Take a trip back through Broncos history with photos from the Broncos' and Associated Press' archives.
John Elway prepares to take the snap from center against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Fullback Cookie Gilchrist leaps over a Jets tackler during an Oct. 3, 1965, win (16-13) at Bears Stadium in Denver.
New York Jets star quarterback Joe Namath dejectedly leaves the field at Shea Stadium in New York on Oct. 13, 1968, after having a pass intercepted in the fourth quarter by the Denver Broncos. "I want to say only one thing: I stink!" he proclaimed following the game. Denver won, 21-13. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Jets quarterback Joe Namath was the main attraction for the Denver Broncos on Sept. 21, 1969, in Denver, Colorado. The Bronco defense gave Joe a rough day in the Jets' 21-19 loss to Denver. Namath had the wind knocked out of him late in the fourth quarter but stayed in the game. (AP Photo/Robert Scott)
In this September 1969 file photo, Denver Broncos RB Floyd Little avoids the tackle of New York Jets' Steve O'Neal (20) during a football game in Denver. At left is Jets' John Dockery (43). (AP Photo/File)
Jets quarterback Joe Namath was the main attraction for the Denver Broncos on Sept. 21, 1969, in Denver, Colorado. The Bronco defense gave Joe a rough day in the Jets' 21-19 loss to Denver. Namath had the wind knocked out of him late in the fourth quarter but stayed in the game. (AP Photo/Robert Scott)
Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little (44) runs past New York Jets punter Steve O'Neal (2) during a football game in Denver on Sept. 21, 1969. (AP Photo/File)
Halfback Floyd Little tries to turn the corner during a Sept. 21, 1969, win (21-19) over the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium.
Running back Rod Bernstine breaks through a Jets tackle during the Broncos' 26-20 win on Sept. 5, 1993.
Linebacker Elijah Alexander looks to fend off Jets blockers during the Broncos' 26-20 win over the Jets on Sept. 5, 1993.
Jets running back Adrian Murrell runs from Broncos tacklers during a Sept. 1, 1996 win (31-6) over the New York Jets.
Linebacker Bill Romanowski sacks Jets quarterback Neil O'Donnell during a Sept. 1, 1996 win (31-6) over the New York Jets.
John Elway scrambles for yardage against the New York Jets on Sept. 1, 1996, on Sept. 1, 1996.
Safety Tyrone Braxton forces a fumble during a Sept. 1, 1996 win (31-6) over the New York Jets.
The AFC Championship pregame show included a football game with a dog.
John Elway runs onto the home field during the pregame introductions for the last time in his career against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Military helicopters fly over Mile High Stadium before the start of the AFC Championship Game against the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
John Elway rolls out of the pocket to elude the rush against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Steve Atwater awaits the snap of the ball against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Darrien Gordon returns the first of his two interceptions on the evening against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
During John Elway's final home game in the AFC Championship, Broncos fans show their support for all the great years Elway has provided for them. The Broncos defeated the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Darrien Gordon returns a punt against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Terrell Davis rushes the ball for a 31-yard touchdown against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Ray Crockett wraps up Keyshawn Johnson for a minimal gain against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Terrell Davis rushes the ball against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Ray Crockett wraps up a Jets receiver against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Pat Bowlen hoists another AFC Championship trophy up for the fans at Mile High to see after beating the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
John Elway shows his enthusiasm after receiving the AFC Championship trophy after beating the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
John Elway gives a thumbs up to fans as he takes a final lap around Mile High Stadium after beating the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Shannon Sharpe listens to the post-game talk after beating the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Barrel Man tries to the get the fans pumped up against the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 3, 1999.
Ed McCaffrey makes a reception against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Nov. 5, 2000. The Broncos won 30-23.
Brian Griese scrambles from the pocket for a first down against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Nov. 5, 2000. The Broncos won 30-23.
Desmond Clark makes a reception against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Nov. 5, 2000. The Broncos won 30-23.
Terrell Davis gives the "Mile High Salute" after rushing for a touchdown against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Nov. 5, 2000. The Broncos won 30-23.
Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer (16) scrambles for a first down as the Jets' James Reed (93) chases him during the second quarter in Denver on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005. The Broncos won 27-0. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos running back Tatum Bell (26) is tackled by the New York Jets' Derrick Strait during the second quarter in Denver on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005. The Broncos won 27-0. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos running back Mike Anderson (38) leaps past New York Jets' Ty Law (24) who is blocked by Denver's Rod Smith (80) during third quarter action in Denver, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005. Anderson scored three rushing touchdowns in Denver's 27-0 victory over the Jets. (AP Photo/Bill Ross)
New York Jets tight end Joel Dreessen is dragged down by Broncos linebacker Ian Gold, second from left, as Broncos linebacker John Lynch, far left, and cornerback Darrent Williams come in to cover in the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 27-0 victory in Denver in this Nov. 20, 2005 photo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Brandon Marshall attracts defenders on a 8 yard reception in the first quarter action against the New York Jets November 30, 2008 at the Meadowlands. The Broncos won 34-17.
Tony Scheffler hauls in a 22 yard reception against the New York Jets November 30, 2008 at the Meadowlands. The Broncos won 34-17.
Peyton Hillis breaks into the secondary on a 19 yard run in first quarteraction against the New York Jets November 30, 2008 at the Meadowlands. The Broncos won 34-17.
Brandon Stokley celebrates with Eddie Royal after Royal's 59-yard reception for a touchdown in first-quarter action against the New York Jets November 30, 2008 at the Meadowlands. The Broncos won 34-17.
Vernon Fox heads to the end zone on a fumble recovery in the first quarter against the New York Jets November 30, 2008 at the Meadowlands.
Elvis Dumervil sacks Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez in the second half of the Broncos' 17-13 win on Nov. 17, 2011.
OLB Von Miller goes after the Jets QB Mark Sanchez in the second quarter of the Broncos' 17-13 win on Nov. 17, 2011.
Von Miller and Ryan McBean celebrate after a play in the first half of the Broncos' 17-13 win on Nov. 17, 2011.
Tim Tebow passes the ball against the New York Jets in the second half of the Broncos' 17-13 win on Nov. 17, 2011.
Andre Goodman returns an interception 26 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter of the Broncos' 17-13 win on Nov. 17, 2011.
Tim Tebow (15) fights for yardage on a 9-yard run in the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 17-13 win on Nov. 17, 2011.
Von Miller applies pressure to Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez in the second quarter of the Broncos' 17-13 win on Nov. 17, 2011.
Tim Tebow scores a touchdown against the New York Jets in the late in the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 17-13 win on Nov. 17, 2011.
Tim Tebow (15) is congratulated after scoring the go-ahead touchdown on a 20-yard run in the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 17-13 win on Nov. 17, 2011.
Tim Tebow (15) is swarmed by teammates after he scored on a 20-yard game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 17-13 win.
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) and defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) sack New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) for a 4 yard loss to the 1 yard line during the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 31-17 win over the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 12, 2014.
Denver Broncos DeMarcus Ware (94) tries wrestling New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) to the turf in the third quarter of the Broncos' 31-17 win over the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 12, 2014.. Smith was eventually sacked by Denver Broncos Von Miller.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) signals at the line of scrimmage during the third quarter of of the Broncos' 31-17 win over the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 12, 2014.
Denver Broncos linebacker Corey Nelson (52) and defensive end Malik Jackson (97) team up to make the stop during the first quarter of the Broncos' 31-17 win over the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 12, 2014.
Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) takes off after a reception during the first quarter of the Broncos' 31-17 win over the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 12, 2014.
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) celebrates a 4 yard touchdown reception during the third quarter of of the Broncos' 31-17 win over the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 12, 2014.
Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) intercepts a pass and returns it 22 yards for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 31-17 win over the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 12, 2014.
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) during second quarter action against the New York Jets during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., December 10, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) cathces a touchdown pass during first quarter action against the New York Jets during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., December 10, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker Todd Davis (51) pressures New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown (15) during third quarter action against the New York Jets during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., December 10, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) sacks New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown (15) during first quarter action against the New York Jets during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., December 10, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) dances after tackling New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) during fourth quarter action against the New York Jets during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., December 10, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) celebrates with cornerback Aqib Talib (21) after an interception during second quarter action against the New York Jets during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., December 10, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
This week the Denver Broncos play the New York Jets.
Yes, the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets.
Fans of the "second team" in New York City have been chanting that for nearly 60 years now, and the Broncos no doubt will hear plenty of it this Sunday.
The two teams have been playing since the American Football League began in 1960, but the New York franchise was known as the Titans then, only becoming the Jets in 1963.
Along the path of history, the Titans beat the Broncos in Denver by a 46-45 score on Thanksgiving Day in 1962, and in 1964 the Broncos were again the victims when the Jets opened Shea Stadium and won the game by a resounding 30-6 score.
Later in the 1960s, Broncos quarterback Steve Tensi quarterbacked road wins over the Joe Namath-led Jets in back-to back years, in Shea Stadium in 1967 and again in 1968.
But when we say back-to-back, Denver Broncos fans only think of one thing, that being our consecutive Super Bowl titles following the 1997 and 1998 seasons.
The New York Jets played a big part in the latter title, as the Broncos clinched their AFC record sixth Super Bowl berth by defeating the Jets 23-10 in the AFC title game before a crowd of 75,482 fans at Mile High Stadium on Jan. 17, 1999.
I remember that it was a sunny but chilly day with temperatures hovering around the 40-degree mark at kickoff, with Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan matching wits with New York's Bill Parcells all day long.
I remember well that during the week we had been especially careful of visitors watching practice and talking to the players, as there were a number of New York writers and broadcasters in attendance and we were well aware of Coach Parcells' legendary ability to glean knowledge from outside sources.
The Broncos had gone almost a calendar year without a defeat on the way to what would be a second straight Super Bowl win, so the players were veterans used to winning. We did not have many neophytes in that locker room, with vets taking the younger players under their wings starting with training camp.
Coach Shanahan had made it clear that another title was not only our goal but well within our reach and abilities, and the team had played like it all year.
We failed to score in the first half against New York, but Denver scored 20 third-quarter points to take control of the game.
That win propelled the Broncos to the Super Bowl for the second straight season, matching the back-to-back Super Bowl appearances of the 1986 and '87 Broncos.
The Jets took a 10-0 lead after a second quarter field goal and a 1-yard Curtis Martin touchdown run early in the third stanza, set up by a blocked Denver punt at the Broncos' 1-yard line.
But that TD proved to be just the wake-up call that Denver needed to ignite its offense as well as the Mile High Stadium crowd. The stakes were high and fans were nervous and unusually quiet, but they woke quickly as John Elway connected with Ed McCaffrey on a 47-yard pass from the Denver 36, with Elway eventually finding fullback Howard Griffith for an 11-yard scoring pass to narrow the Jets' lead to 10-7.
Then special teams captain Keith Burns recovered a wind-stifled kickoff fumble to set up a 44-yard field goal by Jason Elam to tie the score.
Following another Elam field goal, the Broncos opened up a 10-point lead with Terrell Davis' 31-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter.
The Broncos' defense deserved credit for keeping the club in the game in the first half when the offense sputtered, and overall, the Denver D forced six turnovers and held the Jets to 14 yards on 13 rushes.
Darrien Gordon had two of the turnovers on interceptions, and the four fumbles recovered by Denver set a franchise postseason record.
Davis set numerous records during the contest, including passing his own NFL-record total of 2,331 yards rushing in an entire season (regular season and postseason games combined) set in 1997 and rushing for 100 yards for the sixth straight postseason game to tie John Riggins for the most all-time. That record also would tumble when Davis ran for over 100 yards in Denver's Super Bowl XXXIII win two weeks later.
With its win over the Jets, Denver maintained a perfect record (12-0) when leading after three quarters in the playoffs.
Mike Shanahan had said earlier, "There is nothing like the feeling of slipping that Super Bowl ring on your finger."
Once again, the coach proved prophetic, and the Broncos' big win over the New York Jets was a huge stepping stone in the Broncos claiming a second straight world championship ring.
