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 place-kicker Jason Elam's time in Denver.
Career overview
Before joining the Broncos as a third-round pick in the 1993 NFL Draft, Elam had a storied collegiate career at the University of Hawaii. Over his four years there, Elam made 79 field goals, which was three short of what was then the NCAA record.
As a rookie, Elam hit on 74.3 percent of his field-goal attempts, including four of his six tries from 50 yards or longer. That earned him NFL All-Rookie honors from several outlets, including Pro Football Weekly, Pro Football Writers of America and more.
A year later, Elam improved his season percentage to 81.1, and he didn't miss any of his 22 field-goal attempts from under 40 yards. That year, he also proved his mettle with his first NFL game-winning field goal, a 34-yarder in overtime against the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
That kind of heroics foreshadowed the kind of play the Broncos would get from their kicker for more than a decade.
During his 15 years with the Broncos, Elam rewrote franchise record books in a number of categories, including career games played, points scored and field goals made. In 1998, he also tied what was then an NFL record for longest field goal with a 63-yarder.
Elam was a three-time Pro Bowler and a three-time second-team All-Pro, and most importantly, he was a reliable piece of two Super Bowl-winning teams. He was also a clutch kicker, as he recorded 24 game-winning or game-saving field goals for the Broncos. By the end of his time in Denver, he ranked second in NFL history in 50-yard field-goals.
After his 15th season with the Broncos, Elam joined the Falcons as a free agent. He spent two seasons in Atlanta before signing a one-day contract with Denver in 2010 so he could retire as a Bronco.
Career accolades
Two Super Bowl victories (XXXII, XXXIII), three Pro Bowls, three second-team All-Pro selections, Broncos Ring of Fame inductee (2016), first-team Broncos 50th Anniversary Team selection, Broncos Top 100 Team selection, 1993 NFL All-Rookie Team selection, Nov. 2001 AFC Special Teams Player of the Month, five AFC Special Teams Player of the Week selections, most points scored in franchise history, most made field goals in franchise history, most made field goals in a single season in franchise history
Stats to know
Regular-season Broncos stats: 236 games, 1,786 points scored, 395 made field goals, 80.6 field-goal percentage, 236 consecutive games scoring, 18 consecutive games with a field goal, a career long field goal of 63 yards
Postseason Broncos stats: 14 games, 84 points scored, 15 made field goals, 83.3 field-goal percentage
In his own words
"I know the kind [of kicker] I wanted to be. I wanted to be a good teammate, number one. I wanted to be a guy that not just on the field, but off the field, that they could count on me and I was a good friend. I wanted, on the field, for them to trust me. ... And it made me feel great when they were already celebrating before a game-winner was even kicked. That was something that always made me feel great, that I had earned their trust, that they believed in me. I think that was probably the most important thing to me, is that I wanted the trust of my teammates."
Three games to remember
Week 9, 1997 season: Broncos 23, Bills 20
The day before this game, Elam probably couldn't envision that he'd even make it Buffalo, much less be the game's hero. On that Saturday, a blizzard engulfed the Denver area and stranded him on the side of the road for five hours until a group of fans rescued him and took him to the team's travel party. After an eight-and-a-half-hour delay, the team plane finally departed Denver, and the Broncos arrived in Buffalo 13 hours before kickoff. The Broncos still managed to build a 20-0 lead through the first three quarters, but Buffalo stormed back to tie the game. In overtime, Elam ended the game when he hit a 33-yard field goal, his third of the game.
"It was a fun closure to a crazy weekend," Elam said after the game. "It's definitely something I won't forget for a very long time."
Week 8, 1998 season: Broncos 37, Jaguars 24
Elam had proved himself worthy of a lengthy career with the Broncos in his first four seasons, but he etched his name into NFL and team record books on this day in 1998. With a minute left before halftime, the Broncos moved across midfield, but as they stalled at the Jacksonville 40-yard line, Elam prepared for a 58-yard attempt. But amid some confusion, the Broncos took a delay-of-game penalty and Elam attempted a 63-yarder instead. The kick just cleared the crossbar, tying a distance record set in 1970 by Tom Dempsey.
"I was watching it and gave a big cheer when it went through," Dempsey later said. "It was a great kick, a great effort. You have to admire it."
Week 15, 2003 season: Broncos 23, Browns 20
With three field goals, including one from 51 yards, Elam ensured the final home game of Shannon Sharpe's career would be a win. First, he split the uprights with six seconds left in regulation to send the game to overtime. Then he made a 25-yard chip shot to win the game. The effort, which pushed the Broncos to 9-5 on the season, also earned Elam AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
Flip through photos from Jason Elam's Ring of Fame Broncos career, including his then NFL record-tying 63-yard field goal and much more.
Denver Broncos placekicker Jason Elam (1) gets set to kick the ball during an NFL game against the New York Jets Sept. 5, 1993, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Eric Lars Bakke via AP)
Kicker Jason Elam (1) of the Denver Broncos celebrates with running back Vaughn Hebron (22) during play against the New York Jets September 1, 1996 in Denver, Colorado. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Denver Broncos kicker Jason Elam warms up before the NFL Pro Bowl, a 20 - 13 NFC victory on Feb. 4, 1996, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
The team celebrates after Jason Elam makes a 53-yard field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on August 31, 1997.
Jason Elam kicks the game-winning field goal against the Buffalo Bills at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, NY on October 26, 1997.
Jason Elam attempts a field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1997.
Jason Elam kicks a field goal attempt against the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
Jason Elam celebrates after a 51-yard field goal, the second-longest in Super Bowl history. A Brett Favre fumble caused by a Steve Atwater sack at 13:23 of the second quarter gave the Broncos the ball at the Green Bay 33, and led to this score against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
Jason Elam is surrounded by his teammates after kicking an NFL record-tying field goal of 63 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 25, 1998.
Jason Elam celebrates after tying the NFL record for the longest field goal of 63 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 25, 1998.
Jason Elam celebrates after tying the NFL record for the longest field goal of 63 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 25, 1998.
Jason Elam celebrates after converting on a NFL record tying 63-yard field goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 25, 1998.
Jason Elam celebrates after tying the NFL record for the longest field goal of 63 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 25, 1998.
Jason Elam receives a game ball from his peers after tying the NFL record for longest field goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 25, 1998.
Jason Elam attempts a field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1998.
Jason Elam during the pregame warmups against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 22, 1998.
Denver Broncos kicker Jason Elam (1) speaks with Atlanta Falcons kicker Morten Andersen (5) during Super Bowl XXXIII Jan. 31, 1999, at Pro Player Stadium in Miami. The Broncos defeated the Falcons 34–19. (Allen Kee via AP)
Jason Elam attempts a field goal during Super Bowl XXXIII against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Jason Elam celebrates after kicking the winning field goal against the San Diego Chargers at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia in the American Bowl on August 8, 1999.
Jason Elam celebrates after kicking a 53-yard field goal to help send the game into overtime against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 22, 1999.
Jason Elam acknowledges the fans cheers as he heads into the locker room following the game against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 22, 1999.
Jason Elam celebrates after kicking a 53-yard field goal to help send the game into overtime against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 22, 1999.
Jason Elam watches the action from the sidelines against the San Francisco 49ers at 3COM Park in San Francisco, CA on August 25, 2000.
Jason Elam attempts a field goal against the Cleveland Browns at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 15, 2000.
Jason Elam celebrates after converting a field goal attempt against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on November 5, 2000.
Jason Elam celebrates after kicking the game-winning field goal as time expires against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 13, 2000.
Jason Elam was all smiles during his interview with ESPN's Chris Berman after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 13, 2000.
Jason Elam celebrates after watching his game-winning field goal attempt sail through the uprights as time expires against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 13, 2000.
Jason Elam kicks a 35-yard field goal against the Seattle Seahawks at The Kingdome in Seattle, WA on November 26, 2000.
Jason Elam waves to the crowd during a Broncos victory against the Seattle Seahawks at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 10, 2000.
Jason Elam kicks a field goal against the San Francisco 49ers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 23, 2000.
Jason Elam prepares to attempt a field goal against the New York Giants at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 10, 2001.
Jason Elam celebrates after kicking a field goal against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 11, 2001.
Jason Elam celebrates after kicking a field goal against the Oakland Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 30, 2001.
Mike Shanahan gives instructions to Jason Elam against the Buffalo Bills at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 22, 2002.
Jason Elam kicks a field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on October 20, 2002.
Jason Elam celebrates with his teammates after kicking a 25 yard field goal attempt to win the game in overtime against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on October 20, 2002.
Jason Elam celebrates with Rod Smith after the Broncos' overtime victory over the Chiefs against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on October 20, 2002.
Jason Elam chats with his old teammate Tom Rouen against the Seattle Seahawks at INVESCO Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on August 29, 2003.
Jason Elam celebrates his game-winning field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Jason Elam celebrates his game-winning field goal as time expires against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Jason Elam is surrounded by his teammates after kicking a 47 yard game-winning field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Jason Elam celebrates his game-winning field goal as time expires against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Jason Elam celebrates with his teammates after his game-winning field goal in overtime against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
Jason Elam celebrates his game-winning field goal in overtime against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
Jason Elam gets a game ball for his performance against the Browns against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
A portrait of Jason Elam taken for Broncos Gameday Magazine.
A portrait of Jason Elam taken for Broncos Gameday Magazine.
Jason Elam celebrates after a successful field goal attempt during the NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on September 26, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Jason Elam celebrates after converting a field goal attempt in the snow against the Raiders on Nov. 28, 2004.
Jason Elam celebrates after converting a field goal attempt in the snow against the Raiders on Nov. 28, 2004.
Jason Elam kicks a field goal during the NFL game against the Miami Dolphins on December 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Jason Elam celebrates after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Dolphins on Dec. 12, 2004.
Jason Elam celebrates after making a field goal in the Broncos' 20-17 win over the Chargers on Sept. 18, 2005.
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jason Elam celebrates after as the Broncos win 20-17 over the Chargers on Sept. 18, 2005.
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jason Elam celebrates after as the Broncos win 20-17 over the Chargers on Sept. 18, 2005.
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jason Elam prepares to kick a field goal during the Broncos' 30-10 win over the Chiefs on Sept. 26, 2005.
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jason Elam celebrates with teammates as the Denver Broncos defeated the Dallas Cowboys 24-21 in overtime on Thanksgiving Day in Dallas, TX.
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jason Elam kicks a field goal during a Dec. 24, 2005 game against the Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver CO. Trevor Brown/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jason Elam celebrates after kicking the game-winning field goal in overtime during the Broncos' 9-6 win over the Chiefs on Sept. 17, 2006. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
Jason Elam celebrates after kicking the game-winning field goal in overtime during the Broncos' 9-6 win over the Chiefs on Sept. 17, 2006. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
Javon Walker and Jason Elam celebrate as the Broncos beat the Patriots 17-7 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA on Sept. 24, 2006. Photo: Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Jason Elam celebrates after a play during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on Oct. 29, 2006. Photo: Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Jason Elam rushes for a first down on 4th and 1 during a game against the Seahawks on Dec. 3, 2006 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
Denver Broncos holder Todd Sauerbrun and kicker Jason Elam along with Nate Jackson erupt with joy as Elam's game-winning field goal attempt crosses the crossbar with no time remaining against the Buffalo Bills.
Denver Broncos kicker Jason Elam attempts a pooch punt in the first quarter of a game against the Texans on Dec. 13, 2007.
Denver Bronco kicker Jason Elam celebrates after kicking a 30-yard field goal in overtime to beat the Minnesota Vikings.
Jason Elam's son Jason Jr. follows his dad into the locker room after Elam kicked the winning field goal in overtime against the Minnesota Vikings.
