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 linebacker John Mobley's time in Denver.
Career overview
John Mobley's path to the Broncos was unlikely, to say the least.
As a child, he lived with his father after his parents divorced, but when his dad suffered a debilitating stroke, he went to live with his mother, who wanted him to quit high school to help support their family, according to a 1996 Rocky Mountain News story. John couldn't accept that, and so he was forced to live on the street until the parents of some of his teammates took him in while he finished school.
Even though Mobley could have gone to a large university as a scholarship athlete, he stayed near home at Kutztown University. Even at the small school, Mobley became a special player — and not just on defense. After one game in 1995, he was named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week. He had made 11 tackles, recorded three pass breakups, scored a rushing touchdown, returned a kickoff 69 yards and blocked a punt. In another, he made 17 tackles, forced and recovered one fumble, intercepted a pass, ran for two touchdowns and completed a pass for a two-point conversion.
By the end of his days at Kutztown, he had put together one of the finest careers in school history. Mobley was a first-team AP Little All-American in back-to-back seasons in 1994 and '95, and he earned first-team all-conference honors for each of his final three seasons at Kutztown. After his 1995 season, Mobley was named the PSAC Athlete of the Year.
With his college years behind him, a future in the NFL awaited the small-college star. He became the first Kutztown player invited to the Senior Bowl and immediately turned heads.
"The cash register just keeps ringing on that guy the more he plays out here," one scout said, the Charlotte Observer’s Charles Chandler reported.
After recording five tackles in the game, Mobley earned some acclaim from Seahawks coach Dennis Erickson, who said, "I thought Mobley played extremely well. He was all over the football field."
Mobley's performance and his athletic gifts helped turn him into a tantalizing NFL Draft prospect. A month after the Senior Bowl, Adam Schefter projected Mobley as a second-round pick for the Broncos in a mock draft for the Rocky Mountain News.
Schefter got the team right, but he was 30 picks too late. Mobley had become such a hot prospect that he received an invitation to experience the Draft at Madison Square Garden in New York, but when the Broncos' No. 15 pick was announced, even Mobley was stunned.
"It came out of the blue and took me by storm," he told a USA TODAY reporter. "I was in the audience when the commissioner read my name. I had no idea the Broncos were even interested in me."
But head coach Mike Shanahan was smitten with him.
"[Mobley is] probably was one of the more impressive players that I've seen in a long time at that linebacker position," Shanahan said after the Draft.
In Denver, Mobley became an immediate starter. As a rookie, he recorded 61 tackles, an interception and 1.5 sacks. The previous season, the team ranked 15th in yards allowed; the Broncos ranked fourth in Mobley's first year.
"The young man has had an outstanding year, and their defense is vastly improved," then-Chargers head coach Bobby Ross said near the end of the 1996 season. "You can credit their free agent acquisitions Bill Romanowski and Jumpy Geathers and the rookie, Mobley, for that."
Mobley would only become more instrumental in his second season. He led the team in tackles with 132 — or 162 according to coaches' film review. The next closest player was 50 behind him. He also had four sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, an interception and a defensive touchdown. Yet, Mobley was snubbed for the Pro Bowl; one reporter for a newspaper in New York called Mobley "probably the most deserving player not to be selected to the Pro Bowl." Despite being overlooked for the Pro Bowl, Mobley earned first-team All-Pro honors instead.
As the Broncos marched to their first Super Bowl victory, Mobley came up with the play to clinch the game. With Brett Favre and the Packers hoping to conduct a game-tying drive in the final moments, the Broncos sent seven men blitzing to pressure Favre on fourth down. Mobley provided the necessary impeccable coverage and broke up the pass on fourth-down to send Denver's sideline into raucous celebration.
"What did I feel? Immediate jubilation," Mobley said after the game. "I think I just threw my arms up and started running up and down the field."
In Mobley's play, perhaps you could see the type of linebacker that become ideal — a sure tackler with a high football IQ who is athletic and fast enough to cover taller tight ends.
"It all came down to fourth-and-6, and I knew I had to make the play," Mobley said. "They set up with only three wides, so I knew he was going to try to get the ball to [TE Mark] Chmura. … I just stayed with him, waited for the ball, and then jumped on it."
Mobley added another ring a year later with the Broncos as they won back-to-back championships, and in the years that followed, he emerged as a top tackler for the team. By the team's tackling numbers based on coaches' film, Mobley led the team in the statistical category in four of the five seasons from 1997 through 2001.
Unfortunately, Mobley's career was cut short as he suffered a serious neck injury midway through the 2003 season.
Still, his career is an impressive one. In 2019, he was named one of the top 100 Broncos players in franchise history.
Career accolades
First-team AP All-Pro selection (1997), 1997 All-AFC selection, 1996 NFL All-Rookie Team selection, 1997 Week 6 AFC Defensive Player of the Week, four-time team leader in tackles, 2000 Broncos Ed Block Courage Award winner, Broncos Top 100 Team selection
Stats to know
105 career games (102 starts), 621 total tackles, 10.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, five interceptions, one defensive touchdown, at least 28 tackles for loss and 22 passes defensed (official TFL and PD stats not recorded until 1999)
In his own words
"I think I was more of an agile playing-in-space linebacker. I loved just using my speed and getting to the ball as fast as I could, using my speed and athleticism."
Three games to remember
Week 6, 1997 season: Broncos 34, Patriots 13
Under the bright lights of "Monday Night Football," Mobley proved to be one of the Broncos' top defensive players in a prime-time matchup with the Patriots. Midway through the first quarter, Mobley picked off Drew Bledsoe and returned the interception 13 yards for an easy touchdown. He was also credited with 13 tackles, three passes defensed and a forced fumble, according to the Denver Post when they announced Mobley had won AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance.
"It was an all-star performance," cornerback Ray Crockett said after the game. "He came into his own tonight."
Super Bowl XXXII: Broncos 31, Packers 24
You have to wait the entire game to see Mobley's biggest play, but it's worth it. His pass-breakup to clinch the Broncos' first Super Bowl victory was a historic moment for the franchise. Right now, die-hard Broncos fans can probably hear Dave Logan's voice in their head saying "Oh, baby, they're going to win this thing!"
Week 3, 2000 season: Broncos 33, Raiders 24
After missing almost the entirety of the 1999 season with a torn ACL, Mobley had his return to the field delayed even further when he needed an additional surgery on his knee in August before the start of the 2000 season. In his first game back, in Week 2, he tallied eight tackles and got his sea legs. The following week in a rivalry game against the Raiders, he proved he could still make game-changing plays. In the third quarter with the game tied at 24, the Raiders drove deep into Broncos territory. Six yards from the end zone, Rich Gannon dropped back and looked for Andre Rison. Mobley plucked the ball from the air in the end zone and returned it nine yards. From there, the Broncos went nearly the length of the field and kicked the go-ahead field goal that would be enough for the win.
"It could have gone either way if they scored right there," Mobley said afterward. "I think that kind of took the momentum from them and gave us a little bit back."
A look back through John Mobley's time with the Broncos in photos.
Linebacker John Mobley is interviewed by the media after an August 10, 1996 win (40-28) over the Carolina Panthers.
Defensive end Alfred Williams and linebacker John Mobley line up for a play during an October 20, 1996 win (45-34) over the Baltimore Ravens.
John Elway, Harald Hasselbach and John Mobley model uniforms during a press conference introducing the Broncos new uniforms on February 4, 1997. Photo by Eric Lars Bakke
Linebacker John Mobley sits in a go kart at an April 26, 1997 benefit for Special Olympics.
John Mobley waits on the sidelines during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on July 26, 1997.
John Mobley's 1997 team headshot.
Defensive coordinator Greg Robinson gives John Mobley some advice during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at the Kingdome in Seattle, WA on September 7, 1997.
John Mobley and two other Broncos help make a tackle against the St. Louis Rams at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 14, 1997.
John Mobley celebrates after making a defensive play against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 21, 1997.
John Mobley and teammates celebrate a big hit by Mobley against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 6, 1997.
John Mobley is helped up by teammates after returning an interception for a touchdown against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 6, 1997.
John Mobley makes a tackle against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, CA on November 30, 1997.
John Mobley makes a tackle against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1997.
John Mobley celebrates after making a great defensive stand against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 24, 1997.
John Mobley keeps a careful on the quarterback as he drops into coverage on defense against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 21, 1997.
John Mobley teams up with Neil Smith to stop Natrone Means against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 27, 1997.
John Mobley and his defensive teammates make a tackle during the Divisional Round playoff game against the Chiefs against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.
Terrell Davis (30) and John Mobley celebrate the Broncos their second round playoff game win against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.
John Mobley pressures Brett Favre early in Super Bowl XXXII against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
John Mobley deflects the last pass of the game on fourth-and-6 for the Packers, giving Denver its first title in Super Bowl XXXII against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
John Elway gets a high five from John Mobley and the rest of his teammates on stage during the trophy presentation after Super Bowl XXXII against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
John Mobley gets encouragement from his teammates during the pregame introductions before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 13, 1998.
John Mobley puts a hit on Sherman Williams against the Dallas Cowboys at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 13, 1998.
John Mobley (bottom) and Steve Atwater (top) converge to make a tackle on a Washington player at FedEx Field in Landover, MD on September 27, 1998.
Bill Romanowski (53) and John Mobley (51) await the pregame introductions before a game against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 22, 1998.
John Mobley is interviewed by the media in the locker room after a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 27, 1998.
John Mobley jokes around with some of his teammates before Super Bowl XXXIII against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
John Mobley celebrates a strong defensive stand during Super Bowl XXXIII against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
John Mobley charges in on Chris Chandler during Super Bowl XXXIII against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
John Mobley celebrates a defensive stand during Super Bowl XXXIII against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
John Mobley celebrates along the sidelines after Super Bowl XXXIII against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
John Mobley signs autographs for the fans after a day in training camp.
John Mobley tries to get the fans in the south stands pumped up before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 10, 2000.
John Mobley knocks down Rich Gannon during a game against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum in Denver, CO on September 17, 2000.
John Mobley intercepts a Rich Gannon pass attempt against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum in Denver, CO on September 17, 2000.
John Mobley watches his teammates during the pregame drills before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 24, 2000.
Former Broncos teammate Neil Smith, now of the San Diego Chargers, greets John Mobley and former coach Mike Shanahan after a game against the Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on October 8, 2000.
John Mobley forces a fumble against the Seattle Seahawks at The Kingdome in Seattle, WA on November 26, 2000.
John Mobley makes a tackle against the Seattle Seahawks at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 10, 2000.
John Mobley tries to get the fans pumped up before a game against the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 28, 2001.
John Mobley awaits the snap of the ball during a game against the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 28, 2001.
Trevor Pryce (93), Al Wilson (56), and Keith Washington (97) all celebrate after John Mobley (51) returned an interception for a touchdown during a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on August 31, 2001.
John Mobley intercepts a pass attempt and returns the ball for a touchdown during a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on August 31, 2001.
John Mobley moves in to make a play against the Baltimore Ravens at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 30, 2001.
John Mobley celebrates after making a play on defense against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 7, 2001.
John Mobley intercepts a pass against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 11, 2001.
John Mobley celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 11, 2001.
John Mobley moves in to make a tackle against the Indianapolis Colts at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on January 6, 2002.
John Mobley watches the action from the sidelines during a game against the Seattle Seahawks at INVESCO Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on August 29, 2002.
John Mobley runs onto the field during the player introductions before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 22, 2002.
John Mobley celebrates after sacking Drew Bledsoe against the Buffalo Bills at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 22, 2002.
Former Bronco Gene Mingo and a fan join John Mobley, Keith Burns and Rod Smith as they walk to midfield for the coin toss before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 6, 2002.
John Mobley watches his teammates during the pregame drills before a game against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 6, 2002.
John Mobley gets the fans pumped up before a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 24, 2002.
John Mobley drops back into pass coverage against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 15, 2002.
John Mobley gets prepared for the game against the Cardianls against the Arizona Cardinals at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 29, 2002.
John Mobley makes a tackle against the Arizona Cardinals at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 29, 2002.
