The Ultimate Broncos Rankings: Top 10 Denver Broncos of All-Time
By Jason Bolton July 18, 2024 14:15
As one of the NFL's most storied franchises over the past decades, it is only right that we dig deep into two glory days from a dynasty in Denver and some all-time players to have graced their field.
The Denver Broncos are a prestigious franchise, known for having numerous Hall of Fame players from John Elway to Terrell Davis. Those names are ones we'll remember forever, and while putting together a list of the top-10 Denver Broncos is an impossible task.
1. John Elway - Quarterback
John Elway is undoubtedly the most well-known Denver Bronco of all time. The Hall of Fame quarterback spent his entire 16-year career with the Broncos, amassing 51,475 passing yards and 300 touchdowns. Elway's intangibles were just as impressive, as he led the Broncos to five Super Bowl appearances, winning the last two to cap off his illustrious career. From "The Drive" against Cleveland to his heroic leap for a first down in Super Bowl XXXII, Elway's legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history is cemented.
2. Terrell Davis - Running Back
Drafted as a relative unknown in the sixth round, Terrell Davis quickly emerged as a dominant force in the Broncos' backfield. Davis rushed for over 1,500 yards in three consecutive seasons, including a remarkable 2,008 yards and 21 touchdowns in 1998 - the fifth-highest single-season rushing total in NFL history. With Davis leading the way, the Broncos won their first two Super Bowls, cementing his status as one of the all-time great running backs. Sadly, injuries forced Davis to retire before his 30th birthday.
3. Rod Smith - Wide Receiver
While often overshadowed by other star receivers, Rod Smith quietly put together an impressive 12-year career with the Broncos. He finished with 849 receptions, 11,389 receiving yards, and 68 touchdowns, helping the Broncos' offense emerge as one of the league's best in the late 1990s. Smith's contributions were crucial, including an 80-yard touchdown catch from Elway in Super Bowl XXXIII - the final touchdown pass of Elway's career.
4. Karl Mecklenburg - Linebacker
A six-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro, Karl Mecklenburg was one of the most dominant linebackers of his era. Despite typically playing inside linebacker in a 3-4 system, Mecklenburg amassed an impressive 79.5 sacks during his 12-year career with the Broncos. While the Broncos never won a Super Bowl with Mecklenburg, his consistent excellence and versatility make him one of the all-time greats to don the orange and blue.
5. Shannon Sharpe - Tight End
One of the best tight ends in NFL history, Shannon Sharpe was a dominant force for the Broncos. Named to eight Pro Bowls and four first-team All-Pro squads, Sharpe recorded three seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards and five seasons with 70 or more catches. His contributions were crucial to the Broncos' back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1997 and 1998, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
6. Champ Bailey - Cornerback
Acquired in a trade with the Washington Redskins, Champ Bailey quickly established himself as one of the league's premier lockdown cornerbacks during his time in Denver. Bailey was named to eight Pro Bowls and three first-team All-Pro squads with the Broncos, maintaining his elite level of play for nearly the entirety of his career. His shutdown abilities on the perimeter were a key component of the Broncos' defensive success over the years.
7. Tom Jackson - Linebacker
While he may be better known today for his work as an ESPN analyst, Tom Jackson was a dominant linebacker for the Broncos during his 14-year career. A three-time Pro Bowler and one-time first-team All-Pro, Jackson was a versatile defender who excelled in coverage, racking up seven interceptions in 1976. His contributions to the "Orange Crush" defense of the 1970s cemented his legacy as one of the all-time great Broncos.
8. Gary Zimmerman - Offensive Tackle
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008, Gary Zimmerman was a dominant offensive tackle who spent the latter half of his career with the Broncos. After being named first-team All-Pro twice with the Minnesota Vikings, Zimmerman's stellar play continued in Denver, providing crucial protection for John Elway and paving the way for the Broncos' rushing attack. His contributions were instrumental in the team's Super Bowl triumph in 1997.
9. Floyd Little - Running Back
A versatile and skilled player, Floyd Little was a standout running back for the Broncos from 1967 to 1975. Little led the league in rushing yards in 1971 with 1,133, and he was named to five Pro Bowls and one first-team All-Pro squad during his career. Little's all-around abilities, including his prowess as a pass-catcher and return specialist, made him a valuable asset for the Broncos and earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
10. Peyton Manning - Quarterback
While his tenure in Denver was relatively short, Peyton Manning's impact on the Broncos cannot be overstated. In just two seasons, Manning threw for 92 touchdowns, including a record-breaking 55-touchdown effort in 2013. He led the Broncos to the best record in the AFC in back-to-back seasons, including a Super Bowl appearance, and was named first-team All-Pro in each of his two years with the team. Manning's arrival in Denver solidified his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
This list of the top 10 Denver Broncos of all time showcases the franchise's rich history and the incredible talent that has donned the iconic orange and blue uniforms over the years. From the legendary John Elway to the dominant Terrell Davis, these players have left an indelible mark on the Broncos' legacy and the NFL as a whole.
As we look back on the glory days of the Broncos, we can take solace in the fact that the team has consistently produced some of the league's all-time greats. While the modern era may not be as well-represented on this list, the Broncos' future remains bright, with players like Champ Bailey and Peyton Manning continuing to solidify the franchise's status as one of the NFL's premier organizations.
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