NFL Team Guide
Denver Broncos: History, Super Bowls & Facts
The Denver Broncos began play in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League and joined the NFL in the 1970 merger. They have won three Super Bowls, after the 1997, 1998 and 2015 seasons.
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Updated live from ESPN.
Quick facts
| Founded | 1960, AFL charter member; NFL since 1970 |
|---|---|
| Super Bowl titles | 3 (XXXII, XXXIII, 50) |
| Super Bowl appearances | 8 through the 2025 season |
| Stadium | Empower Field at Mile High (opened 2001); Mile High Stadium (1960–2000) |
Super Bowl history
Denver has won three Super Bowls in eight appearances through the 2025 season. It won back-to-back titles after the 1997 and 1998 seasons.
- Super Bowl XXXII (1997 season): beat the Green Bay Packers 31–24; MVP Terrell Davis
- Super Bowl XXXIII (1998 season): beat the Atlanta Falcons 34–19; MVP John Elway
- Super Bowl 50 (2015 season): beat the Carolina Panthers 24–10; MVP Von Miller
- Lost Super Bowls XII (1977 season), XXI (1986), XXII (1987), XXIV (1989) and XLVIII (2013)
Franchise history
- 1960: Won the first AFL game ever played, 13–10 over the Boston Patriots.
- 1977: The "Orange Crush" defense led Denver to its first Super Bowl, a 27–10 loss to Dallas.
- 1983: Acquired quarterback John Elway in a trade with the Baltimore Colts, who had drafted him first overall.
- 1984: Pat Bowlen bought the team.
- 1998: Won a second straight Super Bowl; Elway retired after the season.
- 2013: Scored an NFL-record 606 points as Peyton Manning threw 55 touchdown passes.
- 2022: Sold to the Walton-Penner family ownership group.
Franchise record holders
| Passing yards | John Elway, 51,475 |
|---|---|
| Rushing yards | Terrell Davis, 7,607 |
| Receiving yards | Rod Smith, 11,389 |
Retired numbers
- 7John Elway
- 18Frank Tripucka (worn by Peyton Manning, 2012–2015, with his approval)
- 44Floyd Little
Hall of Famers
John Elway, Floyd Little, Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe, Champ Bailey, Steve Atwater, Randy Gradishar, Pat Bowlen.
Biggest rivalries
- Las Vegas Raiders: fellow 1960 AFL charter members and division rivals.
- Kansas City Chiefs: AFC West rivals dating to the AFL.
- New England Patriots: Denver beat the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game after the 2013 and 2015 seasons, and lost to them in it after the 2025 season.
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How many Super Bowls have the Broncos won?
Three: Super Bowl XXXII (1997 season), XXXIII (1998 season) and 50 (2015 season).
Which numbers have the Broncos retired?
Three: No. 7 (John Elway), No. 18 (Frank Tripucka) and No. 44 (Floyd Little). Peyton Manning wore No. 18 from 2012 to 2015 with Tripucka's approval.
Who is the Broncos' career passing leader?
John Elway, with 51,475 passing yards from 1983 to 1998.
What happened in the AFC Championship Game after the 2025 season?
Denver, the AFC's top seed at 14–3, lost 10–7 at home to the New England Patriots in January 2026.
What was "The Drive"?
A 98-yard, game-tying touchdown drive led by John Elway in the AFC Championship Game at Cleveland in January 1987. Denver won in overtime.
Sources
Facts checked September 23, 2026. Live figures above come from ESPN.