Through the Years
Happy birthday, Broncos: Celebrating 61 years
On Aug. 14, 1959, the Broncos were born. More than six decades later, the Broncos have become one of the NFL's most successful franchises. (Photos by Denver Broncos Photo Archive unless noted)
An early photo of the Broncos in their mustard-and-brown uniforms from the first two seasons.
A team photo from 1960
A photo from the first AFL game, a Broncos win over the Patriots. (AP Images)
Quarterback Frank Tripucka during the team's early years, when he led the team through some tough seasons. (AP Images)
Offensive end Lionel Taylor (left) and safety Goose Gonsoulin (right) were named to the first all-AFL team. Above them is the Broncos' first head coach, Frank Filchock.
A Broncos game at Bears Stadium, which would later be renamed Mile High Stadium and renovated to accommodate more fans.
After years of first-round picks signing with NFL teams over the Broncos, running back Floyd Little became the first team's first-round pick to sign with Denver.
Before a 1972 game against the Browns, Floyd Little was honored as the 1971 NFL rushing champion on "Floyd Little Day."
Haven Moses' touchdown against the Raiders on Jan. 1, 1978, helped send the Broncos to their first Super Bowl appearance. (AP Images)
Though the Broncos would fall to the Cowboys in Super Bowl XXII in New Orleans, Denver knew they would be back. (AP Images)
Head coach Red Miller accepts the 1977 Coach of the Year award.
Wide receiver/return specialist Rick Upchurch was a five-time All-Pro and All-Decade team member for the 1970s and 1980s. (AP Images)
A trade with the Colts in 1983 sent John Elway to the Broncos, forever changing the franchise's future. (AP Images)
John Elway, here talking with head coach Dan Reeves, led his first career comeback victory against the Colts in 1983 to send the team to the playoffs in his rookie season.
Pat Bowlen was introduced as the new owner of the Broncos on March 23, 1984.
On Jan. 11, 1987, John Elway leads a 98-yard drive in the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship to tie the game and send it to overtime, leading to...
... a game-winning field goal by Rich Karlis. (AP Images)
After "The Drive" there was "The Fumble," the game-changing turnover by the Browns that secured victory for the Broncos in the AFC Championship on Jan. 17, 1988. (AP Images)
Make that three AFC Championships against the Browns, with a 37-21 win on Jan. 14, 1990. (AP Images)
The Broncos unveil new uniforms. (AP Images)
John Elway moved into second place in career passing yards during a 30-27 win over the Seahawks on Nov. 2, 1997.
John Elway and the Broncos win their first Super Bowl, with a 31-24 victory over the Packers on Jan. 25, 1998.
On Oct. 25, 1998, Jason Elam tied a 28-year-old NFL record with a 63-yard field goal.
As Terrell Davis eclipses 2,000 yards rushing for the season, the Broncos finish 14-2 for the franchise's best record.
The Broncos win their second Super Bowl with a 34-19 victory over the Falcons on Jan. 31, 1999.
John Elway announces his retirement from the NFL on May 2, 1999. (AP Images)
Rookie running back Mike Anderson rushes for 251 yards in a 38-23 win over the Saints, an NFL record for a rookie and a franchise rushing record. (AP Images)
The Broncos open the season in their new stadium on Sept. 10, 2001.
TE Shannon Sharpe sets an NFL receiving record for tight ends with 214 yards against the Chiefs in a 37-34 win.
WR Rod Smith passed Terrell Davis for most career yards from scrimmage in franchise history on Dec. 21, 2003. (AP Images)
On Jan. 31, 2004, John Elway was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In just one chapter of his incredible career, cornerback Champ Bailey intercepted 10 passes in 2006.
On Feb. 2, 2008, tackle Gary Zimmerman was elected to the Hall of Fame (AP Images)
Feb. 6, 2010: RB Floyd Little is elected into the Hall of Fame. (AP Images)
Feb. 5, 2011: TE Shannon Sharpe was elected into the Hall of Fame. (AP Images)
Jan. 5, 2011: John Elway is named Executive Vice President of Football Operations. (AP Images)
On April 28, 2011, the Broncos drafted OLB Von Miller with the second overall pick. (AP Images)
Tim Tebow finds Demaryius Thomas for an 80-yard touchdown on the first play of overtime against the Steelers to win a wild-card playoff game.
The Broncos signed four-time MVP Peyton Manning as a free agent on March 20, 2012. (AP Images)
Dec. 22, 2013: Peyton Manning breaks the NFL's single-season passing touchdown record with his 51st touchdown of the season. (AP Images)
Jan. 19, 2014: The Broncos earn their seventh Super Bowl trip with a 26-16 win over the Patriots. (AP Images)
Oct. 9, 2014: Peyton Manning passes Brett Favre for most career passing touchdowns with No. 509 against the 49ers. (AP Images)
Feb. 7, 2016: Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller and the Broncos win the franchise's third Super Bowl. (AP Images)
Feb. 4, 2017: Terrell Davis is elected as part of the 2017 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. (AP Images)
Steve Atwater during the press conference for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2020 at NFL Honors on February 1, 2020 at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Ben Swanson/DenverBroncos.com)
Brittany Bowlen, Annabel Bowlen (Little Bel), Amy Bowlen Klemmer, Steve "Greek" Antonopulos, Christianna Bowlen, Patrick Bowlen and Beth Bowlen Wallace reveal Pat Bowlen's bust during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony in Canton, Ohio, August 3, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Champ Bailey gives his speach during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony in Canton, Ohio, August 3, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
