The Denver Broncos were established on August 14, 1959, as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL), and they began play in the 1960 season. The team’s original owner was Bob Howsam, and the Broncos played their home games at Bears Stadium, which was later renamed Mile High Stadium. The Broncos struggled in their early years, often finishing near the bottom of the standings. They were the first AFL team to beat an NFL team, defeating the Detroit Lions in a preseason game in 1967.
Joining the NFL and Building a Foundation (1970-1982)
With the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, the Broncos became part of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the NFL. The team continued to face challenges but gradually began to build a stronger roster. In 1973, the Broncos achieved their first winning season under the leadership of head coach John Ralston. The arrival of linebacker Randy Gradishar and cornerback Louis Wright marked the beginning of the “Orange Crush Defense” era.
The Orange Crush Era and First Super Bowl Appearance (1973-1983)
The Broncos’ “Orange Crush Defense” became one of the most formidable defensive units in the league. In 1977, under head coach Red Miller and led by quarterback Craig Morton, the Broncos had a standout season, finishing with a 12-2 record. They won their first AFC Championship and made it to Super Bowl XII but were defeated by the Dallas Cowboys 27-10.
The Elway Era (1983-1998)
In 1983, the Broncos acquired quarterback John Elway in a trade with the Baltimore Colts. Elway became the face of the franchise and led the team to numerous playoff appearances. The Broncos reached the Super Bowl three times in the 1980s (XXI, XXII, and XXIV) but lost each time, to the New York Giants, Washington Redskins, and San Francisco 49ers, respectively.
First Super Bowl Victories (1995-1998)
The hiring of head coach Mike Shanahan in 1995 marked a turning point for the Broncos. Shanahan and Elway led the team to consecutive Super Bowl victories in the late 1990s. In the 1997 season, the Broncos won Super Bowl XXXII by defeating the Green Bay Packers 31-24. The following year, they won Super Bowl XXXIII, beating the Atlanta Falcons 34-19. These victories cemented Elway’s legacy and brought the franchise its first championships.
- Super Bowl XXXII (1997)
- Super Bowl XXXIII (1998)
The Post-Elway Years and Rebuilding (1999-2011)
After Elway’s retirement in 1999, the Broncos went through several quarterbacks and coaches in an attempt to replicate their previous success. Despite making several playoff appearances, they struggled to return to the Super Bowl. Mike Shanahan was fired after the 2008 season, and Josh McDaniels was hired but was released before completing his second season.
The Peyton Manning Era and Super Bowl 50 (2012-2015)
In 2012, the Broncos signed future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, who had been released by the Indianapolis Colts. Manning’s arrival rejuvenated the franchise, leading them to multiple playoff appearances and setting several NFL records. The Broncos reached Super Bowl XLVIII in 2013 but were defeated by the Seattle Seahawks 43-8. They bounced back in the 2015 season, with a dominant defense led by linebacker Von Miller, and won Super Bowl 50 by defeating the Carolina Panthers 24-10.
- Super Bowl 50 (2015)
Recent Years (2016-Present)
After Manning’s retirement following the 2015 season, the Broncos have faced challenges in finding a long-term solution at quarterback. Despite having a strong defence, the team has struggled to achieve the same level of success and has undergone multiple coaching changes. In 2020, the Broncos hired head coach Vic Fangio, aiming to rebuild the team and return to their former glory.
Championships and Trophies
Super Bowl Championships
- Super Bowl XXXII (1997)
- Super Bowl XXXIII (1998)
- Super Bowl 50 (2015)
AFC Championships
- 1977
- 1986
- 1987
- 1989
- 1997
- 1998
- 2013
- 2015
Conclusion
The Denver Broncos have had a rich and storied history since their inception in 1960. From their humble beginnings in the AFL to their dominance in the late 1990s and mid-2010s, the Broncos have established themselves as one of the NFL’s premier franchises. With three Super Bowl victories and numerous playoff appearances, the team continues to strive for excellence and aims to add more chapters to its storied history.