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 wide receiver Brandon Marshall's time in Denver.
Career overview
It didn't take long for Brandon Marshall, a fourth-round pick by the Broncos in the 2006 NFL Draft, to draw interest for his potential. With a 6-foot-4, 222-pound frame as a rookie, Marshall had size and speed that made him a unique prospect.
Only a preseason knee injury prevented him from making an immediate impact. But as he progressed toward the end of that first season, it became apparent just what he could become. As Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey said in a December 2006 Rocky Mountain News article, "[He] has the tools to be a Pro Bowl receiver."
Marshall himself was confident that even bigger things were on the horizon.
"These guys haven't seen nothing yet," he said. "Nothing at all."
Marshall proved those words true over the next three seasons as he totaled 3,710 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns on 307 receptions with two Pro Bowl selections.
In his second season, Marshall had what was then the third-most productive season by a Broncos wide receiver with 1,325 yards. He showcased tremendous consistency as he had just one game with fewer than 50 receiving yards and averaged 13 yards per catch.
Though Marshall missed a game to start the 2008 season, he improved upon his per-game yardage statistic as he made 104 receptions, then a career high for a single season. For his efforts, he earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl.
He backed that up with a second consecutive selection in 2009, when he had 1,120 yards and 10 touchdown receptions. He also set a career mark in catch percentage, as he snagged 65.6 percent of the 154 passes thrown his way. In a Dec. 13 game against the Colts, Marshall set a new NFL record for most receptions in a single game with 21. The Broncos lost to Peyton Manning's undefeated Colts, but Marshall was practically unstoppable with 200 yards and two touchdowns.
But Marshall, who had several issues off the field during his tenure in Denver, would be traded to Miami in March of 2010. A year later, Marshall announced that he had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. In the years since, Marshall has been an vocal proponent of mental health awareness.
After departing from Denver, Marshall continued to be a prolific receiver in the NFL. He had a seven-season run with at least 1,000 receiving yards, which is a streak that only trails ones made by Jerry Rice, Tim Brown, Cris Carter, Marvin Harrison and Torry Holt. He is also the first player in NFL history to record 1,000-yard receiving season with four different teams.
Career accolades
Six Pro Bowls, one first-team All-Pro, one second-team All-Pro, 2012 Pro Bowl MVP, three-time AFC Offensive Player of the Week, 2015 NFL receiving touchdowns co-leader, eight 1,000-yard receiving seasons, NFL record-holder for most receptions in a single game, No. 1 and No. 2 Broncos franchise marks for receptions in a single game, No. 8 in receiving yards in a single season in Broncos franchise history
Stats to know
Broncos stats: 61 games, 45 starts, 327 receptions, 4,019 receiving yards, 25 receiving touchdowns
Career stats: 179 games, 158 starts, 970 receptions, 12,351 receiving yards, 83 receiving touchdowns
In his own words
"[I was] passionate. Fierce competitor. It was personal for me. I think that's why I struggled early on in my career, understanding how to be a great teammate and when to have that fire and when to turn that fire off, because it was so personal for me. Where I come from, football is life in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. That's a way out for a lot of people. So it wasn't a game, and it still isn't a game, to be honest with you. So I think football was really personal for me, and that's why I played the game the way I played the game. Every game, it felt like life or death. I needed to score a touchdown every time I touched the ball. If we lost, I would probably be crying in the locker room or on the way home. So, very personal for me. When I look back on my 13 years in the NFL, it was one hell of a journey and it was exciting — some high moments, some low moments — but it made me who I am. If I could go back and do it again, I wouldn't change anything."
Three games to remember
Week 2, 2008 season: Broncos 39, Chargers 38
After serving a one-game suspension, Marshall opened his 2008 season with a bang. Jay Cutler threw his way 20 times during this shootout, and Marshall caught all but two of those passes, setting a franchise record that he would break just a season later. His toe-tapping touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone with two seconds left in the first half is surely a memorable highlight, and his four catches for 33 yards on the Broncos' game-winning drive also proved vital.
Week 3, 2008 season: Broncos 34, Saints 32
Just a week later, Marshall added another career day with 155 yards on six catches, but he actually accounted for 177 yards if you include the 22 yards the Broncos gained on a defensive pass interference call he drew. He helped push the Broncos to a 14-3 lead in the first quarter with an incredible catch in the back of the end zone for a 35-yard touchdown.
"I'm the kind of guy who sets my goals high," Marshall said after the game. "I play with a chip on my shoulder every day, even in practice. I want to be the best, and I want our team to be the best."
Week 14, 2009 season: Colts 28, Broncos 16
Even though the Broncos lost this game, it was a defining performance by Marshall as he set a new NFL record for receptions in a single game. Catching all but eight of QB Kyle Orton's 29 passing attempts during the game, Marshall was no match for any Colts defender and racked up 200 receiving yards. He showed every element of a skill set that made him a top talent in the league: He could take advantage of even the slightest windows when creating separation from defenders with his combination of speed, precise routes and great size, and when he got the ball in his hands, he was slippery in open space and powerful when taking on contact.
What may have been even better about that game was what Marshall did afterward. As detailed by The Denver Post’s Mark Kiszla at the time, Marshall tossed one of the footballs he caught for a touchdown to a fan in an orange No. 15 jersey amid the crowd clad in Colts blue at Lucas Oil Stadium. After the game, that fan, who had made the trip to Indianapolis to celebrate her 47th birthday, met someone through sheer happenstance who helped lead her to the doors to the visiting locker room. There, Marshall greeted her, wished her a happy birthday and autographed the football.
Flip through photos from Brandon Marshall's Broncos career, including two Pro Bowl selections and three 1,000-yard seasons.
Denver Broncos wide receiver coach Steve Watson talks with rookie wide receiver Brandon Marshall during the morning football training camp session at the Broncos' headquarters in Denver, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2006. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Brandon Marshall high-fives fans as he exits the tunnel before the Broncos' Sept. 17 game against the Chiefs in 2006.
Brandon Marshall shakes hands with a fan at the Broncos' game against the Oakland Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on Oct. 15, 2006. Photo: Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15), right, receives a touchdown pass against Cleveland Browns defensive back Ralph Brown (20) in the end zone during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2006. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Denver Broncos' Brandon Marshall, left, celebrates his touchdown with his teammates Rod Smith, right, and Mike Bell during the third quarter of a football game against the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland, in this Oct. 22, 2006 file photo. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Brandon Marshall celebrates after a play as the Denver Broncos take on the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, OH on Oct. 22, 2006. Photo: Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Brandon Marshall celebrates in the locker room after the Denver Broncos defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-20 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA on Nov. 5, 2006. Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
Brandon Marshall escapes for a 71-yard touchdown as the Denver Broncos play the Seattle Seahawks in week 13 NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on Dec. 3, 2006. Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates, LLC.
Jay Cutler celebrates with Brandon Marshall after a 71-yard touchdown as the Denver Broncos play the Seattle Seahawks in week 13 NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on Dec. 3, 2006. Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates, LLC.
Brandon Marshall runs with the ball after the Broncos beat the Arizona Cardinals 37-20 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ on Dec. 17, 2006. Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
Brandon Marshall smiles after the Denver Broncos defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 24-23 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on Dec. 24, 2006. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
Brandon Marshall leaps in the air during team introductions before a game against the 49ers at Invesco Field at Mile High stadium in Denver, CO on Dec. 24, 2006. Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
Brandon Marshall makes a catch during a game against the 49ers at Invesco Field at Mile High stadium in Denver, CO on Dec. 24, 2006. Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
Brandon Marshall's hair commemorates the lives of former teammates Darrent Williams and Damien Nash during the game against the Buffalo Bills on September 9, 2007.
Brandon Marshall makes a leaping catch against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium September 9, 2007
Brandon Marshall makes a catch against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ralph Wilson Stadium September 9, 2007
Brandon Marshall takes part in a Hometown Huddle community event with children from the Boys & Girls Club.
Green Bay Packers safety Nick Collins, front left, tries to tackle Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall as he carries the ball in the fourth quarter of Green Bay's 19-13 overtime victory in an NFL football game in Denver on Monday, Oct. 29, 2007. Packers cornerback Jarrett Bush, back, looks on. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Brandon Marshall runs out of the tunnel before a 2007 game against the Packers.
Brandon Marshall makes a catch during a 2007 game against the Packers.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall celebrates with the north end zone fans after scoring a 41 yard reception touchdown in the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) points to Tennessee Titans safety Michael Griffin (33) as he heads to the end zone to score a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Denver, Monday, Nov. 19, 2007. The Broncos beat the Titans 34-20. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Brandon Marshall makes a catch during a 2007 game against the Chiefs.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall is all smiles after winning praise from teammates and head coach Mike Shanahan for his performance in the Kansas City Chiefs game at Invesco Field.
Brandon Marshall makes a catch during a game against the Chargers in 2007.
Brandon Marshall reacts after a play during a 2007 game against the Vikings.
Brandon Marshall warms up in some Broncos themed pajamas during training camp on July 27, 2008.
Brandon Marshall makes a catch during a preseason game against the Cowboys in 2008.
Brandon Marshall tries to gain control of a 49 yard pass prior to scoring against the Green Bay Packers at Invesco Field August 22, 2008
Brandon Marshall reacts after a play during a 2008 game.
With 8 seconds remaining in the second quarter, Brandon Marshall scores on a six-yard pass against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field September 14, 2008
Brandon Marshall makes a catch during a game against the Saints on September 21, 2008.
Brandon Marshall hauls in a 33 yard pass as Mike McKenzie tries to defend in the third quarter action against the New Orleans Saints September 21,2008 at Invesco Field.
Brandon Marshall gets into the pre game introductions with Jay Cutler prior to action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Invesco Field October 5, 2008
Ronde Barber tries wrestling Brandon Marshall to the ground after an 11 yard reception in the second quarter of action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Invesco Field October 5, 2008
Brandon Marshall heads to the sidelines on a 14 yard reception in third quarter action against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium October 20, 2008
Brandon Marshall and Jay Cutler get hyped before a game against the Dolphins on November 2, 2008.
Brandon Marshall makes an acrobatic move after a catch during a game against the Chiefs on December 7, 2008.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, left, greets Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall, right, while Tennessee Titans quarterback Kerry Collins, center, watches during an AFC practice for the Pro Bowl NFL football game, in Kapolei, Hawaii, Thursday Feb. 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Ronen Zilberman)
AFC wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15), of Denver Broncos, eludes the tackle of NFC cornerback Antoine Winfield (26), of the Minnesota Vikings, during the Pro Bowl NFL football game at Aloha Stadium, in Honolulu on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009. (AP Photo/Ronen Zilberman)
Brandon Marshall is swamed by teammates after he scores on a 51 yard reception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys October 4, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Brandon Marshall heads up field after hauling in a 51 yard reception in the fourth quarter of the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys October 4, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Denver Broncos Champ Bailey, left, congratulates Brandon Marshall after Marshall scored the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter of the NFL football game in Denver, Colo., on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009. The Broncos won 17-10. (AP Photo/Chris Schneider)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) dives into the end zone for a touchdown between New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo (51) and cornerback Leigh Bodden (23) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in Denver. The touchdown tied the game which Denver won in overtime, 20-17. (AP Photo/Chris Schneider)
Brandon Marshall tries to gain some extra yards after a reception in the fourth quarter in the NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 9, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Brandon Marshall reacts after a play in the game against the Washington on November 15, 2009 at FedEx Stadium.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall carries the ball during the NFL football game against Washington, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Brandon Marshall reacts after a reception for a gain of 28 yards in the second quarter in the NFL game against the New York Giants on November 22, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) makes a catch while being defended by New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Denver, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. Denver won 26-6. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Brandon Marshall waltzes into the end zone for a touchdown in the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs, December 6, 2009 in Kansas City, MO.(AP Photo/Eric Bakke)
Brandon Marshall makes a catch in the NFL game between the Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday December 13, 2009, in Indianapolis, IN.
Brandon Marshall makes a touchdown catch in the NFL game between the Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday December 13, 2009, in Indianapolis, IN.
In this Dec. 13, 2009, file photo, Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall makes a 5-yard touchdown reception while being defended by Indianapolis Colts safety Tim Jennings during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Indianapolis. Just four months ago, Brandon Marshall's world was one of insubordination, suspension and constant confrontations. By turning his focus to football, the Pro Bowl wide receiver has let his talents do all the talking. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Brandon Marshall runs with the ball after a short pass for a gain of 7 yards in the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on December 20, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) breaks a tackle from Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Mike Patterson (98) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) dives for the end zone during the Pro Bowl Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, in Miami. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
