Broncos History

The Denver Broncos, founded in 1960, have a rich history filled with memorable moments and iconic players. Throughout the decades, the Broncos have made significant contributions to the NFL, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Their journey has been marked by remarkable Super Bowl appearances and victories, which have defined the team’s legacy. From the team’s early struggles to their triumphant championship seasons, the Broncos have been a source of pride for football fans in Denver and beyond. The passion and dedication of the players, coaches, and fans have shaped the team’s identity and cemented its status as a powerhouse in the NFL. As the Broncos continue to evolve and strive for greatness, their legacy remains an integral part of the league’s history.

1960s:

• The Broncos were established in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL).
• The team struggled in its early years, failing to achieve a winning record throughout the decade.

1970s:

• The Broncos joined the NFL in 1970 following the AFL-NFL merger.
• They made their first playoff appearance in 1977 under head coach Red Miller.
• The 1977 season culminated in the Broncos’ first Super Bowl appearance (Super Bowl XII), where they lost to the Dallas Cowboys.

1980s:

• The 1980s were defined by the arrival of quarterback John Elway in 1983.
• The Broncos made three Super Bowl appearances during this decade (Super Bowl XXI in 1987, Super Bowl XXII in 1988, and Super Bowl XXIV in 1990) but lost all three to the New York Giants, Washington Redskins, and San Francisco 49ers, respectively.

1990s:

• The 1990s marked a period of great success for the Broncos.
• Under head coach Mike Shanahan, the Broncos won back-to-back Super Bowls (Super Bowl XXXII in 1998 against the Green Bay Packers and Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999 against the Atlanta Falcons).
• These victories were especially significant for John Elway, who retired after the 1998 season, securing his legacy with two championships.

2000s:

• The early 2000s saw the Broncos remain competitive but unable to replicate their Super Bowl success.
• They made playoff appearances but did not advance to the Super Bowl.
• Key players from the 1990s retired, and the team went through a rebuilding phase.

2010s:

• The Broncos experienced a resurgence with the arrival of quarterback Peyton Manning in 2012.
• The team reached the Super Bowl twice during Manning’s tenure: losing Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014 to the Seattle Seahawks and winning Super Bowl 50 in 2016 against the Carolina Panthers.
• The Super Bowl 50 victory marked the third championship in franchise history and solidified the Broncos’ place among the NFL’s elite teams.

2020s:

• The Broncos have faced challenges in the early part of the decade, with changes in coaching staff and quarterbacks.
• They are in a rebuilding phase, focusing on developing young talent and returning to playoff contention.

Throughout their history, the Denver Broncos have built a strong fan base known as “Broncos Country” and have become one of the NFL’s most storied franchises with a legacy of competitive excellence and three Super Bowl victories.