Top 10 Denver Broncos of All Time: Legendary Players Who Defined the Mile High Legacy
Table of Contents
1. John Elway
- Years Played for Team: 1983-1998
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 215 lbs
John Elway was the pillar of the Denver Broncos’ offense for 16 illustrious seasons. A gifted quarterback known for his strong arm and clutch performances, Elway’s playing style featured dynamic throws and game-winning drives that electrified fans.
His leadership was instrumental in guiding the Broncos to five Super Bowl appearances and securing back-to-back victories in 1997 and 1998. Elway’s presence on the field and his uncanny ability to perform under pressure firmly entrenched him as a legendary figure in Denver sports history.
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- Accolades:
- 2× Super Bowl Champion (XXXII, XXXIII)
- Super Bowl MVP (XXXIII)
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1987)
- Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame (2004)
- 9× Pro Bowl selection
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
2. Terrell Davis
- Years Played for Team: 1995-2001
- Position: Running Back
- Height/Weight: 5’11” / 210 lbs
Terrell Davis is renowned for his integral role in the Denver Broncos’ back-to-back Super Bowl victories in the late 1990s. Known for his perseverance and remarkable ability to perform under pressure, Davis was a powerhouse on the field with an uncanny knack for breaking tackles and creating opportunities.
His vision and agility allowed him to read defenses effectively, leading to explosive plays. Despite his career being shortened by injuries, Davis left an indelible legacy in Denver, epitomizing resilience and excellence.
His performance in Super Bowl XXXII, where he was named MVP after rushing for 157 yards and three touchdowns, remains a defining moment in Broncos history.
- Accolades:
- NFL MVP (1998)
- Super Bowl MVP (XXXII)
- Two-time Super Bowl Champion (XXXII, XXXIII)
- Three-time Pro Bowl selection (1996-1998)
- Two-time First-team All-Pro (1996-1998)
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1996, 1998)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (2017)
3. Shannon Sharpe
- Years Played for Team: 1990-1999, 2002-2003
- Position: Tight End
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 230 lbs
Shannon Sharpe, one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history, made a significant impact during his time with the Denver Broncos. Known for his remarkable combination of size, speed, and agility, Sharpe redefined the tight end position.
His unique ability to catch and run like a receiver turned him into a key offensive weapon. Sharpe’s outspoken leadership and clutch performances, especially in playoff games, helped guide the Broncos to victory in Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII.
As an integral part of Denver’s success, his legacy is cemented as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
- Accolades:
- 3-time Super Bowl Champion (2 with Denver: XXXII, XXXIII)
- 8-time Pro Bowl Selection
- 4-time First-team All-Pro
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2011)
4. Peyton Manning
- Years Played for Team: 2012-2015
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6’5″ / 230 lbs
Peyton Manning’s tenure with the Denver Broncos marked one of the most successful periods in the franchise’s history. Known for his extraordinary football IQ and precision passing, Manning transformed the Broncos into a high-octane offensive powerhouse.
In 2013, he set an NFL single-season record with 55 touchdown passes and led the team to a Super Bowl appearance. His crowning achievement came in the 2015 season, where he overcame injuries to help guide the Broncos to victory in Super Bowl 50.
Manning’s leadership and professionalism left an indelible legacy in Denver.
- Accolades:
- Super Bowl 50 Champion
- NFL MVP (2013)
- Pro Bowl selections (3x with Broncos)
- Single-season passing touchdown record (55 touchdowns in 2013)
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2012)
5. Steve Atwater
- Years played for Team: 1989-1998
- Position: Safety
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 218 lbs
Steve Atwater, known as “The Smiling Assassin,” was a key figure in the Denver Broncos’ secondary during the late 80s and 90s. His intimidating presence on the field was characterized by powerful hits and excellent field vision.
Atwater was a central part of the team’s defense and played a critical role in the Broncos’ back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1997 and 1998. Notable for his fearless tackle against Christian Okoye in 1990, Atwater’s playing style combined physicality with intelligence.
His legacy is cemented as one of the most formidable safeties in franchise history, renowned for his leadership and tenacity.
- Accolades:
- 2× Super Bowl Champion (XXXII, XXXIII)
- 8× Pro Bowl selection
- 2× First-team All-Pro
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020
6. Champ Bailey
- Years played for the team: 2004-2013
- Position: Cornerback
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 192 lbs
Champ Bailey, one of the most revered cornerbacks in NFL history, made his mark on the Denver Broncos from 2004 to 2013. Known for his exceptional speed, agility, and instinctive play, Bailey became the backbone of Denver’s defense with his unmatched ability to shut down opposing receivers.
His technique and football IQ allowed him to excel in both man-to-man coverage and zone schemes, making him one of the most feared cornerbacks in the league. Bailey’s legacy is highlighted by his sensational play during the Broncos’ playoff runs and his consistent Pro Bowl selections, which reflect his status as an elite defender.
- Accolades:
- 12× Pro Bowl selections (8 with the Broncos)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (with the Broncos)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2019)
- Over 50 interceptions in his career
7. Von Miller
- Years Played for Team: 2011-2021
- Position: Outside Linebacker
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 250 lbs
Von Miller is renowned for his ferocious pass-rushing abilities and quickness off the edge, making him one of the most dominant defensive players in the history of the Denver Broncos.
Drafted as the second overall pick in 2011, Miller quickly made his presence felt with his impressive speed and ability to disrupt offenses. His defining moment came in Super Bowl 50, where his relentless pursuit earned him the Super Bowl MVP title, propelling the Broncos to victory.
Throughout his tenure with the team, Miller was a locker room leader and a force on the field, accumulating numerous sacks and solidifying his legacy as a Broncos legend.
- Accolades:
- Super Bowl 50 MVP
- 8-time Pro Bowl selection
- 3-time First-team All-Pro
- Broncos’ all-time leader in sacks
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2011)
8. Rod Smith
- Years Played for the Team: 1995-2006
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Height/Weight: 6’0″ / 200 lbs
Rod Smith, an undrafted talent out of Missouri Southern State University, became one of the most reliable and productive wide receivers in Denver Broncos history. Renowned for his precise route-running and exceptional hands, Smith’s career blossomed through his enduring chemistry with quarterback John Elway.
Playing with a chip on his shoulder, he swiftly turned doubters into believers, becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Smith’s clutch performances were essential in the Broncos’ back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1997 and 1998.
His relentless work ethic and exemplary leadership left an indelible mark on the franchise.
- Accolades:
- 2x Super Bowl Champion (XXXII, XXXIII)
- 3x Pro Bowl Selections
- 2x Second-team All-Pro
- Over 11,000 Receiving Yards with the Broncos
9. Randy Gradishar
- Years Played for Team: 1974-1983
- Position: Linebacker
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 233 lbs
Randy Gradishar was a cornerstone of the Denver Broncos’ renowned “Orange Crush” defense of the late 1970s. Known for his relentless pursuit and exceptional tackling ability, Gradishar was a highly intelligent player who often seemed to anticipate opponents’ moves before they made them.
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His impact on the field was profound, helping lead the Broncos to their first Super Bowl appearance in 1978. Gradishar’s discipline and leadership set the tone for Denver’s defensive unit at a time when the team became synonymous with toughness and tenacity.
His legacy endures as one of the greatest linebackers in Broncos history.
- Accolades:
- Seven-time Pro Bowl selection
- Two-time First-team All-Pro
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1978)
10. Floyd Little
- Years played for team: 1967-1975
- Position: Running back
- Height/Weight: 5’10”, 196 lbs
Floyd Little, the “Franchise,” was a transformative figure for the Denver Broncos, leading from the backfield during their formative NFL years. A dynamic running back known for his agility and toughness, Little became a fan favorite and established himself as a cornerstone of the team’s offense.
His relentless running style and ability to break tackles made him a formidable opponent, contributing greatly to the Broncos’ competitive nature in the 1970s. Little’s leadership and standout performances paved the way for the Broncos’ future successes, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise’s history.
- Accolades:
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010
- 5-time Pro Bowl selection (1970, 1971, 1973-1976)
- NFL rushing yards leader in 1971
- Career total of 6,323 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns
