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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. —** The Broncos have signed running back C.J. Anderson to a new contract ensuring that the only Bronco to score an offensive touchdown in Super Bowl 50 will remain in Denver. The team on Tuesday matched the offer sheet on the four-year deal for the restricted free agent.
A college free agent signing in 2013, Anderson worked his way up to become the Broncos' workhorse back, consistently reliable in efforts to drive forward for positive gains while also maintaining a balance and explosiveness to break big plays.
C.J. Anderson visited a local elementary school to give story time, answer a few questions and give a lesson in the importance of learning. (photos by Ben Swanson)
His rise began with just seven carries in 2013 as a rookie, but he had a breakthrough season in 2014 with 179 rushing attempts for 849 yards and eight touchdowns, 324 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. Much of his production came in the second half of that season as he became the starting running back for the final seven games of the regular season, which included back-to-back games of 167 and 168 rushing yards. With a three-touchdown performance in Week 17 against the Raiders, Anderson earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl, becoming one of just five undrafted Pro Bowl running backs in NFL history.
Anderson struggled with minor injuries in 2015, but he still matched his 2014 mark for yards per carry (4.7) as he combined with Ronnie Hillman to give the Broncos' rushing attack featuring two types of running threats. With a 48-yard touchdown run in overtime in Week 12 against New England, Anderson provided one of the most dynamic moments of the regular season and with his 15-carry, 113-yard, two-touchdown performance, he was selected AFC Offensive Player of the Week. In the postseason, he ran in two short-yardage touchdowns, including the Broncos' only offensive touchdown in Super Bowl 50 against the Panthers.
2015 stats:15 games (6 starts), 152 rushing attempts, 720 rushing yards, 4.7 yards per rush, 5 rushing touchdowns, 25 receptions, 183 receiving yards
Career stats: 35 games (13 starts), 228 rushing attempts, 1,607 rushing yards, 4.8 yards per rush, 13 rushing touchdowns, 59 receptions, 507 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns
