In our Broncos Legends series, we're revisiting the careers of some of the best players in franchise history with video highlights and rarely seen photos — and they'll join us to break down their favorite moments as a Bronco and more. Here's a refresher on Alfred Williams' time in Denver.
Career overview
After a star-studded career at the University of Colorado, Alfred Williams always hoped he'd be a Bronco when he entered the NFL. But the Broncos passed on him during the 1991 NFL Draft. After four years with the Bengals and a season in San Francisco, he became a free agent at just the right time for the Broncos.
With future Ring of Famer Simon Fletcher retiring after the 1995 season, the Broncos needed a replacement pass-rusher. Choosing between Williams and six-time Pro Bowler Leslie O'Neal, Mike Shanahan and the Broncos opted for Williams; Shanahan felt Williams had more potential.
In the process, the Broncos fulfilled one of Williams' long-held dreams to play in Denver.
"I wanted to be here," Williams said after signing with the Broncos. "That's what it boiled down to. I'm thrilled I'm here now. It's been a long time in the making. …
"I'm here to stay. I'll retire here, and my kids will grow up here."
In short order, Williams proved Shanahan's gut instinct correct about his potential. Over the first eight games of his first season in Denver, he had 8.5 sacks. After he finished the year with 13 quarterback takedowns, Williams earned Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors.
Over the following two seasons, Williams may not have reached that peak again, but he was able to play a key role on the Broncos' back-to-back Super Bowl teams. In the 1997 Divisional Round matchup against the Chiefs in Arrowhead, Williams came up big with two sacks as the Broncos escaped with a four-point win.
After his final season in the NFL in 1999, Williams moved on to a new career in sports broadcasting, which has become just about as successful as his time on the field.
Since his first KKFN radio show with former Denver Nugget Scott Hastings (which also featured Williams’ mother calling in, upset she wasn’t picked as the first caller) on Jan. 3, 2006, Williams has provided Denver airwaves with a fun, booming personality. Since then, he has also been featured on several other local TV sports programs for analysis.
In 2019, Williams left KKFN and now hosts KOA's afternoon drive program, "Big Al & JoJo," on weekdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. MT.
Career accolades
Two-time Super Bowl champion (XXXII, XXXIII), one Pro Bowl (1996), one first-team All-Pro (1996), 1996 Week 3 AFC Defensive Player of the Week, Broncos Top 100 Team member, Broncos 50th Anniversary Team member (second team)
Stats to know
Broncos stats: 49 games, 38 starts, 28.5 sacks, 131 total tackles, six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one defensive touchdown
Career stats: 128 games, 92 starts, 59.5 sacks, 316 tackles, two safeties, nine forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, one defensive touchdown
In his own words
"Early on in the NFL, you're just trying to be proficient. Early on, I was working on my craft, and then I got out to the 49ers, where I learned to play football. By the time I got to Denver, I was a good football player. So when I got to Denver, my confidence level was just through the roof. I was confident, I was happy, I was excitable.
"Von Miller reminds me a lot of myself as a player, and his personality. Von is more accomplished than I was in my career at this stage, but his energy, his charisma reminds me a lot of myself."
Three games to remember
Week 3, 1996: Broncos 27, Buccaneers 23
In a performance that would earn him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, Williams had two plays that changed the course of the game. On the first, he sacked Bucs QB Trent Dilfer on third down with seven seconds left before halftime to ensure Tampa would get no more than a field goal after driving to the 11-yard line. The four points Williams helped save would make the difference in the final score.
Williams' second key play also came in a decisive moment, as the Broncos looked to protect their 27-23 lead with less than two minutes left in the game and Tampa near midfield. As Dilfer dropped back to pass, Williams beat the right tackle around the edge, reached out with his left arm and jarred the ball loose from Dilfer's hands before he could pass. Williams then dove on the ball to secure the victory.
Week 4, 1997: Broncos 38, Bengals 20
It may not have been the biggest game nor Williams' best, but it included one of his more memorable plays. As the Bengals faced an 11-point deficit with less than two minutes left in the fourth quarter, they continued what could only be considered a drive of desperation. Shortly after crossing midfield, Broncos defensive lineman Neil Smith rocked quarterback Jeff Blake, knocking the ball loose. Williams was there to pick it up, and after outrunning his former college teammate, Eric Bieniemy, he leaped over the goal line for a touchdown against the team that had originally drafted him.
1997 Divisional Round: Broncos 14, Chiefs 10
By taking down the Jaguars to begin their postseason campaign, the Broncos had gotten their first playoff win since the 1991 playoffs. To add to it, they'd have to take down the division champion Chiefs on their home turf at Arrowhead Stadium in freezing temperatures. As good as Denver's offense was with John Elway and Terrell Davis, their defense showed its mettle by holding Kansas City's fifth-ranked scoring offense to just 10 points. With two sacks in the game, Williams was a key piece to that effort.
His second sack, which dropped the Chiefs back 10 yards on their final drive, may have been overcome with a 23-yard pass on the next play, but it helped contribute to Kansas City's clock mismanagement. The Chiefs wasted 18 seconds after Williams' sack and were unable to get set for a play before the two-minute warning. Then, after the 23-yard play, they called their final time out with 1:51 left and 28 yards to the goal line. With time winding down and the Chiefs unable to get out of bounds on first, second and third down, QB Elvis Grbac opted to go for a touchdown on fourth down, even though the first down marker was just 2 yards away from the line of scrimmage. The Broncos broke up the pass, left Arrowhead with a win and were Super Bowl champions two games later.
Flip back through photos of Alfred Williams' career, from his All-Pro 1996 season to the two Super Bowl victories and beyond.
Defensive end Alfred Williams and safety Steve Atwater celebrate during a September 1, 1996 win (31-6) over the New York Jets.
Alfred Williams with two kids at a Littlest Hearts event.
Alfred Williams' 1997 player headshot.
Alfred Williams charges onto the field before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on August 31, 1997.
Alfred Williams moves around the block while trying to make a play against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on August 31, 1997.
Alfred Williams dives to tackle Lawrence Phillips against the St. Louis Rams at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 14, 1997.
Alfred Williams rushes the quarterback against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 21, 1997.
Neil Smith sacks the quarterback as Alfred Williams scoops up the loose ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 21, 1997.
Alfred Williams recovers a fumble and runs it in for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 21, 1997.
Alfred Williams lays on the turf after making a tackle against the Atlanta Falcons at GA Dome in Atlanta, GA on September 28, 1997.
Alfred Williams reacts after a play against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 6, 1997.
Alfred Williams deflects Warren Moon's fourth-down pass on the last drive to secure a Broncos victory against the Seattle Seahawks at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 2, 1997.
Alfred Williams yells in support of his team against the Seattle Seahawks at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 2, 1997.
Alfred Williams sacks Jeff George against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, CA on October 19, 1997.
Alfred Williams charges upfield past an offensive lineman and moves in to make a play against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, CA on November 30, 1997.
Alfred Williams sacks Raiders quarterback Jeff George at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 24, 1997.
Alfred Williams sacks Jeff George against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 24, 1997.
Alfred Williams celebrates after a play against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 24, 1997.
Alfred Williams and the rest of the Broncos defense converge on Chiefs RB Marcus Allen and stop him for a minimal gain against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1997.
Alfred Williams and Mike Lodish go airborne to try to block a Chiefs field goal attempt at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1997.
Alfred Williams sacks quarterback Steve Young against the San Francisco 49ers at 3Com Park in San Francisco, CA on December 15, 1997.
Denver: Alfred Williams sacks the Chargers' quarterback during the last regular season game of the year against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 21, 1997.
Alfred Williams, blocked by Tony Boselli, puts defensive pressure on quarterback Mark Brunell, who slipped and fell during the Broncos' wild card victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 27, 1997.
Alfred Williams sits on the sidelines during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 27, 1997.
Alfred Williams celebrates a defensive play during the wild card game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 27, 1997.
Alfred Williams talks with John Elway's son in the locker room after the Broncos' first round wild card win against the Jaguars against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 27, 1997.
Alfred Williams has his game face on for a second-round playoff matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.
Alfred Williams sacks Elvis Grbac against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.
Defensive end Alfred Williams and the rest of the Broncos defense rose to the occasion and wreaked havoc on Chiefs quarterback Elvis Grbac by registering four sacks on the afternoon against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.
Alfred Williams celebrates after a play during Super Bowl XXXII against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
Alfred Williams raises his arms in triumph during Super Bowl XXXII as the Denver defense forces Green Bay to punt with 3:27 left in the game against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
Alfred Williams and teammates celebrate during the Super Bowl XXXII championship parade and rally, as an estimated 650,000 fans turned out along 17th Street, Broadway and Civic Center Park to cheer on the Broncos.
Alfred Williams and teammates celebrate during the Super Bowl XXXII championship parade and rally, as an estimated 650,000 fans turned out along 17th Street, Broadway and Civic Center Park to cheer on the Broncos.
Alfred Williams and teammates (including John Elway) celebrate during the Super Bowl XXXII championship parade and rally, as an estimated 650,000 fans turned out along 17th Street, Broadway and Civic Center Park to cheer on the Broncos.
Alfred Williams and teammates celebrate during the Super Bowl XXXII championship parade and rally, as an estimated 650,000 fans turned out along 17th Street, Broadway and Civic Center Park to cheer on the Broncos.
Alfred Williams tries to fire up his teammates during the pregame warmups before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 13, 1998.
Alfred Williams returns to the Broncos line-up against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 25, 1998.
Alfred Williams raises his fist in celebration after making a strong defensive stand during his first series of downs for the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 25, 1998.
Pat Bowlen joins the team in prayer after the game against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 8, 1998.
Alfred Williams receives congratulations from Mike Shanahan on a job well done against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on November 29, 1998.
Alfred Williams pressures Neil O'Donnell against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, OH on November 1, 1998.
Alfred Williams is interviewed by the media following the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 6, 1998.
Alfred Williams reviews the defensive strategy against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on December 13, 1998.
Alfred Williams celebrates after a defensive play against the Seattle Seahawks at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 27, 1998.
Alfred Williams celebrates after a strong defensive stand against the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Alfred Williams comes out to congratulate his teammates against the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Alfred Williams celebrates a strong Broncos defensive stand against the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Alfred Williams gets the fans pumped up during a playoff game against the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Alfred Williams celebrates the victory over the Dolphins with his teammates at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Alfred Williams celebrates on defense during Super Bowl XXXIII against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Alfred Williams acknowledges the Broncos fans during Super Bowl XXXIII against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Alfred Williams celebrates a strong defensive stand against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl XXXIII at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Alfred Williams celebrates the Super Bowl XXXIII victory with his son against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Alfred Williams participates in the Broncos' minicamp held at the Broncos' training facility in Englewood, CO.
Alfred Williams (right) and Ray Crockett (center) celebrate as the Denver Broncos were presented with their second consecutive Super Bowl rings during a ceremony held at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs.
Alfred Williams celebrates a strong defensive effort against the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 13, 1999.
Alfred Williams talks with Neil Smith as the team heads into the locker room against the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 3, 1999.
Alfred Williams gets pumped up during the pregame introductions against the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 3, 1999.
Alfred Williams gets his teammates pumped up during the pregame drills against the Green Bay Packers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 17, 1999.
Bubby Brister gets some words of encouragement from Alfred Williams (91) against the Green Bay Packers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 17, 1999.
Alfred Williams celebrates after the Broncos defense scores a safety against the Minnesota Vikings at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 31, 1999.
Alfred Williams knocks the ball loose from Jeff George against the Minnesota Vikings at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 31, 1999.
Alfred Williams celebrates a Broncos safety against the Minnesota Vikings at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 31, 1999.
Alfred Williams laughs with teammates during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 31, 1999.
Alfred Williams is introduced as part of a ceremony honoring the 1997 Super Bowl team prior to a game between the Denver Broncos and the Green Bay Packers at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on November 1, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Alfred Williams compares Super Bowl rings with John Elway and Gary Kubiak during the Ring Ceremony at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, June 12, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Alfred Williams hypes up the crowd before a game against the Chicago Bears at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, September 15, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Alfred Williams waits in the tunnel during player introductions for the ceremony recognizing the Broncos Top 100 Team before the Broncos' game against the Tennessee Titans at Empower Field at Mile High on October 13, 2019. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
