Flip through photos from Brock Osweiler's Broncos career.
Denver Broncos draft pick Brock Osweiller, on a arrival at Dove ValleyApril 28, 2012 in Englewood,CO.
Denver Broncos draft picks Ronnie Hillman,Derek Wolfe and Brock Osweiller pose with owner Pat Bowlen,third from left, arrival at Dove ValleyApril 28, 2012 in Englewood,CO.
Denver Broncos draft picks Brock Osweiller and Ronnie Hillman head to the podium to be introduced to the media at Dove ValleyApril 28, 2012 in Englewood,CO.
Denver Broncos draft pick Brock Osweiller,left, shows off his draft jersey with Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway during a press conference at the Dove Valley facility April 28, 2012 in Englewood,CO.
Brock Osweiler participating in the Denver Broncos Offseason Team Activity at the Dove Valley facility June, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (06) shakes the hand of a fan after the 2012 Denver Broncos scrimmage at Sports Authority Field in Denver , CO. August 3, 2012.
Denver Broncos Brock Osweiler (6) gives directives at the line of scrimmage during third quarter action against the Chicago Bears in the NFL preseason game at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL August 9, 2012.
Denver Broncos Brock Osweiler (6) glances at the scoreboard during fourth quarter action against the Chicago Bears in the NFL preseason game at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL August 9, 2012.
![Denver,CO - August 18, 2012 - Sports Authority Field: Denver Broncos in [ quarter ] action against the Seattle Seahawks during the NFL preseason game.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album_2x/t_lazy/f_auto/broncos/secmqjj3hr6gfhtvs5gq.jpg)
Denver,CO - August 18, 2012 - Sports Authority Field: Denver Broncos in [ quarter ] action against the Seattle Seahawks during the NFL preseason game.
Denver,CO - August 18, 2012 - Sports Authority Field: Denver Broncos Brock Osweiler (6) with his offensive unit huddle prior to third quarter action against the Seattle Seahawks during the NFL preseason game.
Denver,CO - August 18, 2012 - Sports Authority Field: Denver Broncos Peyton Manning (18) goes over games photos with Brock Osweiler during a defensive series in fourth quarter action against the Seattle Seahawks during the NFL preseason game.
Denver,CO - August 30, 2012 - University of Phoenix Stadium: Denver Broncos Brock Osweiler (6) throws in fourth quarter action against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL preseason game.
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) throws downfield during action against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL Preseason game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, CA on August 8, 2013.
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) (background) reviews game photos with Peyton Manning after an offensive series in the 1st quarter of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO August 29, 2013.
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) warms up prior to action against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field September 29, 2013.
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) scrambles out of the pocket during third quarter action against the Oakland Raiders in the NFL game at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, CA on December 29, 2013.
01 Feb 2014: The Denver Broncos participate in a team walk-through at Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. ©Trevor Brown, Jr./Trevor Brown Photography
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) talks with Kurt Warner before action against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ February 2, 2014.
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) crumbles for 26 yards during third quarter action against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington,TX August 28, 2014.(© Eric Lars Bakke)
Seattle Seahawks vs Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO August 7, 2014.
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) sets up in the pocket on a play during third quarter action against the Oakland Raiders in the NFL game at O.Co Coliseum in Oakland,CA November 9, 2014.
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) passes the ball during second quarter action against the San Diego Chargers during the game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA, December 14, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) talks strategy with Head Coach Gary Kubiak at Denver Broncos training camp August 3, 2015 at the UCHealth Training Center in Englewood,CO.
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) drops back to pass during third quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 15, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) rolls out of the pocket during third quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, November 15, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) is all smiles after connecting with Demaryius Thomas on a 48 yard reception for a first quarter touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the NFL game in Chicago, ILL.November 22, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) takes the snap under center during first quarter action against the Chicago Bears in the NFL game in Chicago, ILL.November 22, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) throws 10 yards to Cody Latimer for a touchdown at 11:47 of the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears in the NFL game in Chicago, ILL.November 22, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) celebrates with his offense after throwing a 10 yard pass to Cody Latimer for a touchdown at 11:47 of the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears in the NFL game in Chicago, ILL.November 22, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) celebrates in the end zone after throwing a 10 yard pass to Cody Latimer for a touchdown at 11:47 of the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears in the NFL game in Chicago, ILL.November 22, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) greets Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) at midfield post game after Denver defeated the Chicago Bears 17-15 in the NFL game in Chicago, ILL.November 22, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) acknowledges fans as the head to the locker room post game after Denver defeated the Chicago Bears 17-15 in the NFL game in Chicago, ILL.November 22, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Executive Vice President of Football Operations/ General Manager John Elway congratulates Brock Osweiler (17) post game in the locker room after Denver defeated the Chicago Bears 17-15 in the NFL game in Chicago, ILL.November 22, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) and teammates celebrate their win post game in the locker room after Denver defeated the Chicago Bears 17-15 in the NFL game in Chicago, ILL.November 22, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) receives cheers from teammates post game in the locker room after he received a game ball for leading his team to a win over the Chicago Bears 17-15 in the NFL game in Chicago, ILL.November 22, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos fans show their support for quarterback Brock Osweiler before action against the New England Patriots in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
action against the New England Patriots during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) drops back to pass during second quarter action against the New England Patriots during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) celebrates after scoring a 19-yard touchdown during second quarter action against the New England Patriots during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) talks to his offensive linemen in the bench area during fourth quarter action against the New England Patriots in the NFL game at Denver,CO. November 29, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) during fourth quarter action against the New England Patriots in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) during post game action against the New England Patriots during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) hugs C.J. Anderson (22) who scored the winning touchdown in overtime on a 48-yard run to defeatthe New England Patriots 30-24 in the NFL game at Denver,CO. November 29, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) high fives fans after action against the New England Patriots in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) gets a congratulatory hand shake from Derek Wolfe (95) postgame in the locker room after Denver defeated the New England Patriots 30-24 in the NFL game at Denver,CO. November 29, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) gets a congratulatory hug from Antonio Smith (90) postgame in the locker room after Denver defeated the New England Patriots 30-24 in the NFL game at Denver,CO. November 29, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) gets a congratulatory hand shake from Head Coach Gary Kubiak postgame in the locker room after Denver defeated the New England Patriots 30-24 in the NFL game at Denver,CO. November 29, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) on the sidelines during first quarter against the San Diego Chargers in the NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Calif. December 6, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) breaks out of the pocket on a one yard scramble during second quarter action against the San Diego Chargers in the NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Calif. December 6, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17)calls out the defensive coverage on 3rd-and 5 during second quarter action against the San Diego Chargers in the NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Calif. December 6, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) hands a young Denver Broncos fan his wrist band as he heads to the locker room after Denver dews fated the San Diego Chargers 17-3 in the NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Calif. December 6, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) congratulates Emmanuel Sanders (10)in the locker room postgame after Denver dews fated the San Diego Chargers 17-3 in the NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Calif. December 6, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
action against the Oakland Raiders during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, December 13, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) waits inside the tunnel before player introductions in the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders in the NFL game at Denver, Colo. December 13, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
action against the Oakland Raiders during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, December 13, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) scrambles for 5 yards and a first down on a fourth down conversion during second quarter action against the Oakland Raiders during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, December 13, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) scrambles on 3rd-and-7 for a touchdown during second quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL game at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pitt. December 20, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) passes on 1st- and-10 on the Pittsburgh Steelers 36 yard line during second quarterin the NFL game at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pitt. December 20, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) takes the field before action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) scrambles for a first down during first quarter action against the Cincinatti Bengals during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) waves to the crowd after action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
action against the San Diego Chargers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 03, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) and San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) after action in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 3, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) celebrate after action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos practice at Stanford University for SuperBowl 50 February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos walk through in the stadium at Super Bowl 50 at Santa Clara, Calif. February 6, 2016 (Photo by XXXX/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos walk through in the stadium at Super Bowl 50 at Santa Clara, Calif. February 6, 2016 (Photo by XXXX/ Denver Broncos)
postgame after Denver defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in the NFL Super Bowl 50 at Santa Clara, Calif. February 7, 2016 (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 Championship Parade. Tuesday, February 9, 2016.
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) during pregame action against the Philadelphia Eagles during the game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Penn., November 05, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) scrambles during fourth quarter action against the Philadelphia Eagles during the game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Penn., November 05, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) drops back to pass during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., November 19, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during second quarter action against the Indianapolis Colts during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, December 14, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos center Matt Paradis (61) and the offensive line during fourth quarter action against the Indianapolis Colts during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, December 14, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) speaks after getting a game ball in the locker room during post game action against the Indianapolis Colts during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, December 14, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) drops back to pass during fourth quarter action against the Washington Redskins during the game at FedEx Field in Hyattsville, Maryland, December 24, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
In our Broncos Legends series, we're revisiting the careers of some of the most memorable 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 quarterback Brock Osweiler's time in Denver.
Career overview
In the wake of the historic signing of Peyton Manning in free agency, the Broncos drafted Brock Osweiler in the second round with the luxury of time to develop him as an NFL passer. In his lone season as the starting quarterback at Arizona State, Osweiler completed 63.2 percent of his passing attempts for 4,036 yards and 26 touchdowns during his junior season before declaring for the NFL Draft.
As could be expected, Osweiler saw little playing time during his first three seasons as Manning led the way. His most extensive action during the regular season came during the Broncos' 2013 season as Manning and the offense rewrote NFL record books. Still, even when the Broncos were able to rest Manning late in games, Osweiler threw just 16 passes the whole season. The following season, he attempted 10 passes and threw his first touchdown.
But in 2015, Osweiler found himself suddenly in the spotlight when he replaced Manning during a Week 10 game against Kansas City. Manning, who had suffered a plantar fascia tear, would miss the next six games as he recovered, which meant Osweiler would make his first NFL starts as the team hoped to retain its division and conference lead on the path to the playoffs.
In his starts, Osweiler proved he was up to the task. He and the Broncos won each of his first three games. That included a road win in Chicago in which he threw two touchdowns and zero interceptions, a wild, snowy overtime classic against the Patriots and a 17-3 bruiser against the Chargers in San Diego. The Broncos faltered in the two games that followed with narrow losses to the Raiders and Steelers, but Osweiler and Co. rebounded in Week 16 with a win over the Bengals in overtime.
Osweiler made his final start of 2015 in the team's final regular-season game, as Manning returned to steady the offense against the Chargers after the Broncos turned the ball over on five of their first nine possessions.
Still, Osweiler's stint that season was invaluable for the Broncos' path to Super Bowl 50. Without his contributions, the Broncos likely don't enter the postseason as the top seed in the AFC with home-field advantage for their run to the Super Bowl. And if they instead had to face New England in Foxborough in the AFC Championship, it's hard to decisively say they still would have won.
After that year, Osweiler departed as a free agent, but he later returned in 2017, helping Denver win a Thursday-night game against the Colts on the road after starter Trevor Siemian got hurt.
Career accolades
Super Bowl 50 champion
Stats to know
Broncos stats: 27 games, 11 starts, 283 completions, 477 pass attempts, 3,214 passing yards, 16 touchdown passes, 54 rushes, 114 yards, two rushing touchdowns
Three games to remember
Week 11, 2015 season: Broncos 17, Bears 15
Osweiler's first start couldn't have begun much better. His second pass went for a touchdown, as he found an open Demaryius Thomas, who turned the mid-range catch over the middle into a 48-yard catch-and-run score. Osweiler and the offense weren't able to burn the Bears as easily the rest of the day, but he avoided turning the ball over and added one more touchdown pass. Though the Bears had a chance to tie the game at the end with a two-point conversion, they couldn't get to the goal line, and the Broncos defense sealed the close win.
Week 12, 2015 season: Broncos 30, Patriots 24
On the heels of the Broncos' first win with Osweiler under center, the young quarterback would need to build on his solid start as Denver hosted the 10-0 Patriots. At 8-2, the Broncos needed to win to keep pace in the race for the top seed in the AFC, so this would not just be a vital test for Osweiler.
Through the first 46 minutes, it appeared that Denver would not pass this test. Shortly after the start of the fourth quarter, the Broncos fell behind 21-7 and the Broncos went three-and-out on their ensuing possession. Denver's chances seemed bleak. But the Patriots muffed the punt, the Broncos recovered, and Denver found the end zone to cut the lead to 21-14.
Osweiler helped Denver add three more points on their next drive, and with 2:31 left in regulation, he had a chance to deliver the go-ahead touchdown. With two completions of at least 36 yards, Osweiler got Denver into the red zone; then, he found Andre Caldwell in the end zone to take a 24-21 lead. New England drove for a game-tying field goal as time expired, but C.J. Anderson gave the Broncos a walk-off win with a 48-yard touchdown in the snow in overtime.
Week 15, 2017 season: Broncos 25, Colts 13
Amid some significant struggles by the entire team in 2017, the Broncos rotated quarterbacks several times. Osweiler got his chance with three starts from Week 9 through 11, which happened to include games against the eventual Super Bowl champion Eagles and the AFC champion Patriots. After a loss to the Bengals, the Broncos shifted their starter under center once more.
Four weeks later, Osweiler returned to the field on national television for "Thursday Night Football" in Indianapolis. When Siemian got hurt late in the first quarter, the Broncos were down 7-0. That deficit expanded to 10-0 after a three-and-out, but Osweiler got back on track after that. On the next drive, he capped a 75-yard drive with an 18-yard touchdown run. Then, on the Broncos' first drive of the second half, he found receiver Cody Latimer for a 22-yard touchdown to take a 14-13 lead. He kept it going on Denver's next possession, too, as he hit tight end Jeff Heuerman with a strike over the middle for a 54-yard touchdown.
