The Broncos Team compete in Australasia’s elite National Rugby League competition. They play their home games at the Empower Field at Mile High stadium.
After joining the NFL after its 1970 merger with the AFL, Denver struggled for years to establish a winning streak. That changed in 1977 when veteran quarterback Craig Morton joined the team.
The History of the Broncos
After years of mediocrity, the Broncos finally reached football’s ultimate stage in 1998. A well-balanced team led by quarterback John Elway and running back Terrell Davis defeated Dan Reeves’ Atlanta Falcons to win the franchise’s first Super Bowl.
The Broncos would again reach the pinnacle in 2012 with Peyton Manning at the helm. But the Broncos were eviscerated in their opening play-off game.
The AFL Years
The AFL brought football to major metropolitan areas that lacked NFL franchises. Hunt’s vision brought the sport to Colorado, introduced it to New York City, restored it in Texas, and opened the door to Boston.
The AFL appealed to fans by offering a flashier style of play that featured long passing games. Players such as the Oilers’ George Blanda, the Bills/Jets/Raiders’ Jack Kemp, and the Texans’ Len Dawson helped give the league credibility.
The 1980s
John Elway is undoubtedly one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. His combination of a powerful throwing arm and amazing mobility allowed him to lead the Broncos to countless fourth-quarter comebacks.
Led by the Orange Crush defense – a nickname coined from their bright orange jerseys – the Broncos gained a playoff berth in 1977. They won their first two postseason games to advance to the Super Bowl.
The 1990s
The Broncos would thrash the Bulldogs in both Grand Finals to win their first two premierships in the newly formed NRL. They were led by a talented group of players such as Kevin Walters, Allan Langer, and 1992 Clive Churchill Medal winner Gordon Tallis.
Terrell Davis (nicknamed TD) was the team’s best player and his electrifying running style brought fans in week after week. John Elway was another star on the offensive side while Shannon Sharpe and Gary Zimmerman were strong pass catching tight ends.
The 2000s
A defensive mastermind, Bailey helped the Broncos to three straight AFC championship games. He had two Pro Bowl seasons and 21.5 sacks in his time in Denver.
He also was a key component in the team’s first-ever Super Bowl appearance, losing to Reeves’ Dallas Cowboys. He was a do-it-all player who could catch passes, return kicks and punts. He also blocked.
The 2010s
It took a bit longer than some would have expected, but John Elway brought championship-level football back to Denver in the 2010s. The decade began with the end of the Josh McDaniels era and ended with Super Bowl 50.
Talib, a free-agent addition in 2014, was a huge part of Denver’s ‘No-Fly Zone’ defense. Wolfe and Jackson were a lethal combination on the edge in Wade Phillips’ 3-4 defense.
The 2011s
With the train wreck of Josh McDaniels’ ill-starred tenure a thing of the past, Broncos fans could expect a more competitive team in 2011.
The return of Elvis Dumervil, who finished second in the NFL with 23 sacks last year, should help an improved defense.
The offense should be more enjoyable to watch with the emergence of Brandon Lloyd, who led the league in receiving yards in 2010. On the defensive side, the Broncos will feature a strong front with two-time All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady and rookie Nate Irving.
The 2012s
The Denver Broncos are the NFL team representing Colorado. They play in the AFC West division and were put on the national map by back-to-back Super Bowl victories under John Elway and Peyton Manning.
The Broncos’ emergence as a contender fueled “Broncomania” in Denver and galvanized their fans. But in their next Super Bowl appearance, the Broncos were eviscerated by the Seattle Seahawks.
The 2013s
The 2013 Broncos did what no other team in NFL history had done before or since. They scored more than 600 points in one season, a record that still stands.
This Friday night Cronulla are fielding a much more familiar and similar team to that of 2013, plus their big New South Wales Origin stars Paul Gallen and Luke Lewis are playing!
The 2014s
The Broncos added toughness to their squad by adding an enormous offensive lineman in Orlando Franklin. He puts in long hours before and after football to stay in both Broncos and Air Force shape.
Ben Barba is back seeking redemption and the rugby league world will be watching to see if he can recreate his form from two years ago. Anthony Griffin will be hoping for a better return than 2013. 12th was just not good enough.
