Best of 2021: DenverBroncos.com's 100 favorite photos from the past year
Flip through the Broncos' year in photos, with this top-100 selection by team photographers.
After being announced as the Broncos' new general manager, George Paton poses for a portrait at UCHealth Training Center on January 19, 2021. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Peyton Manning talks with Pro Football Hall of Fame president and CEO David Baker after a surprise announcement that Manning has been elected to the Class of 2021 at Empower Field at Mile High on January 22, 2021. Due to COVID-19 precautions, Baker could not do his usual hotel-room knocks to notify inductees, so he traveled to give the news in person. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Justin Simmons is joined by his wife, Taryn Simmons, and their daughter, Laney, as he signs his new long-term contract on March 19, 2021. Photo by Gabriel Christus
The Broncos' first-round pick, Pat Surtain II, poses for a portrait at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, April 30, 2021. Photo by Gabriel Christus
During filming for the Broncos' 2021 schedule release video, former quarterback and current "intern" Peyton Manning tries his hand at cooking with lead chef Wendy Jaramillo at UCHealth Training Center on May 10, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Justin Simmons poses for a photo with event organizers Naja'Ray West and Nashara Ellerbee at the March for Peace 5K run/walk organized by members of the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club in Montbello on June 12, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
As he worked his way back from a torn ACL, Courtland Sutton looked well on his way back to Pro Bowl form on this catch during the offseason program on May 27, 2021. Photo by Gabriel Christus
During field day festivities, Justin Simmons cheers on teammates in a tug-of-war competition on Thursday, June 17, 2021.
As he announces his retirement, Demaryius Thomas poses for a portrait at his home in the Atlanta metro area on June 26, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Working his way back from injury, Bradley Chubb works out in the weight room at UCHealth Training Center on July 13, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Melvin Gordon III tosses a ball high into the air during practice on Day 9 of training camp at UCHealth Training Center on August 7, 2021. For some time that day, air quality in the Denver area was the world's worst among major cities. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Linebacker Josh Watson's brother wears his helmet and gloves after practice on Day 9 of training camp at UCHealth Training Center on August 7, 2021. Moments like this were a sight for sore eyes as COVID-19 restrictions loosened and families were allowed back at training camp practices, along with fans. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
After a year-long wait due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 Hall of Fame inductee Steve Atwater gives his speech during the 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony on Saturday, August 7, 2021 in Canton, Ohio. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Peyton Manning and Archie Manning reveal his bust during the 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony on Sunday, August 8, 2021 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Melvin Gordon III, KJ Hamler and Jerry Jeudy pose for a photo after a joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings during training camp on August 12, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Pat Surtain II celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown during Denver's preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on August 14, 2021. His first interception as a Bronco showed exactly the potential the team saw in him when they drafted him with their top pick. Photo by Gabriel Christus
In his return to where he began his career in Minnesota, Teddy Bridgewater rushes for a touchdown during a preseason game against the Vikings on August 14, 2021. While the touchdown was called back due to penalty, Bridgewater was impressive nevertheless. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Justin Simmons tosses his daughter Laney into the air after practice on Day 17 of training camp at UCHealth Training Center on August 19, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Kareem Jackson flexes before a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks on August 21, 2021 as he prepares to begin his 12th season. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick, Shaun Beyer and Eric Saubert walk out to the tunnel onto the field before the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Tom Hauck
An overhead photo of Empower Field at Mile High during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams on August 28, 2021 at Empower Field at Mile High. It was the first time the stadium was allowed to return to full capacity for a Broncos game since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Von Miller looks on from the sideline during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, August 28, 2021. Months later, Miller would join the Rams after a mid-season trade. Photo by Gabriel Christus
An overhead, tilt-shift photo of the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Teddy Bridgewater leads the team huddle before the season opener against the New York Giants on September 12, 2021 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Bridgewater earned the starting quarterback role after a tight competition through the offseason and training camp. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Tight end Albert Okwuegbunam reaches for the pylon for a touchdown during the game against the New York Giants on Sunday, September 12, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. Okwuegbunam rebounded from a fumble to score this crucial touchdown. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker Alexander Johnson (45) and linebacker Josey Jewell (47) force New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) to fumble during the game against the New York Giants on Sunday, September 12, 2021 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Courtland Sutton reacts after the Broncos won the season-opening game against the New York Giants on Sunday, September 12, 2021 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The win was the Broncos' first September win since 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Mike Purcell before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. Photo by Gabriel Christus
As rain falls, Von Miller stares across the line during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Linebacker Alexander Johnson takes a moment to focus before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. Photo by David Dermer
Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson (22) celebrates with teammates after an interception during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Pat Surtain II gets his first career interception during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. Surtain made the pick on a deep throw by Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who was the first-overall pick in the draft. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Teddy Bridgewater reaches for extra yardage during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. Behind an effective offensive performance and great defensive showing, Denver moved to 2-0 on the season. Photo by David Dermer
Justin Simmons meets with the family of Justin Allen Simmons, including mother Christine Robinson, before the Broncos' Week 3 game against the New York Jets at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on September 26, 2021. Justin Allen Simmons was an organ donor, and the Broncos safety learned of him because of their shared name. In Justin Allen Simmons' honor, Justin Simmons flew his family to the game and met with them during warmups. (Photo by Sam Weaver)
Thunder, the Broncos' live mascot, runs out of the tunnel during the game against the New York Jets on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Melvin Gordon III yells after the national anthem concludes and kickoff approaches before the Broncos' Week 3 game against the New York Jets at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on September 26, 2021. (Photo by Sam Weaver)
Fans during the game against the New York Jets on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Javonte Williams celebrates his first career rushing touchdown with teammate Eric Saubert (82) during the game against the New York Jets on Sept. 26, 2021. (Photo: Eric Lars Bakke)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) crosses the field in traffic on a 14-yard reception during the fourth quarter the game against the New York Jets in Denver, Colorado, Sept. 26, 2021. (Photo: Eric Lars Bakke)
Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) and safety Justin Simmons (31) pray after the game against the New York Jets on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) carries the ball — and cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) — for a big gain during the game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, October 3, 2021 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. These kind of big runs became Williams' bruising trademark during his rookie season. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) reacts after catching a touchdown pass during the game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, October 3, 2021 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus
About a year after suffering his season-ending knee injury in Pittsburgh, Courtland Sutton walks the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Teddy Bridgewater takes a moment to himself before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Kareem Jackson reacts after a big hit during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Heinz Field. Sutton had a big day, with seven receptions for 120 yards and a touchdown. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Alexander Johnson leaps over the line as he tries to block a field goal during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Craig Morton gives his former teammate Billy Thompson a peck on the cheek during the Alumni Weekend orange jacket presentation at Empower Field at Mile High on October 15, 2021. The Broncos implemented a new Ring of Fame tradition as they gave orange jackets to legendary players from years past. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos looks up at the sign bearing his name as the training room was dedicated in his honor after his retirement following more than 40 years with the Broncos on October 16, 2021. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Teddy Bridgewater breaks down the team huddle before the Broncos' Week 6 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 17, 2021. (Photo by Sam Weaver)
Steve Atwater is presented his Pro Football Hall of Fame ring during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) reaches for a pass during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Denver, Oct. 17, 2021. Many of the Broncos' losses felt like they were that close. (Photo: Eric Lars Bakke)
Mike Shanahan speaks to the crowd during his Ring of Fame ceremony during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Shanahan followed Dan Reeves and Red Miller as the third coach inducted into the Ring of Fame. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) leaps over a defender during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Jonathon Cooper gets hyped before the game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. After an injury to Von Miller, Cooper would be relied upon heavily even as a rookie drafted in the seventh round. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Pat Surtain II breaks up a pass meant for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Anthony Schwartz (10) during the game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Surtain emerged as a reliable defender even as a rookie and became a starter early in the season. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Melvin Gordon III dives for a touchdown during the game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Teddy Bridgewater kneels in prayer before the game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland , Ohio. Photo by David Dermer
Peyton Manning reaches out to feel the face of the bust in his image during his Ring of Fame pillar unveiling before the game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, October 31, 2021 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive lineman DeShawn Williams (90) reacts after a tackle during the game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, October 31, 2021 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Peyton Manning waves to the crowd as he walks off the field following his halftime Ring of Fame ceremony on October 31, 2021 at Empower Field at Mile High. Manning made it a memorable experience, as he threw one more touchdown pass to Brandon Stokley to cap the moment. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Melvin Gordon III scores a touchdown on a 7-yard run during the game against the Washington Football Team in Denver, Oct. 31, 2021. Excluding Brandon McManus, Gordon leads the team in scoring and recorded a sixth straight season with at least nine touchdowns. (Photo: Eric Lars Bakke)
Justin Simmons intercepts a pass in the end zone during the game against the Washington Football Team on Oct. 31, 2021. It was Simmons' second pick of the day, which made for the first two-interception game of his career. (Photo: Eric Lars Bakke)
Malik Reed forces a fumble while sacking Washington Redskins quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) during the game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, October 31, 2021. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Andrew Beck, clad in a protective training suit, runs as an attack dog chases him during the Salute to Service Caravan presented by USAA at Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, Colorado on November 2, 2021. Beck was named the Broncos' nominee for the 2021 Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Dalton Risner points to the heavens as he warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Former President George W. Bush, Barbara Bush, Brandon McManus, Courtland Sutton and Josey Jewell watch the point toss before the game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick (81) celebrates after a touchdown during the game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Broncos got a big win in part because of his performance, and he would soon be rewarded with a new contract. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (53) and linebacker Stephen Weatherly (91) celebrate after a sack during the game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Broncos' defense proved a formidable force against Dallas' explosive offense, as Denver held them scoreless for more than three quarters. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Jonathon Cooper surveys the field before the Broncos' Week 10 game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on November 14, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Denver Broncos tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (85) heads upfield on a 64-yard catch-and-run during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Denver, Nov. 14, 2021. (Photo: Eric Lars Bakke)
Denver Broncos defensive end Dre'Mont Jones (93) strip sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, November 14, 2021. After a quiet start to the season, Jones has emerged as the Broncos' leader in sacks. Photo by Gabriel Christus
US Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team had to land outside of the stadium due to wind during the halftime show of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Denver, Nov. 14, 2021. (Photo: Eric Lars Bakke)
Bradley Chubb yells as he runs out of the tunnel before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. This was his first game back after missing 11 weeks while recovering from an ankle injury. Gabriel Christus
Pat Surtain II returns an interception 70 yards for a touchdown as Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) pursues Surtain II during the game in Denver, Nov. 14, 2021. The Broncos sealed a big win with the play. (Photo: Eric Lars Bakke)
Denver Broncos linebacker Kenny Young (41) and linebacker Malik Reed (59) celebrate with cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) after a pick-six during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Surtain had two interceptions on the day and would earn AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead. While the defense would stand strong against the Chiefs' offense, the Broncos could not end their skid against Kansas City that stretches back to 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker Malik Reed (59), linebacker Bradley Chubb (55), linebacker Jonathon Cooper (53) dance before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead in Kansas City Chiefs, Missouri. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Jerry Jeudy turns upfield during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead in Kansas City Chiefs, Missouri. In spite of some explosive plays, the Broncos' offense could not come up with the scoring possessions it needed to get a win. Photo by Joshua Gateley
Courtland Sutton dives for a first down for a fourth down conversion during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead in Kansas City Chiefs, Missouri. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Pat Surtain II celebrates his interception of Patrick Mahomes with teammates during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead in Kansas City Chiefs, Missouri. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Mike Boone and Quinn Meinerz pose with a banana ball python for their Angry Runs photo on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at UCHealth Training Center in Englewood, Colorado. NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" awards a weekly distinction for the angriest run of the week, and Boone and Meinerz's play against the Chiefs won. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Peyton Manning and his kids Marshall and Mosley pay their respects at the Demaryius Thomas memorial before the game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, December 12, 2021. Thomas passed away tragically at the age of 33 on Dec. 9. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Teddy Bridgewater waits for his turn in the tunnel during player and team introductions before the Broncos' Week 14 game against the Detroit Lions at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 12, 2021. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Justin Simmons, Kareem Jackson, Bradley Chubb and others stand on the sideline during a moment of silence in tribute to the late Demaryius Thomas, who passed away on the Thursday before the game. During the Broncos' Week 14 game against the Detroit Lions on December 12, 2021, the team paid tribute to Thomas in many ways. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
The Broncos line up without a wide receiver to get a penalty for delay of game to honor Demaryius Thomas on the first offensive play of the game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. The Detroit Lions declined the penalty. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Javonte Williams dives into the end zone for a touchdown on a carry during the game against the Detroit Lions in on Dec. 12, 2021. The Broncos' offense exploded for 38 points as Denver got a much-needed win. (Photo: Eric Lars Bakke)
Denver Broncos defensive end Dre'Mont Jones (93) sacks Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during the game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, December 12, 2021. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Several members of the defense celebrate a fumble recovery at the No. 88 logo painted on the field in Thomas' honor during the game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, December 12, 2021. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon III (25) carries the ball during the game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, December 12, 2021. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Courtland Sutton takes a knee at Demaryius Thomas's field memorial after the game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, December 12, 2021. Thomas had served as a mentor to Sutton in his rookie season and had been a close friend. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) sacks Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, December 19, 2021. The Broncos largely contained the young star quarterback, but they could not come away with a win. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) hands the ball off to running back Melvin Gordon III (25) while guard Dalton Risner (66) blocks during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick (81) scores a touchdown on a 25-yard reception during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Denver, Dec 19, 2021. The Broncos took the lead on this touchdown from Drew Lock, who stepped in at quarterback after a scary head injury to Teddy Bridgewater, but after Cincinnati countered, the Broncos were unable to respond. (Photo: Eric Lars Bakke)
Courtland Sutton gives Demaryius Thomas's mom Katina Smith a ball during the celebration of life service for Thomas on Monday, December 20, 2021 at McCamish Pavillion in Atlanta, Georgia. Many current and former Broncos players, coaches and staff attended to pay their respects. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Courtland Sutton bows his head in a moment of solitude before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, December 26, 2021 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gabriel Christus
Foster Moreau, Brandon McManus and Dalton Risner watch the coin toss during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, December 26, 2021 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Denver Broncos linebacker Bradley Chubb (55) carries the ball after an interception during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, December 26, 2021 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was the first interception of Chubb's career. Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) strip sacks Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, December 26, 2021. Harris had 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, two quarterback hits and five tackles. Gabriel Christus
