defensive end Neil Smith.
June 5, 1998
Broncos players and coaches receive their Super Bowl rings in a private ceremony at team headquarters
Denver Goes to Washington, D.C.
The Denver Broncos travel to Washington, D.C., for a special ceremony…
The Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers are selected to play the first NFL game in Australia
Jason Elam Meets a Record
Broncos kicker Jason Elam ties a 28-year old NFL record by making a 63-yard field-goal attempt vs. Jacksonville at Mile High Stadium.
Denver-area voters approve a ballot issue to appropriate tax money to partially fund a new football stadium in Denver
50,000 Yards
Broncos quarterback John Elway becomes just the second player in NFL history to compile 50,000 yards passing during a career…
The Broncos clinch the AFC West division title for the ninth time in franchise history with a 31-16 win at San Diego
Winning Streak
The Broncos tie an NFL record by winning their 18th game in a row (regular and postseason combined) with a 35-31 comeback defeat of Kansas City at Mile High Stadium.
A Formidable Finish
The Broncos close the regular season with a 14-2 record, best in franchise history, by virtue of a 28-21 win over Seattle.
AFC Divisional Playoffs
Denver defeats Miami 38-3 in an AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Mile High Stadium to win its fifth consecutive postseason contest.
Super Bowl Bound!
Denver defeats the New York Jets 23-10 in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium…
Super Bowl XXIII Champions
Denver defeats Atlanta 34-19 in Super Bowl XXXIII at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Fla., to claim its second consecutive World Championship.
Super Bowl Parade
The Broncos return to Denver from Miami and are greeted by an estimated 375,000 fans lining a parade route that takes the team through downtown, along Broadway, to a rally at Civic Center Park.
NFC Pro Bowl
The Broncos are represented in the annual AFC-NFC Pro Bowl in Honolulu by a franchise-record 10 players.
“Champions of American football”
Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji visits the Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre as part of a nine-day U.S. tour to promote trade with China.
John Elway announces his retirement in a press conference at the Inverness Hotel and Golf Club in Englewood
Broncos players, coaches and staff receive their Super Bowl rings in a private ceremony
American Bowl ‘99
Denver defeats San Diego 20-17 in American Bowl ‘99 at Stadium Australia, in Sydney, Australia
Sharpe Leading Receiver
Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe becomes the leading receiver in franchise history, catching five passes for 39 yards against Tampa Bay at Raymond James Stadium
High Scorer Jason Elam
Kicker Jason Elam becomes the Broncos’ all-time leading scorer, surpassing Jim Turner (742 points) in Denver’s game vs. the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium.
Denver has two players post 100 or more receiving yards in the same game for the first time in franchise history
A Fortunate Fumble
Denver linebacker Glenn Cadrez returns a fumble 37 yards for a touchdown in overtime to lift the Broncos over the Seattle Seahawks, 36-30.
Olandis Gary Sets Record
Running back Olandis Gary sets franchise rookie rushing record by finishing the 1999 season with 1,159 yards on 276 carries.
AFC-NFC Pro Bowl
The Broncos are represented at the annual AFC-NFC Pro Bowl in Honolulu by center Tom Nalen, defensive tackle Trevor Pryce and fullback/special teams player Detron Smith.
The Broncos conclude season ticket renewals and waiting list additions for 2000, leading to an anticipated 31st consecutive season of sellouts at Mile High Stadium
Home Opener
The Broncos begin their final season of play at Mile High Stadium with a 42-14 win over Atlanta before a crowd of 75,466 in the home opener.
Broncos rookie running back Mike Anderson becomes just the ninth player in NFL history to rush for more than 100 yards in each of his first two NFL games
Last Mile High Monday
Denver defeats Oakland 27-24 in the final Monday Night Football game at Mile High Stadium on a 41-yard field goal by Jason Elam as time expired.
Fourth-Quarter Comeback
The Broncos improve to 7-4 with the second-largest fourth-quarter comeback in franchise history, overcoming a 34-17 deficit to beat the San Diego Chargers 38-37.
Rookie Rushing Record
Mike Anderson rushes for 251 yards in a 38-23 win at New Orleans to set an all-time NFL rookie rushing record for a single game.
An Historic Farewell to Mile High Stadium
The Broncos play their final game ever at Mile High Stadium, defeating San Francisco 38-9 before the second-largest crowd in the stadium’s history, 76,098. It was the largest crowd ever for a Broncos regular season game, and those in attendance were treated to an outstanding performance from the home team on this historic day.
The Broncos are represented at the annual AFC-NFC Pro Bowl by Brian Griese, Tom Nalen, Trevor Pryce and Rod Smith.
First Season at INVESCO Field
The Broncos played their first preseason game at INVESCO Field at Mile High vs. the New Orleans Saints, winning 31-24.
The Broncos officially christen INVESCO Field at Mile High with a season-opening 31-20 win over the New York Giants on Monday Night Football
Wide receiver Rod Smith sets a team record with 14 receptions in a 38-17 win at Arizona
Record Interceptions
Cornerback Deltha O’Neal ties an NFL record by becoming the 18th player in league history (19th time) to intercept four passes in one game in Denver’s 20-6 defeat of Kansas City at INVESCO Field at Mile High.
Elam Scores 1,000 Career Points
Kicker Jason Elam becomes one of just 30 players in NFL history to score 1,000 career points, converting four field goals in a 38-28 loss at Oakland on Monday Night Football.
The Broncos defeat the Dallas Cowboys 26-24 at Texas Stadium on Thanksgiving Day, marking the club’s first Thanksgiving Day appearance since 1990
Ted Sundquist is promoted to general manager after six years as director of college scouting
AFC-NFC Pro Bowl 2002
The Broncos are represented in the annual AFC-NFC Pro Bowl in Honolulu by tight end Dwayne Carswell, kicker Jason Elam, linebacker/special teams player Ian Gold, cornerback Deltha O’Neal, defensive tackle Trevor Pryce, wide receiver Rod Smith and linebacker Al Wilson.
The Broncos conclude season ticket renewals and waiting list additions for 2002, leading to an anticipated 33rd consecutive season of home sellouts.
Sharpe NFL Record
Tight end Shannon Sharpe sets an NFL record for a tight end and a franchise receiving record with 214 receiving yards on 13 receptions, including two touchdowns, in Denver’s 37-34 come-from-behind overtime win at Kansas City.
Rookie running back Clinton Portis ties a Broncos record by becoming just the second player in franchise history to score four touchdowns in a game
Clinton Portis
Running back Clinton Portis closes his rookie season with a 228-yard rushing effort in a win vs. Arizona at INVESCO Field at Mile High to finish the season with a franchise rookie-record 1,508 rushing yards, the fifth-best rushing season by a rookie in NFL history.
Running back Clinton Portis is named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press
Larry Coyer is promoted from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator
The Broncos announce that the club will hold training camp in 2003 at its permanent facility in Dove Valley
Dove Valley Training Complex
Construction begins at the Broncos’ Dove Valley training complex on a third outdoor practice field, to feature a FieldTurf artificial surface.
The Broncos conclude season ticket renewals and waiting list additions for 2003, leading to an anticipated 34th consecutive season of home sellouts.
Training Camp
The Broncos open training camp at the Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre, the first training camp to be held at the team’s permanent training facility in suburban Denver.
Rod Smith Punt Return
Wide receiver Rod Smith returns a punt 65 yards for a touchdown vs. San Diego.
Jason Elam scores his 1,300th career point, reaching that milestone in fewer games than any player in NFL history
The Broncos Defeat Indianapolis 31-17
The Broncos defeat Indianapolis 31-17 at the RCA Dome in an ESPN-televised Sunday night game to clinch the organization’s first playoff berth since the 2000 season.
The Broncos are represented in the annual AFC-NFC Pro Bowl in Honolulu by center Tom Nalen, running back Clinton Portis and linebacker Al Wilson
Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre
Construction begins on a $4 million renovation and expansion project to upgrade the team’s headquarters, the Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre, in suburban Denver.
The Broncos conclude season ticket renewals and waiting list additions for 2004, leading to an anticipated 35th consecutive season of home sellouts.
The $4 million renovation and expansion of the team’s permanent training facility is completed in time for the opening of training camp.
Reuben Droughns
Reuben Droughns’ 193 rushing yards against Carolina mark the most by a Broncos player in his first start at running back and the ninth-highest regular-season game total in franchise history (10th most in any game).
Rod Smith passes Shannon Sharpe to become the franchise leader in receptions and touchdown receptions
Kicker Jason Elam, in his 184th outing, against San Diego becomes the fastest NFL player to eclipse the 1,400-point plateau
Terrell Davis is the 21st inductee into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame on September 23, 2007
The Broncos earn a 31-24 win against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium for their NFL-record 13th consecutive divisional road win
Broncos Defeat Green Bay
Denver (6-0) defeats the previously unbeaten Green Bay Packers (6-0), holding quarterback Aaron Rodgers to just 77 yards passing—the lowest total of his career.
Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen is officially inducted as the 28th member of the team’s Ring of Fame
NFL Passing Yardage Record
During Denver’s 29-13 loss to Kansas City, Manning breaks Favre’s NFL passing yardage record, finishing the game with 71,871 career yards.
Brock Osweiler First Start
With Manning recovering from injury, fourth-year quarterback Brock Osweiler makes his first of seven consecutive starts and leads Denver to a 17-15 win at Chicago against former Head Coach John Fox.
Denver erases a 14-point, fourth-quarter deficit to earn a 30-24 overtime win against the previously unbeaten New England Patriots
Chris Harris Jr., Von Miller, Aqib Talib and DeMarcus Ware are selected to the Pro Bowl
A Win To Break The Mold
Denver snaps a two-game losing streak and clinches its fifth consecutive postseason berth with a 20-17 overtime win against the Cincinnati Bengals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
AFC’s No. 1 Seed
Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning returns from injury in the second half of Denver’s regular-season finale against the San Diego Chargers and helps spark the team to a 27-20 win to clinch its fifth consecutive AFC West Division title and the AFC’s No. 1 seed
AFC Champions
Denver holds off New England for a 20-18 win in the AFC Championship game to propel the club to its eighth Super Bowl appearance. The Broncos’ two-point win against the Patriots was their 11th of the season decided by seven points or less to represent the most in NFL history.
Super Bowl Champions
Denver captures third World Championship by defeating the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, California.
Linebacker Von Miller becomes just the 10th defensive player to earn Super Bowl MVP honors
An estimated 1 million fans gather in downtown Denver for a victory parade and rally to honor the World Champion Denver Broncos
Peyton Manning Retires
QB Peyton Manning informs the Broncos that he will retire after 18 seasons.
June 6 : Broncos coaches, players and football staff visit the White House as guests of President Barack Obama in recognition of the team’s victory in Super Bowl 50
Denver beats Baltimore 19-13 in Week 1 to give Gary Kubiak a win in his Broncos debut as head coach
Billy Joe named AFL Rookie of the Year
2016 Schedule
Date | Opponent | Score |
---|---|---|
9/8 | Carolina Panthers | 21-20 |
9/18 | Indianapolis Colts | 34-20 |
9/25 | at Cincinnati Bengals | 29-17 |
10/2 | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 27-7 |
10/9 | Atlanta Falcons | 16-23 |
10/13 | at San Diego Chargers | 13-21 |
10/24 | Houston Texans | 27-9 |
10/30 | San Diego Chargers | 27-19 |
11/6 | at Oakland Raiders | 20-30 |
11/13 | at New Orleans Saints | 25-23 |
11/27 | Kansas City Chiefs | 27-30(OT) |
12/4 | at Jacksonville Jaguars | 20-10 |
12/11 | at Tennessee Titans | 10-13 |
12/18 | New England Patriots | 3-16 |
12/25 | at Kansas City Chiefs | 10-33 |
1/1 | Oakland Raiders | 24-6 |
2017 Schedule
Date | Opponent | Score |
---|---|---|
9/11 | Los Angeles Chargers | 24-21 |
9/17 | Dallas Cowboys | 42-17 |
9/24 | at Buffalo Bills | 16-26 |
10/1 | Oakland Raiders | 16-10 |
10/15 | New York Giants | 10-23 |
10/22 | at Los Angeles Chargers | 0-21 |
10/30 | at Kansas City Chiefs | 19-29 |
11/5 | at Philadelphia Eagles | 23-51 |
11/12 | New England Patriots | 16-41 |
11/19 | Cincinnati Bengals | 17-20 |
11/26 | at Oakland Raiders | 14-21 |
12/3 | at Miami Dolphins | 9-35 |
12/10 | New York Jets | 23-0 |
12/14 | at Indianapolis Colts | 25-13 |
12/24 | at Washington Redskins | 11-27 |
12/31 | Kansas City Chiefs | 25-27 |
2016 Offense
Pos | Player | Starts |
---|---|---|
QB | Trevor Siemian | 14 |
QB | Paxton Lynch | 2 |
RB | C.J. Anderson | 7 |
RB | Devontae Booker | 6 |
RB | Justin Forsett | 3 |
FB | Andy Janovich | 5 |
FB | Juwan Thompson | 1 |
WR | Demaryius Thomas | 16 |
WR | Emmanuel Sanders | 16 |
WR | Jordan Norwood | 6 |
WR | Cody Latimer | 1 |
TE | Virgil Green | 11 |
TE | John Phillips | 3 |
TE | A.J. Derby | 3 |
TE | Jeff Heuerman | 2 |
C | Matt Paradis | 16 |
LT | Russell Okung | 16 |
OT | Ty Sambrailo | 4 |
RT | Donald Stephenson | 12 |
LG | Max Garcia | 16 |
RG | Michael Schofield | 16 |
2016 Defense
Pos | Player | Starts |
---|---|---|
DE | Jared Crick | 15 |
DE | Derek Wolfe | 14 |
DE | Billy Winn | 2 |
NT | Sylvester Williams | 16 |
SLB | Von Miller | 16 |
WLB | DeMarcus Ware | 8 |
WLB | Shane Ray | 8 |
ILB | Todd Davis | 15 |
ILB | Brandon Marshall | 10 |
ILB | Corey Nelson | 6 |
ILB | Zaire Anderson | 1 |
CB | Chris Harris Jr. | 15 |
CB | Aqib Talib | 13 |
CB | Bradley Roby | 4 |
S | Darian Stewart | 16 |
S | T.J. Ward | 14 |
S | Justin Simmons | 3 |
MAY 17 : K Jason Elam, S John Lynch and OLB Simon Fletcher are named as the 2016 Broncos Ring of Fame class.
Clark Judge on Steve Atwater
“Of that first-team All-Decade defense from the 1990s, who is not in the Hall of Fame? Two guys: LeRoy Butler and Steve Atwater.”
“Karl Mecklenburg, he’s a Hall of Famer because I’ve never seen a guy, and I’ve never heard of one, that’s in the Hall of Fame that could play inside and rush the passer.”
– Wade Phillips