ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – The Broncos have announced their year-long captains for the 2013 season.
Quarterback Peyton Manning and tackle Ryan Clady represent the offense, linebacker Wesley Woodyard and cornerback Champ Bailey on defense and safety David Bruton on special teams.
Manning's election marks the 12th consecutive season serving as a team captain – his second as a Bronco.
The 16th-year pro is the NFL's only four-time MVP and his 12 Pro Bowl selections are the most by a quarterback in league history. He set Broncos single-season records in nearly every major passing category in 2012, including completions (400), completion percentage (68.6), passing yards (4,659), touchdown passes (37) and quarterback rating (105.8).
The two longest-tenured Broncos defenders, Bailey and Woodyard will be Broncos season captains for the sixth and fifth straight season, respectively, this year.
Bailey is entering his 10th season in Denver and 15th in the league in 2013. His 12 career Pro Bowl selections are the most by a defensive back in league history and tie Manning for most among all active players. His 34 interceptions as a Bronco tie for fourth-most in team history.
Woodyard has been a team captain for the past five seasons and served as a game captain during his rookie year to make it a six-year run in the leadership position. He joins Hall of Fame running back Floyd Little as the only players in Broncos history to serve as a team captain in a game for their first six consecutive seasons. He earned a spot on the USA Today's All-Joe Team in 2012 after posting career highs in starts (14), tackles (114), sacks (5.5), interceptions (3), passes defensed (6) and fumble recoveries (1).
Bruton and Clady were both elected for the first time in their careers.
Clady, who signed a long-term contract with the Broncos this offseason is entering his sixth NFL season and became the fourth offensive lineman in NFL history to start every game and make at least three Pro Bowls during his first five NFL seasons.
Bruton ranks second on the team with 32 special teams tackles during his first four NFL seasons. He was named a third alternate for the AFC Pro Bowl squad as a special-teamer after playing all 16 games for Denver last year and leading the team with 376 special teams snaps.
