Take a look back through wide receiver Ed McCaffrey's outstanding Broncos career.
Receiver Ed McCaffrey runs the ball upfield after a catch during an October 6, 1996 win (28-17) over the San Diego Chargers.
Wide receiver Ed McCaffrey gives an autographed football to a child at a children's hospital on December 17, 1996.
Ed McCaffrey charges forward from the line against the Buffalo Bills at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on July 26, 1997.
Ed McCaffrey waits on the sidelines against the Buffalo Bills at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on July 26, 1997.
Ed McCaffrey gets tackled after making a touchdown catch against the St. Louis Rams at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 14, 1997.
Ed McCaffrey celebrates a touchdown reception against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 21, 1997.
Ed McCaffrey spikes the ball in the end zone after making a touchdown reception against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, CA on November 30, 1997.
Ed McCaffrey blocks during a rushing playing in the first round wild card match up with the Jaguars against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 27, 1997.
Ed McCaffrey catches a touchdown pass in the last regular season home game against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 21, 1997.
On a crucial 3rd and 5 from the Chiefs' 44 yard line, Ed McCaffrey makes a reception and sprints 43 yards down the sideline to set up the Broncos go-ahead touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.
Ed McCaffrey absorbs hits from two Packers defenders in Super Bowl XXXII after making a catch.
Ed McCaffrey catches a 9 yard pass from John Elway and advances it to the Green Bay 25 in the third quarter as part of a 13 play, 92 yard drive against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
Ed McCaffrey takes a phone call as the teams switch sides to begin the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
Ed McCaffrey makes a leaping catch for the first reception of the Broncos 1998 regular season against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 7, 1998.
Ed McCaffrey tries to stretch the ball across the goal line, but comes up just a yard short against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 7, 1998.
Ed McCaffrey sprints down field after making a reception on the opening drive of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 4, 1998.
Ed McCaffrey tries to break free from a Dallas defender after making a reception against the Dallas Cowboys at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 13, 1998.
Ed McCaffrey makes a reception against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 25, 1998.
Ed McCaffrey celebrates a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 25, 1998.
Fans converge on Ed McCaffrey at the team hotel against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, OH on November 1, 1998.
Ed McCaffrey makes a touchdown reception in the back of the end zone against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 8, 1998.
Ed McCaffrey stretches out to the goal line after making a reception against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 8, 1998.
Ed McCaffrey makes a reception against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on November 29, 1998.
Ed McCaffrey makes a touchdown reception in the back of the end zone against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 8, 1998.
Ed McCaffrey makes a long reception against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 6, 1998.
Ed McCaffrey runs onto the field during the pregame introductions against the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Ed McCaffrey is all smiles after the Broncos victory over the Dolphins against the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Ed McCaffrey shakes hands with a Falcons player after the Broncos' win in Super Bowl XXXIII at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Ed McCaffrey makes a reception against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999
Ed McCaffrey makes a reception against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999
Ed McCaffrey makes a touchdown reception against the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 13, 1999.
Ed McCaffrey makes a catch in the back of the end zone against the Green Bay Packers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 17, 1999.
Ed McCaffrey celebrates after making a touchdown reception against the Green Bay Packers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 17, 1999.
Ed McCaffrey makes a 36-yard reception against the Seattle Seahawks at The Kingdome in Seattle, WA on November 14, 1999.
Ed McCaffrey makes a reception against the St. Louis Rams at Trans World Dome in St. Louis, MO on September 4, 2000.
Ed McCaffrey meets with Falcons tackle Bob Whitfield, who played college football with McCaffrey at Stanford, following the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 10, 2000.
Ed McCaffrey makes a great touchdown reception in the back of the end zone against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum in Denver, CO on September 17, 2000.
Ed McCaffrey makes a reception against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 1, 2000.
Ed McCaffrey makes a touchdown reception against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on October 8, 2000.
Ed McCaffrey makes a touchdown reception against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on October 8, 2000.
Ed McCaffrey warms up prior to a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, OH on October 22, 2000.
Ed McCaffrey makes a reception against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, OH on October 22, 2000.
Ed McCaffrey makes a reception against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, OH on October 22, 2000.
Ed McCaffrey makes a reception against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on November 5, 2000.
Ed McCaffrey makes a touchdown reception against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 19, 2000.
Ed McCaffrey makes a reception against the Seattle Seahawks at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 10, 2000.
Ed McCaffrey makes a touchdown reception against the Seattle Seahawks at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 10, 2000.
Ed McCaffrey says goodbye to the fans at Mile High Stadium against the San Francisco 49ers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 23, 2000.
Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey pose for a picture following their record-breaking game against the 49ers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 23, 2000. During the final game of the season, Smith and McCaffrey each hit 100 receptions on the season, becoming the second receiver duo on the same team to break 100 receptions in the same season in NFL history.
Ed McCaffrey celebrates after making a touchdown reception against the San Francisco 49ers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 23, 2000.
Ed McCaffrey is hauled down after making a reception against the Baltimore Ravens at PSINet Stadium in Baltimore, MD on December 31, 2000.
Ed McCaffrey awaits the start of the game along the sidelines against the Baltimore Ravens at PSINet Stadium in Baltimore, MD on December 31, 2000.
Ed McCaffrey makes a reception against the Cleveland Browns at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 15, 2000.
Ed McCaffrey signs an autograph for a fan against the New Orleans Saints at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on August 25, 2001.
Ed McCaffrey makes a long touchdown reception against the New Orleans Saints at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on August 25, 2001.
Ed McCaffrey makes his second touchdown reception of the night against the New Orleans Saints at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on August 25, 2001.
Ed McCaffrey and his son sit along the sidelines before a game against the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 28, 2001. McCaffrey broke his leg during the season opener against the Giants.
Ed McCaffrey watches the action from the sidelines against the Seattle Seahawks at INVESCO Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on August 29, 2002.
Ed McCaffrey makes the game-winning touchdown catch against the St. Louis Rams at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 8, 2002.
Ed McCaffrey makes a reception against the St. Louis Rams at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 8, 2002.
Ed McCaffrey hauls down a 69-yard touchdown reception against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 6, 2002.
Ed McCaffrey (center) celebrates with his teammates after a 69-yard touchdown reception against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 6, 2002.
Ed McCaffrey makes a reception against the Oakland Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 11, 2002.
Ed McCaffrey and Steve Watson watch players during the pregame drills against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on September 7, 2003.
Ed McCaffrey makes a reception against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on September 14, 2003.
Ed McCaffrey dives for extra yardage after making a reception against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, CA on November 30, 2003.
Ed McCaffrey and the Broncos held a special press conference at their Dove Valley facility to announce McCaffrey's retirement.
Ed McCaffrey and his wife Lisa hold two of their sons as they sit next to Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen during McCaffrey's retirement press conference.
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. We continue the series with Pro Bowl wide receiver Ed McCaffrey. Here's a refresher of his time in Denver.
Career overview
A former third-round pick by the New York Giants, McCaffrey joined the Broncos as a free agent in 1995 following three years in New York and a one-year stint with the 49ers. Mike Shananan brought McCaffrey with him from San Francisco to Denver when he became the team's head coach in 1995.
McCaffrey was simply a spot starter early in his career, as he started just four of his first 64 games in the league. In Denver, though, McCaffrey developed into one of the franchise's leading receivers. After starting five of 16 games in 1995, McCaffrey started all 76 of the games in which he appeared over the next five seasons.
During that span, McCaffrey was a key contributor on two world-championship teams. In 1997, he caught 45 passes for 590 yards and eight touchdowns before adding a touchdown during the 1997 postseason. McCaffrey was the Broncos' leading receiver in Super Bowl XXXII as he caught two passes for 45 yards. A year later, McCaffrey made an even bigger impact. He was selected to the lone Pro Bowl of his career with a 1,053-receiving yard, 10-touchdown output in 1998. He caught 64 passes that year as the Broncos earned back-to-back world titles.
Following John Elway's retirement after the 1998 season, McCaffrey continued to post solid numbers. He recorded his second career 1,000-yard receiving season in 1999 and added a 101-catch, 1,317-yard, nine-touchdown effort in 2000.
McCaffrey played with the Broncos through the 2003 season, though his 2001 campaign was cut short after one game after he suffered a broken leg on "Monday Night Football" on Sept. 10, 2001.
He caught at least one pass in 68 consecutive games from 1997 to 2003, a streak that ranks third in franchise history.
The Stanford product finished his career with 462 catches, 6,200 receiving yards and 46 touchdown receptions for the Broncos. He ranks fifth in Broncos history in career receptions and receiving yards and fourth in receiving touchdowns.
"He is going to be remembered by me and by most of the fans here as the bravest and most courageous player to play for the team," said late Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen following McCaffrey's retirement.
Career accolades
One Pro Bowl (1998); one-time Associated Press second-team All-Pro (1998); fifth in Broncos history in career receptions and receiving yards; fourth in Broncos history in receiving touchdowns; Broncos Top 100 Team member.
Stats to know
105 starts in 121 career games in Denver, 462 catches, 6,200 yards, 13.4 yards per catch, 46 touchdowns, 303 catches for first downs, 8.4 yards per target.
In his own words
"I've always been known as the tall, thin, slow white guy,'' said the 6-5, 215-pound McCaffrey with an easy smile. "I was actually thinking of calling up all of the reporters and media I know and running a 40-yard dash to finally clear the air and show I'm not as slow as they think.
"I like to think I'm more than just a possession receiver. I can block, catch and clear people out. I don't know why I get labeled. Maybe my stride doesn't look quick."
via a January 1998 article in the Long Beach Press-Telegram (CA)
Three games to remember
Week 9, 1998: Broncos 33, Bengals 26
McCaffrey's son Christian called out this game as part of a Father's Day feature on NFL Network, so we'll toss it in this list. In Weeks 9 and 10 in 1998, McCaffrey posted back-to-back games with 133 receiving yards. The first effort came in Week 9, as he caught seven passes for the 133 yards and a score. Running back Terrell Davis broke the tie with just over a minute to go, but the drive was spurred by a pair of 30-yard and 14-yard catches by McCaffrey.
Week 1, 1996: Broncos 45, Ravens 34
McCaffrey posted one of his two career three-touchdown games as the Broncos surged to a come-from-behind fourth-quarter win in Baltimore. In a back-and-forth game, the Broncos jumped out to a 21-3 lead, fell behind in the third quarter and then surged ahead late. McCaffrey caught the opening touchdown of the game, snagged an 8-yard score in the second quarter and then caught a 6-yard pass in the final frame to give the Broncos a lead. He finished with seven catches for 76 yards and three scores.
Week 12, 2000: Broncos 38, Chargers 37
Another pick by his son Christian, this was one of McCaffrey's many two-touchdown performances. The older McCaffrey caught a go-ahead touchdown from Gus Frerotte with 1:33 remaining to secure a 13-point fourth-quarter comeback. He finished the game with 10 catches for a career-best 148 yards and two touchdowns.
