Photos from the Broncos' regular-season and postseason games against the Browns, going back to the 1986 AFC Championship Game.
Harvey Goodman blocks a Cleveland Brown.
Wide receiver Haven Moses runs the ball downfield during a game against the Cleveland Browns.
FILE - In this Jan. 12, 1987, file photo, Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway prepares to send the ball down field en route to a 23-20 overtime victory in the AFC Championship game against the Cleveland Browns, in Cleveland. On the sports misery index, Atlanta and Cleveland are hard to beat, and have come up with plenty of excruciating ways to come up short. (AP Photo/File)
Sammy Winder turns upfield for a gain against the Browns.
Running back Sammy Winder runs the ball during the January 11, 1987 AFC Championship overtime win (23-20) at Cleveland.
Linebacker Tom Jackson tackles a Browns ball carrier during the January 11, 1987 AFC Championship overtime win (23-20) at Cleveland.
Wide receiver Mark Jackson is tackled by a Browns defender during the January 11, 1987 overtime win (23-20 Ñ the Drive) over Cleveland in Cleveland. Wide receiver Mark Jackson is tackled by a Browns defender during the January 11, 1987 overtime win (23-20 — the Drive) over Cleveland in Cleveland.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Mark Jackson (80) celebrates after scoring a 5-yard touchdown catch with 0:37 seconds remaining in regulation time of the Broncos 23-20 overtime victory over the Cleveland Browns in the 1986 AFC Championship Game on January 11, 1987 at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in Cleveland. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Holder Gary Kubiak celebrates after Rich Karlis' January 11, 1987 game winning field goal (23-20) in Cleveland that sent the Broncos to the Super Bowl.
Denver quarterback John Elway (7) is tripped up by Cleveland's Sam Clancy after Elway picked up first down yardage during the AFC Championship game in Denver, Jan. 18, 1988. Elway completed 14 of 26 passes and threw three for touchdowns as Denver defeated Cleveland 38-33. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
Denver Broncos Steve Sewell heads for the goal line to score the second touchdown for the Broncos during the first quarter against Cleveland, Jan. 17, 1988 in Denver. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
Denver Broncos Gene Lang (33) rushes upfield with the ball during an AFC Championship game against the Cleveland Browns Jan. 18, 1988, in Denver. Denver defeated Cleveland 38-33 to earn a trip to the Super Bowl. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Denver Broncos Jeremiah Castille, on ground, looks for a loose football after stripping it from the hands of Cleveland running back Earnest Byner (44) during the closing minutes of the AFC championship game in Denver, Sunday, Jan. 17, 1988. Denver recovered the ball to stop a possible Cleveland tieing touchdown. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway leaves the field with a smile on his face after his team defeated the Cleveland Browns 38-33 winning the AFC Championship and a trip to the Super Bowl in Denver Sunday, Jan. 17, 1988. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Michael Young (83) runs upfield with a reception during the 1989 AFC Championship NFL Game against the Cleveland Browns in Denver, Colo., on January 14, 1990. The Broncos defeated the Browns 37-21. (AP Photo/Eric Lars Bakke)
Running back Sammy Winder runs through the hole during the January 14, 1990 AFC Championship win (37-21) against the Cleveland Browns.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Mike Young (83) celebrates as he scores on a 70-yard reception during the 1989 AFC Championship NFL Game against the Cleveland Browns in Denver, Colo., on January 14, 1990. The Broncos defeated the Browns 37-21. (AP Photo/Eric Lars Bakke)
Denver Broncos running back Sammy Winder (23) leaves Cleveland Browns defenders Kyle Kramer (40) and Frank Minniefield (31) in the dust as he breaks away on a 39 yard touchdown reception during action in the AFC Championship game, Sunday, Jan. 15, 1990, Denver, Colo. (AP Photo/Billy Haber)
John Elway avoids a tackle during the AFC Championship game against the Cleveland Browns January 14,1989. John Elway avoids a tackle during the AFC Championship game against the Cleveland Browns January 14,1989.
Denver Broncos defensive end Alphonso Carreker (92) eyes Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar (19) as he pass rushes during the 1989 AFC Championship NFL Game in Denver, Colo., on January 14, 1990. The Broncos defeated the Browns 37-21. (AP Photo/Eric Lars Bakke)
Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway (7) flashes the number one sign as he leaves the field following the Broncos win over the Cleveland Browns in the AFC Championship game, Jan. 14, 1990, in Denver. (AP Photos/Ed Andrieski)
Members of the 1989 AFC Champions team celebrate after the January 14, 1990 win (37-21) against Cleveland.
John Elway sets to pass against the Cleveland Browns November 7, 1993.
John Elway chats with Cleveland Browns Bernie Kosar after a Browns Stadium November 7, 1993.
The Broncos defense tackles a Browns player in an October 1994 win (26-14).
Linebacker Karl Mecklenburg prepares to wrap up a Browns ball carrier during an October 30, 1994 win against Cleveland.
Billy Jenkins intercepts a Browns pass attempt and sprints to the endzone for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 15, 2000.
Billy Jenkins and Al Wilson sack Tim Couch against the Cleveland Browns at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 15, 2000.
Ed McCaffrey makes a reception against the Cleveland Browns at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 15, 2000.
Trevor Pryce celebrates after sacking the Browns quarterback against the Cleveland Browns at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 15, 2000.
Kavika Pittman sacks the Browns quarterback against the Cleveland Browns at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 15, 2000.
Darius Holland stuffs a Browns ball carrier against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
Clinton Portis rushes the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
Clinton Portis stands ready at his running back position against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
Clinton Portis flexes his muscles in front of the Browns defenders against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
Keith Burns celebrates his play on special teams against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
Ashley Lelie makes a leaping catch against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
Jason Elam celebrates after kicking the game winning field goal in overtime against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
Eddie Royal is off to the races after hauling in a pass for an eventual 93 yard touchdown in fourth quarter action against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium November 6, 2008
Denver Broncos in action against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium November 6, 2008
Tony Scheffler turns up field after a second quarter reception during action against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium November 6, 2008
To celebrate his Ring of Fame induction that day, former tight end Shannon Sharpe dropped into the stadium as part of the Thunderstorm sky-diving crew before in the NFL game against the Cleveland Browns September 20, 2009 at Invesco Field
Surrounded by his family, Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen and Ring of Famer Karl Mecklenburg, former tight end Shannon Sharpe gives his Ring of Fame induction speech during the Broncos' game against the Cleveland Browns September 20, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Against the Cleveland Browns September 20, 2009 at Invesco Field
Elvis Dumervil sacks Brady Quinn in the NFL game against the Cleveland Browns September 20, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) motions a receiver at the line of scrimmage on Denver's second series during first quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver,CO December 23, 2012.
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) sacks the quarterback for a 9 yard loss during third quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on December 23, 2012.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) hauls in a 22 yard touchdown pass during first quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver,CO December 23, 2012.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker (87) celebrates his 10 yard catch for a touchdown during second quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver,CO December 23, 2012.
Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) tackles Cleveland Browns Trent Richardson (33) on a 5 yard carry during second quarter action in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver,CO December 23, 2012.
Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno (27) tries to avoid going out of bounds on a 7 yard carry during third quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver,CO December 23, 2012.
Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24) on defense during second quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver,CO December 23, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass during second quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on December 23, 2012.
Denver Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard (52) celebrates a sack during fourth quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on December 23, 2012.
Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) celebrates his interception for a 63 yard return for a touchdown during second quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH October 18, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) cuts up field on a during fourth quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH October 18, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Thinking he was untouched,Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) heads to the end zone on a 38 yard reception against the Cleveland Browns during fourth quarter action in the NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH October 18, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
during second quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH October 18, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) passes short to Ronnie Hillman for 5 yard gain during third quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH October 18, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus (8) kicks a 34 yard field goal to defeat the Cleveland Browns in overtime 26-23 in the NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH October 18, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) is congratulated by teammates after recovering a Cleveland Browns fumble during third quarter action in the NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH October 18, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Cleveland Browns defensive back Tramon Williams (22) defends Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) on a deep pass during fourth quarter action in the NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH October 18, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
In the world of sports, you know you are dealing with a special game when it has its own moniker.
The Broncos defeated the Cleveland Browns in the AFC Championship Game three times in the 1980s, with the first of that trio dubbed "The Drive," followed by "The Fumble."
The latter was played in Denver on Jan. 17, 1988, and it was a great 38-33 win by the Broncos.
It was a great offensive show, with future Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway throwing three touchdown passes, including an 80-yarder to wide receiver Mark Jackson.
Elway accounted for 281 passing yards and scrambled for 36 more, but Cleveland passer Bernie Kosar put on a great passing display as well.
Kosar had 26 completions for 356 yards and three scores, so the two quarterbacks combined for six touchdowns and nearly 700 yards.
Denver had a 21-3 lead at the half, and it seemed commanding until the Browns scored three third-quarter touchdowns, two on passes by Kosar.
Denver held a 38-31 lead late in the game when Kosar and the Browns advanced to the Broncos' 8-yard line with 1:12 remaining, setting up the play that would give the game its notable nickname.
Cleveland running back Earnest Byner had a great game that day, finishing with 67 yards rushing and 120 reception yards, scoring twice for the Browns.
But despite his 187 yards and two touchdowns, he had a real bad play with 1:12 left.
Byner took a handoff from Kosar and was headed for the end zone when Denver cornerback Jeremiah Castille stripped the ball and recovered it at the 3-yard line.
Many fans and media had not even seen it happen until the replay, so quickly did Castille steal the ball.
Denver took a late safety to account for the final score, but the heroics belonged to Castille.
He had been a fine player at Alabama and played two seasons for Denver, starting 15 games in 1988.
But Jeremiah was the quiet type, very religious and reserved. He was requested to speak very few times by the local press.
But after his famous forced fumble and the ensuing recovery, I naturally approached Castille to ask him to discuss his heroics with the press.
However, he remained as stoic as ever, amazing considering he had made one of the greatest plays in Denver history.
I implored, I pleaded and I logically explained the magnitude of what he had done, but all Jeremiah would offer me was, "Thanks, Jim, but I just am not going to speak to the press."
And he never did.
Others spoke for him, or tried to, but not a word from Jeremiah Castille, who had forced and recovered "The Fumble" in the 1987 AFC Championship Game.
He had two tackles and perhaps the greatest playoff takeaway in Broncos history, and he didn't want any of the spotlight. But it's impossible to forget Castille's impact and role in adding to the lore of the historic series between the Broncos and Browns in the late '80s.
