Team History

The Denver Broncos have a rich history that spans over six decades, beginning as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL) in 1960 and joining the NFL in the merger of 1970. Initially, the team struggled to find its footing, failing to achieve a winning season for its first 13 years. Despite these early challenges, the Broncos’ perseverance and dedication to improvement laid the groundwork for future success. By the late 1970s, the Broncos had transformed into a competitive team, making their first playoff appearance and reaching Super Bowl XII in the 1977 season. This marked the beginning of a new era for the franchise, setting the stage for future achievements, including multiple Super Bowl championships and a reputation as one of the NFL’s most successful teams.

Over the years, the Denver Broncos have become synonymous with resilience, competitiveness, and a strong winning culture. The team’s journey from the bottom of the league standings to the pinnacle of NFL success is a testament to the vision of its management, the skill of its players, and the passion of its fans. With three Super Bowl victories and numerous AFC Championships, the Broncos have firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. The franchise’s ability to reinvent itself, adapt to changes, and consistently compete at a high level has endeared it to millions of fans worldwide, making the Broncos’ history a compelling story of triumph over adversity.

Foundation and Early Years

The Denver Broncos’ inception in 1959 as an AFL charter franchise was spearheaded by Bob Howsam, a minor league baseball owner with a vision for professional football in Denver. The team’s early years were marked by financial challenges and on-field struggles, with the Broncos often finding themselves at the bottom of the league standings. These initial struggles were compounded by the team’s near-sale and relocation to Atlanta in 1965, a move that was ultimately averted by the intervention of new owners. This critical moment in the Broncos’ history not only kept the team in Denver but also sparked a renewed interest and support from the community, laying the foundation for the team’s future success.

The hiring of Lou Saban as head coach in 1967 signified a turning point for the Broncos. Saban’s leadership and strategic vision helped stabilize the team and focus on building a competitive roster. This era saw the drafting of key players like Floyd Little, whose contributions on and off the field were instrumental in rallying support for the team and securing the financial stability needed for the Broncos to remain in Denver. These early efforts to rebuild the team and engage with the community set the stage for the Broncos’ eventual rise to prominence in the NFL, demonstrating the importance of leadership, talent, and community support in overcoming challenges.

Notable Early Achievements

Under the guidance of Coach Lou Saban and with the pivotal contributions of players like Floyd Little, the Denver Broncos began to lay the groundwork for future success in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Little, known as “The Franchise,” was instrumental in not only improving the team’s performance on the field but also in securing the financial and fan support necessary for the team’s survival in Denver. His efforts, along with those of the team and management, were crucial in expanding the team’s fan base and ensuring the Broncos’ place in the NFL following the AFL-NFL merger. These early achievements set the tone for the franchise’s future direction, emphasizing the importance of key individuals in shaping the destiny of a team.

The Broncos’ perseverance through these foundational years paid off when they qualified for their first playoffs in 1977, advancing to Super Bowl XII. This remarkable achievement marked the team’s transition from perennial underdogs to serious contenders in the NFL. The Broncos’ ability to overcome early obstacles and build a competitive team demonstrated the franchise’s resilience and commitment to excellence. These notable early achievements were not just milestones in the team’s history but also pivotal moments that galvanized the team and its fan base, setting the stage for decades of competitive football and establishing a legacy of success.

Periods of Change

The Broncos experienced significant shifts in their fortunes during the late 1970s and early 1980s, transitioning from a team with a history of underperformance to a competitive force in the NFL. This period was marked by their first playoff appearance and Super Bowl XII in 1977, heralding a new era of competitiveness and success for the franchise. The team’s ability to adapt and grow during these years set the stage for its future successes.

Championships and Achievements

The Denver Broncos have celebrated numerous achievements over their history, including three Super Bowl victories (1997, 1998, and 2015) and eight AFC Championships. These accomplishments are a testament to the team’s resilience and competitive spirit. The Broncos’ success is further highlighted by their frequent playoff appearances, making them one of the NFL’s most successful teams since the mid-1970s.

Current Roster

The current roster of the Denver Broncos is a dynamic mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. The team’s composition reflects its strategic efforts to maintain competitiveness in the NFL, with a focus on both immediate performance and future development. The roster’s balance of skill, experience, and potential is key to the Broncos’ ongoing efforts to achieve success on the field.

Management and Coaching Staff

The Broncos’ management and coaching staff play a crucial role in the team’s performance and strategic direction. The team’s leadership is responsible for making critical decisions regarding player acquisitions, development, and overall team strategy. This group’s vision and expertise are fundamental to the Broncos’ efforts to remain competitive in the highly challenging environment of the NFL.

Home Stadium Information

The Broncos play their home games at Empower Field at Mile High, which has been their home since 2001. This modern stadium provides a formidable environment for both players and fans, contributing to the team’s home-field advantage. The transition to Empower Field at Mile High from the old Mile High Stadium marked a new chapter in the franchise’s history, offering enhanced facilities and a better overall experience for fans.