Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos began play in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League and joined the NFL in the 1970 merger. Playing a mile above sea level in the AFC West, Denver has become one of the most successful franchises of the Super Bowl era.

Super Bowl history

The Broncos have played in eight Super Bowls and won three. After early losses with the famed “Orange Crush” defense and the John Elway-led teams of the late 1980s, Denver broke through with back-to-back titles in Super Bowl XXXII and Super Bowl XXXIII. The franchise added a third championship in Super Bowl 50, when Von Miller and a dominant defense carried Peyton Manning to a ring in his final season.

Best players in Broncos history

• John Elway – Hall of Fame quarterback, master of the comeback and MVP of Super Bowl XXXIII.
• Terrell Davis – Super Bowl XXXII MVP who ran for 2,008 yards and won NFL MVP in 1998.
• Peyton Manning – Set single-season passing records in Denver in 2013 and won Super Bowl 50.
• Von Miller – Elite pass rusher and Super Bowl 50 MVP.
• Champ Bailey – Hall of Fame cornerback and one of the best cover men ever.
• Shannon Sharpe – Hall of Fame tight end and a key piece of both late-1990s title teams.
• Steve Atwater – Hard-hitting Hall of Fame safety.
• Randy Gradishar – Hall of Fame linebacker who anchored the “Orange Crush” defense.
• Floyd Little – “The Franchise,” Denver’s first great star and a Hall of Famer.

Biggest rivalries

The Raiders rivalry dates back to the AFL’s first season in 1960 and remains one of the nastiest in football. The Kansas City Chiefs are Denver’s other longtime AFC West foe, with the division title often running through Arrowhead.