The Broncos have won eight American Football Conference (AFC) championships and three Super Bowls (1998, 1999, and 2016). The Broncos were founded in 1960 as one of the original members of the American Football League (AFL).
The Denver Broncos are one of the most storied franchises in the history of the National Football League (NFL), with a rich legacy of success and moments that have shaped the course of the sport. Founded in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL), the Broncos have grown from humble beginnings to become a dominant force in the NFL. Throughout their history, the team has achieved significant success, including eight American Football Conference (AFC) championships and three Super Bowl titles, in 1998, 1999, and 2016.
### Early Years and AFL Inception
The Denver Broncos were established in 1960 as part of the AFL’s inaugural season. The AFL was formed to compete with the established NFL, and the Broncos were one of the eight teams in the original AFL lineup. The team’s early years were challenging, as they struggled to find a winning formula. They were often one of the weaker teams in the AFL and did not win a championship in their early years, but the team quickly gained a following in Denver and the surrounding region. The Broncos’ first head coach, Jack Faulkner, led the team during their formative years, but success would not come immediately.
In the AFL’s first season, the Broncos finished with a 4-9-1 record. They played in the Western Division and had difficulty competing against other teams such as the Dallas Texans and the Oakland Raiders. Over the next few years, the Broncos remained competitive but did not find themselves in contention for championships. Despite these early struggles, the franchise began to establish a loyal fan base that would continue to support the team for decades to come.
### Rise to Prominence in the 1970s
The 1970s marked a turning point for the Denver Broncos. In 1970, the AFL-NFL merger officially took place, and the Broncos became part of the NFL. The team also made significant strides under the leadership of head coach Red Miller. After years of mediocrity, the Broncos became a legitimate contender for playoff spots.
One of the most important moments in Broncos history came in the 1977 season, when the team made its first appearance in the Super Bowl. With a strong defense led by players like linebacker Randy Gradishar and defensive end Louis Wright, the Broncos finished the regular season with a 12-2 record. They made it to Super Bowl XII but were defeated by the Dallas Cowboys, 27-10.
Although the Broncos’ Super Bowl appearance was a loss, it marked the beginning of a new era of competitiveness for the team. The defense, known as the “Orange Crush” defense, became one of the most feared units in the league, and the team would go on to make several playoff appearances during the 1980s.
### The John Elway Era
The most defining era in the history of the Denver Broncos began in 1983, when the team selected quarterback John Elway with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. Elway, a highly touted prospect out of Stanford, would go on to become one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game and would lead the Broncos to multiple Super Bowls and AFC championships.
Elway’s early years in the NFL were filled with promise but also disappointment, as the Broncos were often eliminated from playoff contention before reaching the ultimate goal of a Super Bowl title. Despite individual success, including multiple Pro Bowl selections, Elway was unable to secure a championship for the team during the 1980s.
However, in the 1990s, the Broncos finally broke through and achieved championship glory. Under head coach Mike Shanahan, the Broncos built a powerful team centered around Elway’s leadership and a strong running game led by Terrell Davis. The team dominated the NFL during this period, and in 1997, the Broncos won their first AFC Championship in nearly two decades, leading to their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history.
### The 1998 Super Bowl Championship
The 1997-1998 season was a defining year for the Denver Broncos. Led by quarterback John Elway, running back Terrell Davis, and a stout defense, the team finished the regular season with a 14-2 record, the best in the NFL. Elway, who had long been criticized for his inability to win the big game, finally achieved his goal of winning a Super Bowl in 1998.
In Super Bowl XXXII, the Broncos faced off against the defending champion Green Bay Packers. The Packers, led by quarterback Brett Favre, were favored to win the game, but the Broncos pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the Packers 31-24. Elway was named the game’s MVP, and the Broncos secured their first-ever Super Bowl title.
The victory was a historic moment for the Broncos, and it solidified Elway’s legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. It also marked the beginning of a new era of dominance for the team.
### Back-to-Back Championships: 1999 and 2000
The Broncos’ success did not end with their 1998 Super Bowl victory. In fact, the team followed up their championship run with another dominant season in 1999, earning a second consecutive AFC Championship. This time, the Broncos faced off against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII. Despite being considered the underdog, the Broncos once again emerged victorious, defeating the Falcons 34-19 to win their second Super Bowl title in as many years.
The victory in Super Bowl XXXIII was particularly meaningful for Elway, who had announced that it would be his final game. Elway retired as a two-time Super Bowl champion, and the Broncos had firmly established themselves as one of the NFL’s elite teams. The back-to-back championships solidified the team’s place in the league’s history and cemented their status as a dynasty of the late 1990s.
### The Struggles of the 2000s and a New Beginning
Following their two consecutive championships in 1998 and 1999, the Broncos entered a period of transition. The team struggled to maintain the same level of success in the early 2000s, as the loss of key players like Terrell Davis due to injuries and the retirement of Elway left the team searching for a new identity.
The Broncos made a series of coaching changes, with Mike Shanahan continuing to lead the team until 2008, when he was dismissed. The team also struggled to find a consistent quarterback, as they cycled through several options, including Jake Plummer, Jay Cutler, and Kyle Orton. Despite these challenges, the team remained competitive and made a number of playoff appearances throughout the decade.
In 2011, the Broncos hit the reset button when they signed quarterback Peyton Manning, one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Manning, who had spent his entire career with the Indianapolis Colts, brought a renewed sense of optimism to the franchise.
### Peyton Manning and the 2015 Super Bowl
The arrival of Peyton Manning was a turning point for the Broncos. Manning quickly established himself as the leader of the team, and in 2013, he set multiple NFL records, including most passing yards in a season. The Broncos reached the Super Bowl that year, but they were soundly defeated by the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII.
Despite the setback, Manning and the Broncos bounced back in 2015. The defense, led by players like Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, became one of the most dominant units in the league, and Manning, despite battling injuries, was able to guide the team to a second AFC Championship under his leadership. In Super Bowl 50, the Broncos faced the Carolina Panthers, and their defense proved to be the difference. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 24-10, securing their third Super Bowl title in franchise history.
Manning retired after the victory, and the Broncos entered another phase of rebuilding, but the 2015 Super Bowl victory provided a fitting end to a legendary career.
### Legacy and Impact
The Denver Broncos’ legacy is one of consistent excellence and resilience. The franchise’s three Super Bowl titles, eight AFC Championships, and numerous playoff appearances have firmly entrenched the team as one of the NFL’s most successful and respected organizations.
The team’s success has been built on a foundation of strong leadership, both on and off the field. From the early days with head coach Red Miller and the “Orange Crush” defense to the later years with John Elway and Peyton Manning, the Broncos have always had a strong core of players and coaches who have been committed to winning.
The Broncos’ history is also marked by their passionate fan base, known as “Broncos Country.” The team’s fans are some of the most dedicated in the NFL, and their support has been a constant throughout the franchise’s history. Whether it’s the team’s early years of struggle, their rise to prominence in the 1970s, or their dominance in the late 1990s, the fans have always been there, cheering on their team through thick and thin.
In conclusion, the Denver Broncos’ journey from their humble beginnings in the AFL to becoming one of the most successful franchises in NFL history is a testament to the team’s resilience, determination, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. The Broncos have built a legacy that will be remembered for generations, and their three Super Bowl titles and eight AFC Championships are a testament to the greatness of the franchise. Whether it’s the unforgettable moments with John Elway and Terrell Davis in the 1990s or the recent triumphs with Peyton Manning, the Broncos’ history will forever be etched in the annals of the NFL.
