Discover the indomitable spirit that made Denver Broncos an icon of resilience and determination. Follow quarterback legend John Elway as he led his team to multiple Super Bowl appearances and ultimately victory.
Broncos were an AFL charter member established in 1960; however, they struggled for many years prior to merging with NFL in 1970.
History
The Denver Broncos, named for the Rocky Mountains and their high altitude, debuted as an AFL charter franchise in 1960 with poor funding from owner Bob Howsam, but still managed to purchase uniforms with vertically-striped socks at Tucson’s Copper Bowl College All-Star Game for their inaugural team.
Unbelievably, Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos defeated Peyton Manning’s former team, the New England Patriots, to capture Super Bowl XLVIII. This marked an NFL record eight-appearance by Denver at one time; furthermore it marked their back-to-back Super Bowl wins and solidified them as one of its premier squads.
Origins
As soon as the original AFL Denver Broncos arrived for training camp in July 1960, everything changed forever in Colorado and American football landscape. Although their team never achieved greatness within its league circuit, their presence brought major-league sports for the first time to Colorado.
Robert Howsam was short of cash and used whatever equipment was available to him to form his first franchise, becoming famous for its garish mustard and brown uniforms and vertically-striped socks – classic symbols of Robert’s hardscrabble existence as owner.
For 41 seasons, Denver Broncos on-field success has generated fan enthusiasm and sold-out stadium attendance despite missing play-offs. But despite this regular season success, their Super Bowl record has been less than impressive.
Symbols
The Denver Broncos possess an array of symbols that reflect their history and culture, in addition to commemorative logos celebrating special events or milestones. Furthermore, Miles and Thunder represent the power of football!
On the field, the Denver Broncos have established epic rivalries with teams across the NFL, creating fierce competition and unforgettable showdowns. Their victories have galvanized their passionate fan base – known as Broncos Country – into driving them forward towards greatness.
The Broncos’ new uniforms represent the unique aspects of Colorado and incorporate fandom directly into them. Triangular perforations on helmets recall thin air at higher elevations while their back neck label features summit markers and outdoor performance gear aesthetics as inspirations.
Stadiums
Empower Field at Mile High serves as home field for both the NFL‘s Denver Broncos and Major League Lacrosse’s Denver Outlaws; college football games as well as CHSAA class 4A/5A Colorado state championship games are held here as well.
Mile High Stadium was initially constructed as an amateur baseball and football venue on a hill at 19th Avenue and Clay Street in 1948, becoming more widely known after Denver Broncos joined American Football League competition in 1960.
Ellis managed to secure sales tax financing and naming rights for the stadium through Greenwood Village-based Empower Retirement, who will hold their deal through 2039. Despite public opposition regarding branding the stadium with corporate sponsors, Ellis eventually found an agreement for naming rights between Denver Metropolitan Football Stadium District and Empower Retirement of Greenwood Village that will last.
Franchises
The Broncos have proven themselves one of the most successful franchises in NFL, boasting both on and off-field successes. Led by quarterback Peyton Manning they won two Super Bowl championships; made multiple playoff appearances during John Elway’s era; and currently are led by quarterback Drew Lock.
Early in 2006, Denver Broncos defense gained a reputation for dominance during early part of season; ESPN commentator Joe Theismann even nicknamed their defense as “Bad Blue.” Unfortunately, due to an unstable quarterback performance by Jake Plummer they began faltering down the stretch, ultimately losing out in tiebreaker with Kansas City Chiefs on playoff eligibility.
After firing Nathaniel Hackett after an ineffective first season, Denver hired New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton as its interim leader. While Payton’s initial season proved turbulent, Denver eventually improved under him in 2023.