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— CH. 1 · FOUNDING AND EARLY STRUGGLES —

Denver Broncos

~5 min read · Ch. 1 of 6
6 sections
  • On the 14th of August 1959, minor league baseball owner Bob Howsam received an American Football League charter franchise for Denver. The team played its first game on the 9th of September 1960, defeating the Boston Patriots by a score of 13, 10. Despite this opening victory, the Broncos struggled through their entire decade in the AFL. They recorded only one winning season during those ten years, finishing with a 7, 7 record in 1962. The franchise nearly lost its home in 1965 until a local ownership group stepped in to save it. Floyd Little became the team's first superstar when he signed in 1967 and helped keep the organization in Denver. He was instrumental in rebuilding the team through his Pro Bowl efforts both on and off the field. The Broncos were the only original AFL team that never reached the league title game or posted a winning season while part of that upstart league.

  • Dan Reeves joined the Broncos as vice president and head coach in 1981 at age 37, making him the youngest head coach in NFL history at that time. Quarterback John Elway arrived via trade from the Baltimore Colts in 1983 after being drafted first overall. Elway had threatened to shun football entirely unless traded to a specific list of teams including Denver. Before Elway, the Broncos had used over 24 different starting quarterbacks across 23 seasons. Reeves and Elway guided the team to six postseason appearances and five division titles over twelve years together. They won three AFC championships but lost all three Super Bowl appearances: Super Bowl XXI against New York Giants, Super Bowl XXII against Washington Redskins, and Super Bowl XXIV against San Francisco 49ers. The final score of Super Bowl XXIV remains the most lopsided scoring differential in Super Bowl history with a 55, 10 loss. Their partnership ended in feuding after Reeves took play-calling duties following Mike Shanahan's ouster in 1991. Reeves was fired after the 1992 season and replaced by Wade Phillips.

  • Mike Shanahan returned as head coach in 1995 after previously serving under Dan Reeves as offensive coordinator. The team went 8, 8 that year before drafting running back Terrell Davis. In 1996, the Broncos finished 13, 3 as the top seed in the AFC but lost to Jacksonville Jaguars 30, 27 in the divisional round. During the 1997 season, John Elway and Terrell Davis led Denver to its first Super Bowl victory. They defeated Green Bay Packers 31, 24 in Super Bowl XXXII despite Elway completing only 13 of 22 passes with one interception. Terrell Davis rushed for 157 yards and three touchdowns while overcoming a severe migraine headache causing blurred vision. He earned Super Bowl Most Valuable Player honors. The following season, the Broncos repeated as champions by defeating Atlanta Falcons 34, 19 in Super Bowl XXXIII. John Elway completed 18 of 29 passes for 336 yards including an 80-yard touchdown pass to Rod Smith. He was named Super Bowl MVP after the game. Elway retired following the 1998 season.

  • In March 2012, the Broncos signed Peyton Manning to a five-year contract worth $96 million after he missed the entire 2011 season due to neck surgeries. Manning had recently played for the Indianapolis Colts before joining Denver. Tim Tebow replaced Kyle Orton as starting quarterback during the 2011 playoffs but was traded to New York Jets after Manning's arrival. The team finished 13, 3 in both 2012 and 2013 seasons earning the AFC's number one seed each year. In 2013, Manning shattered multiple quarterback records while the offense broke all franchise offensive records. They defeated San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots in the playoffs before losing to Seattle Seahawks 43, 8 in Super Bowl XLVIII. Prior to the 2014 season, owner Pat Bowlen relinquished control due to Alzheimer's disease. Team president Joe Ellis and general manager John Elway assumed control. The Broncos finished 12, 4 that year but lost to Indianapolis Colts in divisional round. Manning played with strained quadriceps during the final month of the 2014 season.

  • On the 12th of January 2015, head coach John Fox mutually agreed to part ways with the Broncos after four seasons. Gary Kubiak was hired as the new head coach one week later. Kubiak had previously served as backup quarterback to John Elway from 1983 to 1991 and as offensive coordinator from 1995 to 2005. Under Kubiak, the defense improved dramatically to rank number one in the NFL by 2015. The team won Super Bowl 50 against Carolina Panthers 24, 10. Manning retired on the 7th of March 2016, after 18 NFL seasons. Brock Osweiler departed for Houston Texans while Mark Sanchez and Paxton Lynch competed for starting role. Trevor Siemian became starter leading to a 9, 7 record and missed playoffs. Kubiak announced retirement on the 2nd of January 2017 citing health reasons. Vance Joseph was hired as head coach on the 11th of January 2017 but finished 5, 11 that year. He recorded an 11, 21 record over two seasons before being fired. Vic Fangio took over on the 10th of January 2019 but lost to Kansas City Chiefs ending his tenure on the 8th of January 2022.

  • Mile High Stadium served as home field from 1960 through 2000 season. The stadium featured steel flooring instead of concrete creating loud environments especially during playoff games. Denver had best home record in pro football from 1974 to 2006 with 191 wins, 65 losses, and one tie. Fans booed no-shows and chanted IN-COM-PLETE whenever opposing teams threw incomplete passes. Altitude at 5,280 feet above sea level gave Broncos conditioning advantage. Invesco Field opened next to demolished Mile High site then became Sports Authority Field before renaming to Empower Field at Mile High in September 2019. The team sold out every home game since AFL-NFL merger except two replacement games during strike period. As of 2024 season, the franchise has never been shut out at home across over 400 games. Divisional rivals include Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers forming AFC West. All four teams were original American Football League members playing each other twice yearly for over sixty years. The rivalry intensified when Mike Shanahan coached Raiders before being fired mid-season in 1995.

Common questions

When was the Denver Broncos franchise established and who received the charter?

The Denver Broncos franchise was established on the 14th of August 1959 when Bob Howsam received an American Football League charter. The team played its first game on the 9th of September 1960 against the Boston Patriots.

Who were the key figures that led the Denver Broncos to their Super Bowl victories in the late 1990s?

John Elway and Terrell Davis led the Denver Broncos to their first Super Bowl victory in the 1997 season by defeating the Green Bay Packers. They repeated as champions in the following season by defeating the Atlanta Falcons, with Elway earning MVP honors both times.

What happened during the Denver Broncos tenure under Dan Reeves and John Elway?

Dan Reeves joined the Denver Broncos as head coach in 1981 while John Elway arrived via trade in 1983. Their partnership resulted in three AFC championships but they lost all three Super Bowl appearances including a record lopsided loss in Super Bowl XXIV.

How did the Denver Broncos perform after signing Peyton Manning in March 2012?

After signing Peyton Manning in March 2012, the Denver Broncos finished 13, 3 in both 2012 and 2013 seasons earning the number one seed each year. The team won Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers before Manning retired on the 7th of March 2016.

Where have the Denver Broncos played their home games throughout history?

Mile High Stadium served as the home field for the Denver Broncos from 1960 through the 2000 season featuring steel flooring to create loud environments. Invesco Field opened next to the demolished site and was renamed Empower Field at Mile High in September 2019.

All sources

242 references cited across the entry

  1. 1webThe Broncos Are BornNFL Enterprises, LLC
  2. 2webDenver Broncos Team FactsNFL Enterprises, LLC
  3. 3webContact InfoNFL Enterprises, LLC
  4. 5newsBroncos unveil new uniforms with announcement of 'Mile High Collection'Aric DiLalla — NFL Enterprises, LLC — April 22, 2024
  5. 7webDenver Broncos Team CapsuleNFL Enterprises, LLC — July 22, 2024
  6. 9webDenver Broncos Hall of FamersNFL Enterprises, LLC
  7. 13newsBroncos sold, stay at homeFebruary 16, 1965
  8. 16webRalston of Stanford Will Coach BroncosMurray Chass — January 6, 1972
  9. 18web1977 Denver Broncos StatisticsPro Football Reference
  10. 20newsDenver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen stepping backChris Wesseling — National Football League — July 23, 2014
  11. 21newsStatements on Owner Pat BowlenNFL Enterprises, LLC — July 23, 2014
  12. 35webDavis Glad MVP Went To ElwayJanuary 31, 1999
  13. 52newsENTER MCDANIELSNFL Enterprises, LLC — January 11, 2009
  14. 53webBroncos send Cutler to Bears for Orton, 3 picksJohn Clayton et al. — April 2, 2009
  15. 55newsBroncos lose franchise-record 12th game as Chargers win 33–28Stapleton, Arnie — January 3, 2011
  16. 56webBroncos videotape scandal results in fine, embarrassmentJeff Legwold — November 27, 2010
  17. 60newsJOHN FOX NAMED AS HEAD COACHNFL Enterprises, LLC — January 13, 2011
  18. 62newsThomas Shines in Overtime VictoryKenny Legan — NFL Enterprises, LLC — January 8, 2012
  19. 64webPeyton Manning, Broncos OK dealESPN — March 20, 2012
  20. 66webJets acquire Tim Tebow for draft pickRich Cimini et al. — March 22, 2012
  21. 67newsDouble-OT Heartbreaker Ends Denver's SeasonGray Caldwell et al. — NFL Enterprises, LLC — January 12, 2013
  22. 69webThe 2013 Broncos, the NFL's only 600-point teamJeff Legwold — September 27, 2023
  23. 75webPeyton was injured for past monthSchefter, Adam — ESPN — January 12, 2015
  24. 76newsJohn Fox, Denver Broncos part ways after four seasonsChris Wesseling — National Football League — January 12, 2015
  25. 77webChicago Bears officially name John Fox new head coachHolden, Will — January 16, 2015
  26. 78webGary Kubiak takes over BroncosJanuary 19, 2015
  27. 79webGary Kubiak: Denver Broncos job was "a game-changer"Jhabvala, Nicki — January 20, 2015
  28. 80webBroncos' defense is among best everJohn Clayton — February 6, 2016
  29. 82webOsweiler's Clutch Performance Seals Broncos Playoff BerthDillon Tabish — December 29, 2015
  30. 86newsPeyton Manning to retire after Super Bowl finish to 18-year NFL careerBen Swanson — NFL Enterprises, LLC — March 5, 2016
  31. 88webBrock Osweiler agrees in principle to $72M Texans dealGregg Rosenthal — March 9, 2016
  32. 89webMark Sanchez acquired by Broncos in trade with EaglesMarc Sessler — March 11, 2016
  33. 91magazineDenver Broncos cut QB Mark SanchezSeptember 3, 2016
  34. 95newsBroncos coach Gary Kubiak retires from coachingKevin Patra — National Football League — January 2, 2017
  35. 96newsBroncos appoint Vance Joseph, 'a leader of men,' as new head coachAndrew Mason — NFL Enterprises, LLC — January 11, 2017
  36. 98webCase Keenum signs two-year deal with BroncosGregg Rosenthal — March 12, 2018
  37. 100webPhillip Lindsay signs UDFA deal with Denver BroncosJeff Hauser — April 29, 2018
  38. 101webBroncos RB Phillip Lindsay sets NFL recordTravis Wakeman — USA Today — September 16, 2018
  39. 105newsBroncos relieve Head Coach Vance Joseph of his dutiesNFL Enterprises, LLC — December 31, 2018
  40. 106newsBroncos agree to terms with Vic Fangio to become head coachAric DiLalla — NFL Enterprises, LLC — January 10, 2019
  41. 108newsRavens agree to trade Joe Flacco to BroncosMark Maske — February 13, 2019
  42. 110webBroncos name Drew Lock starter against TexansArnie Stapleton — December 2, 2019
  43. 112newsNFLPA tells players there will be no preseason games in 2020Nick Shook — National Football League — July 21, 2020
  44. 117newsBroncos WR Kendall Hinton has QB wristband displayed at Hall of FameKevin Patra — National Football League — July 9, 2021
  45. 119magazineBroncos Name Teddy Bridgewater Starting QuarterbackMatthew McGavic — August 25, 2021
  46. 122newsBroncos trade star LB Von Miller to Rams for two 2022 NFL draft picksShook, Nick — National Football League — November 1, 2021
  47. 124webDenver Broncos coach Vic Fangio fired after three seasonsMichael Middlehurst-Schwartz — January 9, 2022
  48. 125newsDenver Broncos hire Nathaniel Hackett for first stint as head coachJeff Legwold — ESPN Internet Ventures, LLC — January 27, 2022
  49. 138webBroncos name Sean Payton as Head CoachAric DiLalla — NFL Enterprises, LLC — February 3, 2023
  50. 157web5 NFL teams that Broncos fans love to hateTravis Wakeman — June 27, 2017
  51. 163webElway led Broncos on 'The Drive'Carter, Bob — ESPN — July 5, 2005
  52. 164magazineByner's fumble spoils Browns shot at 1987 AFC Championship gloryReilly, Rick — September 21, 2011
  53. 167webDenver Broncos Team HistoryNFL Enterprises, LLC
  54. 168newsBroncology: So We Meet AgainAndrew Mason — NFL Enterprises, LLC — November 2, 2003
  55. 171webBenjamin Watson tackle saving touchdownsevenand7kc — September 16, 2011
  56. 172newsDenver doldrums continue for the Patriots – The Boston GlobeChristopher L. Gasper — October 12, 2009
  57. 174webLucky to see Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning againGasper, Christopher — October 7, 2012
  58. 181newsRecalling the 2005 AFC Title GameAndrew Mason — NFL Enterprises, LLC — January 17, 2014
  59. 182newsBroncos Advance with Postseason ThrillerGray Caldwell — NFL Enterprises, LLC — January 8, 2012
  60. 185magazineSeattle moved to NFC in approved realignment planBanks, Don — May 22, 2001
  61. 187newsSeattle Seahawks stomp Broncos for Super Bowl winGregg Rosenthal — February 2, 2014
  62. 188webFrequently Asked Questions — FAQsNFL Enterprises, LLC
  63. 190newsNEW NAME; SAME GAMENFL Enterprises, LLC — August 16, 2011
  64. 193web2020 Training CampNFL Enterprises, LLC
  65. 196newsBroncos Announce Stadium UpgradesGray Caldwell — NFL Enterprises, LLC — December 21, 2012
  66. 198newsSacco Sez: How the orange and blue beganJim Saccomano — NFL Enterprises, LLC — August 7, 2022
  67. 199newsLegend and Legacy: Orange's originJim Saccomano — NFL Enterprises — February 20, 2015
  68. 202newsNew uniforms for a new eraNFL Enterprises, LLC — February 4, 1997
  69. 203webThunder: Denver's Favorite BroncoL.A. Pomeroy — Arabian Horse Association — 2012
  70. 204press releaseBroncos unveil new uniform and logoNFL Enterprises, LLC — February 4, 1997
  71. 205newsNew Uniforms and Old TraditionsJim Saccomano — NFL Enterprises, LLC — October 3, 2011
  72. 209newsNFL announces 2009 AFL 'Legacy Games'National Football League — July 19, 2009
  73. 211webNFL approves Broncos' switch back to orange uniformsMike Klis — October 3, 2011
  74. 213newsBlue thunder: Broncos to break out blue jerseys against Packers, RaidersAndrew Mason — NFL Enterprises, LLC — August 20, 2015
  75. 214newsBroncos to debut new uniform combination for London game vs. JaguarsBen Swanson — NFL Enterprises, LLC — October 26, 2022
  76. 215newsBroncos to wear white uniforms in Super Bowl 50Ben Swanson — NFL Enterprises, LLC — January 25, 2016
  77. 216newsBroncos choose to wear white jerseys in Super BowlKevin Patra — National Football League — January 25, 2016
  78. 217newsNFL reveals Color Rush jersey for the BroncosAndrew Mason — NFL Enterprises, LLC — September 13, 2016
  79. 218newsWhat do you think about the Denver Broncos 'color rush' uniforms?Daniel Boniface — December 13, 2017
  80. 219webBroncos announce 2023 jersey scheduleAric DiLalla — August 21, 2023
  81. 220newsBroncos unveil new 'Snowcapped' alternate helmetAric DiLalla — NFL Enterprises, LLC — July 25, 2023
  82. 221newsBroncos unveil 1977 throwback uniform honoring Orange Crush eraAric DiLalla — NFL Enterprises, LLC — April 22, 2024
  83. 222webThe Mile High CollectionNFL Enterprises, LLC — April 22, 2024
  84. 223newsBroncos to debut all-Midnight Navy uniform combination vs. BengalsKennedy Rehklau — NFL Enterprises, LLC — September 28, 2025
  85. 224newsBroncos to wear all-Summit White uniforms for Week 17 matchup vs. ChiefsAric DiLalla — NFL Enterprises, LLC — December 22, 2025
  86. 226newsEx-Bronco Tripucka says Manning can wear familiar No. 18National Football League — March 20, 2012
  87. 228webDenver Broncos to unveil retired number signage on SundayTim Lynch — September 18, 2016
  88. 229newsBroncos unveil retired numbers tribute in pregame ceremonyBen Swanson — NFL Enterprises, LLC — September 18, 2016
  89. 231webView all the players in the Broncos Ring of FameJon Heath — USA Today — June 27, 2024
  90. 232webDenver Broncos 50th Anniversary Team ReleasedJohn Bena — September 15, 2009
  91. 233newsBRONCOS ANNOUNCE 50th ANNIVERSARY TEAMNFL Enterprises, LLC — September 15, 2009
  92. 234magazineRanking All 57 Super Bowl MVPs, From Bart Starr to Patrick MahomesGilberto Manzano — February 7, 2024
  93. 236newsTim McKernan, "Barrel Man" to Broncos fans, dies at 69Espinoza, Annette — December 5, 2009
  94. 239webAuthors: Nate JacksonThe Slate Group, LLC — 2013
  95. 240webSearch results for 'Nate Jackson'Gawker Media — 2013
  96. 241webMurder Doesn't Shake NFL's Dream World of Consequence-Free ViolenceJackson, Nate — Newsweek/The Daily Beast Company, LLC — December 4, 2012
  97. 243webWhy a Lockout Would Be Good for FootballJackson, Nate — March 5, 2011
  98. 244webNate Jackson on BuzzFeedOctober 8, 2012
  99. 245webAbout
  100. 246webKOA 850 AM & 94.1 FMAugust 4, 2024
  101. 247newsEd McCaffrey joins KOA Broncos broadcast teamJones, Lindsay — July 31, 2012
  102. 248webDenver Broncos Radio AffiliatesNFL Enterprises, LLC