In a few days, the members of the Denver Broncos' Super Bowl 50 team will experience one of the first major milestones marking their championship victory: the fifth anniversary.
Five years feels like a good point to reflect on such a major benchmark in the franchise's history and the careers of so many players. We are not yet so far away that the memories have faded or mixed into others, and we're not still so close to it that there's little sentimentality about that event.
For many players, this was a moment that changed their lives, or at the very least, their names. Beginning on Feb. 7, 2016, many players' full names gained a new honorary. No longer was DeMarcus Ware just DeMarcus Ware; that day, he became Super Bowl champion DeMarcus Ware.
We at DenverBroncos.com wanted to take the opportunity to revisit this moment in franchise history with several of the players that made it happen. Over the course of the week, we'll put the spotlight on stories from five key players from that game, including some details never before reported. On Wednesday, those five players will help narrate a retelling of the game's key moments with highlights and footage from Super Bowl 50. At the end of the week, the series will conclude with a more extensive recounting of the game and the weeks leading up to it.
Monday
• C.J. Anderson looks back on his Bay Area homecoming and going head-to-head with Luke Kuechly
Tuesday
• Owen Daniels reflects on capping his — and Peyton Manning’s — career with Super Bowl 50 and the sentimentality of the experience
• Jordan Norwood walks us through his Super Bowl-record punt return and how it almost didn’t happen
Take an inside look at the Broncos' week leading up to Super Bowl 50, from the travel to the Bay Area to exclusive access at team practices and the final walkthrough with family in observance.
C.J. Anderson and Eric Studesville after the Broncos' media session in Santa Clara, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 2, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Head coach Gary Kubiak boards the bus during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Fans cheer on the team as they leave UCHealth Training Center during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Todd Davis during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Owen Daniels during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Peyton Manning during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Corey Nelson, Todd Davis and Brandon Marshall during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Sylvester Williams during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Broncos fans during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Broncos defensive linemen during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Matt Paradis during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Shane Ray and Vernon Davis during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Darian Stewart during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Bennie Fowler during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Aqib Talib during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Vance Walker during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Danny Trevathan during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Malik Jackson during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Von Miller during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
The Broncos during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Andre Caldwell during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Head coach Gary Kubiak during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Corey Nelson during the Broncos' flight and travel on January 31, 2016 to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
NFL Network's Marshall Faulk, center, interviews Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) and running back C.J. Anderson (22) during Opening Night press conferences at the SAP Center on Monday, Feb. 1, 2016 in San Jose, Calif. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Head coach Gary Kubiak arrives during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
DeMarcus Ware arrives during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Peyton Manning arrives during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Cody Latimer and Jordan Norwood in the locker room during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Demaryius Thomas in the locker room during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Aaron Brewer in the locker room during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
T.J. Ward and Aqib Talib in the locker room during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
As a Cal alumnus, C.J. Anderson gives the Stanford logo a thumbs down in the locker room during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Sylvester Williams in the locker room during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Corey Nelson, Brandon Marshall, Danny Trevathan and Von Miller in the locker room during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Peyton Manning and head coach Gary Kubiak during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Peyton Manning and head coach Gary Kubiak during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Players warm up during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
John Elway during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Todd Davis during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Malik Jackson during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Von Miller during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Bradley Roby during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
During the Broncos' practice at Stanford University for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
C.J. Anderson and others during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
DeMarcus Ware talks with CBS' James Brown during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Broncos player give a thumbs up during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Aqib Talib takes the microphone next to CBS' James Brown during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
During Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Kayvon Webster, Darian Stewart, Peyton Manning and Owen Daniels during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware waves as he enters the SAP Center during Opening Night for the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Brandon Marshall during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Peyton Manning during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Aqib Talib during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Aqib Talib and T.J. Ward during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Broncos players are introduced during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Jordan Norwood during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) and Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) speak on the NFL Network set during Opening Night press conferences at the SAP Center on Monday, Feb. 1, 2016 in San Jose, Calif. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
C.J. Anderson during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Peyton Manning during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller holds up a photo during Opening Night for the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
NFL Super Kid Marlo Mosely interviews Denver Broncos' Emmanuel Sanders during Super Bowl Opening Night, Monday, Feb. 1, 2016 in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Doug Benc)
Demaryius Thomas during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Aqib Talib during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
T.J. Ward during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Ryan Clady during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Brandon McManus during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Brandon Marshall during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Karina Correa, with ESPN international, interviews Denver Broncos offensive guard Max Garcia during Opening Night for the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Chris Harris Jr. during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
DeMarcus Ware during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Peyton Manning during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Von Miller during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
T.J. Ward, Von miller and Aqib Talib during Opening Night for Super Bowl 50 on February 1, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Peyton Manning during the Broncos' media session in Santa Clara, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 2, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Von Miller during the Broncos' media session in Santa Clara, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 2, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Derek Wolfe during the Broncos' media session in Santa Clara, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 2, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Malik Jackson during the Broncos' media session in Santa Clara, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 2, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Aqib Talib during the Broncos' media session in Santa Clara, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 2, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Demaryius Thomas after the Broncos' media session in Santa Clara, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 2, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
DeMarcus Ware after the Broncos' media session in Santa Clara, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 2, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Owen Daniels during the Broncos' media session in Santa Clara, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 3, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Darian Stewart during the Broncos' media session in Santa Clara, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 3, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Louis Vasquez during the Broncos' media session in Santa Clara, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 3, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
DeMarcus Ware and Chris Harris Jr. during the Broncos' media session in Santa Clara, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 3, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
T.J. Ward during the Broncos' media session in Santa Clara, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 3, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
The buses arrive for practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 3, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Max Garcia during practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 3, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Bradley Roby during practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 3, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Aqib Talib during practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 3, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Bennie Fowler during practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 3, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Peyton Manning during practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 3, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Demaryius Thomas during practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 3, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Owen Daniels and DeMarcus Ware during practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 3, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Aqib Talib during practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 3, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Von Miller during practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 3, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Players warm up during practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 3, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Brandon Marshall during practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 3, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) is interviewed by musician Snoop Dogg in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Brandon Marshall during the Bronco's media session at the team hotel in Santa Clara, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 4, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Ronnie Hillman during the Bronco's media session at the team hotel in Santa Clara, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 4, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Demaryius Thomas and Von Miller in the locker room during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 4, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Aqib Talib in the locker room during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 4, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Danny Trevathan in the locker room during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 4, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Britton Colquitt, Aaron Brewer and Brandon McManus in the locker room during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 4, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Sylvester Williams, Darius Kilgo and George Uko in the locker room during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 4, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Peyton Manning and Matt Paradis during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 4, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Ryan Harris takes a snap from Matt Paradis during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 4, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Louis Vasquez throws a pass during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 4, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Darian Stewart arrives for the Broncos' practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 5, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Von Miller in the locker room during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 5, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Demaryius Thomas in the locker room during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 5, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Ryan Harris during the Broncos' practice at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. for Super Bowl 50 on February 5, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Malik Jackson during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Peyton Manning during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
DeMarcus Ware during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
DeMarcus Ware and Peyton Manning during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Von Miller and Peyton Manning during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Demaryius Thomas greets Annabel Bowlen during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Players gather for the team photo during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Players gather for the team photo during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Players gather for the team photo during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Players gather for the team photo during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Emmanuel Sanders, Cody Latimer and Demaryius Thomas during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Peyton Manning and Von Miller during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Members of the offensive line and Peyton Manning during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Players gather for the team photo during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Specialists Brandon McManus, Britton Colquitt and Aaron Brewer during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Demaryius Thomas and his mother, Katina Smith, talk with Peyton Manning during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
The wide receivers pose for a photo during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Owen Daniels and his son during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Chris Harris Jr. and his daughter during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Emmanuel Sanders and his son during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Aqib Talib and his son during the Broncos' walkthrough before Super Bowl 50 on February 6, 2016. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
