Denver Broncos

History of the Denver Broncos, one of the NFL’s flagship franchises

🏈 Founding Years & AFL Struggles (1960–1969)

  • Founded in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL).

  • Early years were rough: the Broncos were the AFL’s worst team throughout the 1960s, never posting a winning record before the AFL–NFL merger in 1970.

  • They did, however, introduce their now-famous orange uniforms in 1962 (nicknamed the “Orange Crush” look years later).

🚀 First Taste of Success (1970s)

  • After the 1970 AFL–NFL merger, the Broncos joined the AFC West.

  • Under coach Red Miller and with a dominant defence nicknamed the “Orange Crush,” the Broncos made their first playoff appearance in 1977.

  • That year, they reached Super Bowl XII, but lost 27–10 to the Dallas Cowboys.

🐴 The Elway Era (1983–1998)

  • In 1983, Denver acquired John Elway, a top draft pick, in a blockbuster trade with the Baltimore Colts.

  • With Elway, the Broncos became perennial contenders in the AFC.

  • They reached five Super Bowls in the 1980s and 1990s but lost their first four appearances (1986, 1987, 1989, 1990).

  • Finally, under coach Mike Shanahan, Denver broke through in the late 1990s:

    • Super Bowl XXXII (1997): Defeated the Green Bay Packers 31–24, behind MVP Terrell Davis.

    • Super Bowl XXXIII (1998): Defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34–19.

  • Elway retired after the 1998 season, going out as a two-time champion.

⚖️ Post-Elway Transition (1999–2010)

  • The Broncos remained competitive but lacked stability at quarterback.

  • They had playoff runs under Shanahan but no deep postseason success.

  • Notable players from this era included RB Clinton Portis, CB Champ Bailey (acquired via trade in 2004), and QB Jake Plummer.

  • In 2005, the Broncos reached the AFC Championship Game but lost to the Steelers.

🐎 The Tebow & Manning Years (2010–2015)

  • 2011: QB Tim Tebow led the Broncos to a dramatic playoff win over the Steelers (overtime TD pass), though they lost the next week.

  • 2012: The Broncos signed future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning after his release from the Colts.

  • With Manning, Denver became an offensive powerhouse:

    • 2013: Set multiple records, including Manning’s 55 TD passes, but lost Super Bowl XLVIII in a blowout to the Seahawks (43–8).

    • 2015: With a dominant defence led by Von Miller, Denver won Super Bowl 50, defeating the Carolina Panthers 24–10. Manning retired after the game, cementing his legacy.

🛠️ Recent Years (2016–Present)

  • Since Manning’s retirement, Denver has struggled with quarterback instability and multiple head coaching changes.

  • Despite strong defensive players like Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, and Patrick Surtain II, the offence often lagged behind.

  • 2022: Denver traded for QB Russell Wilson in a blockbuster deal, but his first season was disappointing under coach Nathaniel Hackett.

  • 2023: Sean Payton was hired as head coach to turn things around. The team improved slightly but still missed the playoffs.

  • As of 2025, the Broncos are in a rebuilding phase, trying to find balance between Wilson (or a successor at QB), Payton’s leadership, and their defensive core.

🏆 Quick Facts

  • Founded: 1960 (AFL)

  • Super Bowl Titles: 3 (1997, 1998, 2015)

  • Super Bowl Appearances: 8 (Tied 2nd most in NFL history)

  • AFC Championships: 8

  • Hall of Famers: John Elway, Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe, Champ Bailey, Peyton Manning (inducted as a Colt/Bronco), Gary Zimmerman, Floyd Little, Steve Atwater, Pat Bowlen (owner)

  • Identity: Known for the “Orange Crush” defence, Mile High Stadium atmosphere, and loyal fan base.

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