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{{short description|National Football League franchise in Denver, Colorado}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox NFL team
| current = 2026 Denver Broncos season
| logo = Denver Broncos logo.svg
| wordmark = Denver Broncos wordmark.svg
| founded = {{Start date and age|1959|08|14}}<ref>{{cite web|title=The Broncos Are Born|url=http://history.denverbroncos.com/1959/08/the-broncos-are-born/|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826062122/http://history.denverbroncos.com/1959/08/the-broncos-are-born/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ProFootballHOF1">{{cite web|title=Denver Broncos Team Facts|url=https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/denver-broncos/team-facts/|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=ProFootballHOF.com|access-date=March 18, 2024}}</ref>
| first_season = [[1960 Denver Broncos season|1960]]
| stadium = [[Empower Field at Mile High]]<br />[[Denver]], Colorado
| headquartered = Broncos Park Powered by [[CommonSpirit Health|CommonSpirit]], [[Dove Valley, Colorado]]<ref name="DenverBroncosContact">{{cite web|title=Contact Info|url=http://www.denverbroncos.com/contact|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|access-date=June 27, 2018|archive-date=June 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627034952/https://www.denverbroncos.com/contact|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BroncosPark">{{cite news|title=Broncos training facility renamed 'Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit'|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-training-facility-renamed-broncos-park-powered-by-commonspirit|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=May 29, 2024|access-date=February 24, 2025}}</ref>
| uniform = Denver Broncos Uniforms 2024-Present.png
| colors = Sunset orange, midnight navy, summit white<ref name="BroncosMileHighUnis">{{cite news|last=DiLalla|first=Aric|title=Broncos unveil new uniforms with announcement of 'Mile High Collection'|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-unveil-new-uniforms-with-announcement-of-mile-high-collection|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=DenverBroncos.com|date=April 22, 2024|access-date=April 22, 2024}}</ref><ref name="ShookBroncosUnis2024">{{cite news|last=Shook|first=Nick|title=Broncos unveil new uniforms focused on altitude, peaks of Denver, add in 1977-inspired throwback|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-unveil-new-uniforms-focused-on-altitude-peaks-of-denver-add-in-1977-inspired-throwback|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=April 22, 2024|access-date=April 22, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Denver Broncos Team Capsule|url=https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2024/2024_Record_and_Fact_Book_incl_Supplemental.pdf#page=67|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|work=2024 Official National Football League Record and Fact Book|date=July 22, 2024|access-date=March 2, 2025}}</ref><br />{{color box|#FC4C02}} {{color box|#0A2343}} {{color box|#FFFFFF}}
| nicknames =
* [[Orange Crush Defense|Orange Crush]] (defense, 1977–1983)
* [[No Fly Zone (Denver Broncos)|No Fly Zone]] (defense, 2014–2018)
 <!-- Please read the dates in the infobox of the article about the No Fly Zone. Thank you. -->
| coach = [[Sean Payton]]
| owner = [[Rob Walton]]{{efn|Other members of the ownership group include [[Carrie Walton Penner]], Greg Penner, [[Mellody Hobson]], [[Condoleezza Rice]], and [[Lewis Hamilton]]}}<!-- Please DO ''not'' vandalize this field. Thank you. -->
| ceo = [[Greg Penner]]<!-- Please DO ''not'' vandalize this field. Thank you. -->
| president = Damani Leech
| general manager = [[George Paton (American football executive)|George Paton]] <!-- Please DO ''not'' vandalize this field. Thank you. -->
| mascot = [[Thunder (mascot)|Thunder]] (live horse)<br />[[Miles (mascot)|Miles]] (costume suit)
| website = {{URL|denverbroncos.com}}
| hist_yr = 1960
| affiliate_old =
[[American Football League]] (1960–1969)
* Western Division (1960–1969)
| NFL_start_yr = 1970
| division_hist =
* '''[[American Football Conference]] (1970–present)'''
** '''[[AFC West]] (1970–present)'''
| no_league_champs = 3
| no_sb_champs = 3
| no_conf_champs = 8
| no_div_champs = 16
| sb_champs = [[1997 Denver Broncos season|1997]] ([[Super Bowl XXXII|XXXII]]), [[1998 Denver Broncos season|1998]] ([[Super Bowl XXXIII|XXXIII]]), [[2015 Denver Broncos season|2015]] ([[Super Bowl 50|50]])
| conf_champs =
* '''AFC:''' [[1977 Denver Broncos season|1977]], [[1986 Denver Broncos season|1986]], [[1987 Denver Broncos season|1987]], [[1989 Denver Broncos season|1989]], [[1997 Denver Broncos season|1997]], [[1998 Denver Broncos season|1998]], [[2013 Denver Broncos season|2013]], [[2015 Denver Broncos season|2015]]
| div_champs =
* '''AFC West:''' [[1977 Denver Broncos season|1977]], [[1978 Denver Broncos season|1978]], [[1984 Denver Broncos season|1984]], [[1986 Denver Broncos season|1986]], [[1987 Denver Broncos season|1987]], [[1989 Denver Broncos season|1989]], [[1991 Denver Broncos season|1991]], [[1996 Denver Broncos season|1996]], [[1998 Denver Broncos season|1998]], [[2005 Denver Broncos season|2005]], [[2011 Denver Broncos season|2011]], [[2012 Denver Broncos season|2012]], [[2013 Denver Broncos season|2013]], [[2014 Denver Broncos season|2014]], [[2015 Denver Broncos season|2015]], [[2025 Denver Broncos season|2025]]
| playoff_appearances = 
* '''NFL:''' {{NFL playoff year|1977}}, {{NFL playoff year|1978}}, {{NFL playoff year|1979}}, {{NFL playoff year|1983}}, {{NFL playoff year|1984}}, {{NFL playoff year|1986}}, {{NFL playoff year|1987}}, {{NFL playoff year|1989}}, {{NFL playoff year|1991}}, {{NFL playoff year|1993}}, {{NFL playoff year|1996}}, {{NFL playoff year|1997}}, {{NFL playoff year|1998}}, {{NFL playoff year|2000}}, {{NFL playoff year|2003}}, {{NFL playoff year|2004}}, {{NFL playoff year|2005}}, {{NFL playoff year|2011}}, {{NFL playoff year|2012}}, {{NFL playoff year|2013}}, {{NFL playoff year|2014}}, {{NFL playoff year|2015}}, {{NFL playoff year|2024}}, {{NFL playoff year|2025}}
| no_playoff_appearances = 24
| stadium_years =

* [[Mile High Stadium]] (1960–2000)
* '''[[Empower Field at Mile High]] ({{nfly|2001}}–present)'''
| team_owners =
* [[Bob Howsam]] (1959–1961)
* [[Gerald Phipps]] (1961–1981)
* [[Edgar Kaiser Jr.]] (1981–1984)
* [[Pat Bowlen]] (1984–2019)
* Pat Bowlen Trust (2019–2022)
* '''Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group (2022–present)'''
}} 
The '''Denver Broncos''' are a professional [[American football]] team based in [[Denver]]. The Broncos compete in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) as a member of the [[American Football Conference]] (AFC) [[AFC West|West]] division. The team is headquartered in [[Englewood, Colorado]].<ref name="DenverBroncosContact" /><ref name="BroncosPark" />

The team began play in 1960 as a charter member of the [[American Football League]] (AFL) and joined the NFL as part of the [[AFL–NFL merger|merger]] in 1970. The Broncos are currently owned by a syndicate headed by former [[Walmart]] chairman [[S. Robson Walton|Rob Walton]] and current Walmart chairman [[Greg Penner]]. Since 2001, the Broncos have played their regular season home games at [[Empower Field at Mile High]]; Denver previously played its home games at [[Mile High Stadium]] from its inception in 1960 through the 2000 season.

The Broncos were barely competitive during their 10-year run in the AFL and their first three years in the NFL. They did not have a winning season until [[1973 Denver Broncos season|1973]] and qualified for their first playoffs in [[1977 Denver Broncos season|1977]], eventually advancing to [[Super Bowl XII]] that season. From 1973 to 2016, the Broncos suffered only eleven losing seasons and won 3 Super Bowls, becoming one of the NFL's most successful teams.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/|title=Denver Broncos Team Encyclopedia |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com|access-date=March 31, 2018|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102203957/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/|url-status=live}}</ref> They have won eight [[AFC Championship Game|AFC Championships]] ({{nfly|1977}}, {{nfly|1986}}, {{nfly|1987}}, {{nfly|1989}}, {{nfly|1997}}, {{nfly|1998}}, {{nfly|2013}}, {{nfly|2015}}), and three [[List of Super Bowl champions|Super Bowl]] championships ({{nfly|1997}} ([[Super Bowl XXXII|XXXII]]), {{nfly|1998}} ([[Super Bowl XXXIII|XXXIII]]), {{nfly|2015}} ([[Super Bowl 50|50]]). The Broncos have nine primary members enshrined in the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]: [[John Elway]], [[Floyd Little]], [[Shannon Sharpe]], [[Gary Zimmerman]], [[Terrell Davis]], [[Champ Bailey]], [[Steve Atwater]], and [[Randy Gradishar]], along with late club owner [[Pat Bowlen]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Denver Broncos Hall of Famers|url=https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/denver-broncos/|website=ProFootballHOF.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|access-date=May 10, 2019|archive-date=July 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090720063151/http://www.profootballhof.com/history/team/denver-broncos/|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to ''[[Forbes]]'', the Broncos are valued at $6.8 billion in September 2025 making them the thirteenth most-valuable team in the NFL.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos on the Forbes NFL Team Valuations List |url=https://www.forbes.com/teams/denver-broncos/ |access-date=August 22, 2023 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>

==History==
{{further|History of the Denver Broncos}}

===Bob Howsam/Gerald Phipps era (1960–1980)===
The Denver Broncos were founded on August 14, 1959, when [[Minor League Baseball|minor league]] baseball owner [[Bob Howsam]] was awarded an [[American Football League]] (AFL) charter franchise.<ref name="ProFootballHOF1" /> The Broncos won the first-ever AFL game over the [[1960 Boston Patriots season|Boston Patriots]] 13–10, on September 9, [[1960 Denver Broncos season|1960]]. Seven years later on August 5, [[1967 AFL season|1967]], they became the first-ever AFL team to defeat an [[National Football League|NFL]] team, with a 13–7 win over the [[1967 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]] in a preseason game.<ref name="ProFootballHOF1" /> However, the Broncos were not successful in the 1960s, winning more than five games only once (7–7, [[1962 Denver Broncos season|1962]]), compiling a {{winpct|39|97|4|record=y}} record during the ten seasons of the AFL.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.conigliofamily.com/Broncos.htm |title=Denver Broncos: American Football League Charter Members |work=Conigliofamily.com |access-date=November 28, 2008 |archive-date=November 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128145221/http://www.conigliofamily.com/Broncos.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

Denver came close to losing its franchise in [[1965 Denver Broncos season|1965]], until a local ownership group took control,<ref name=shftm>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0sFeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=pjEMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6589%2C2586643 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=Idaho |agency=Associated Press |title=Brothers buy Broncos; won't shift team |date=February 16, 1965 |page=11 |access-date=February 4, 2021 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209093108/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0sFeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=pjEMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6589,2586643 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=brsold65>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=csNNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=gUkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4223%2C3217349 |work=Deseret News |location=Salt Lake City, Utah |agency=United Press International |title=Broncos sold, stay at home |date=February 16, 1965 |page=B6 |access-date=February 4, 2021 |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208130649/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=csNNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=gUkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4223,3217349 |url-status=live }}</ref> and rebuilt the team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nflteamhistory.com/nfl_teams/denver_broncos/team_history.html |title=Denver Broncos Team History |work=NFLteamhistory.com |access-date=November 28, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003111245/http://www.nflteamhistory.com/nfl_teams/denver_broncos/team_history.html |archive-date=October 3, 2008 }}</ref> The team's first superstar, "Franchise" [[Floyd Little]], was instrumental in keeping the team in Denver, due to his signing in [[1967 Denver Broncos season|1967]] as well as his [[Pro Bowl]] efforts on and off the field. The Broncos were the only original AFL team that never played in the title game, as well as the only original AFL team never to have a winning season while a member of the AFL during the upstart league's 10-year history.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den |title=Denver Broncos Team Encyclopedia&nbsp;– Pro Football Reference |website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]] |access-date=March 31, 2018 |archive-date=January 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102203957/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1972, the Broncos hired former [[Stanford Cardinal football|Stanford University]] coach [[John Ralston (coach)|John Ralston]] as their [[List of Denver Broncos head coaches|head coach]].<ref name="l128">{{cite web | last=Chass | first=Murray | title=Ralston of Stanford Will Coach Broncos | website=The New York Times | date=January 6, 1972 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/01/06/archives/ralston-of-stanford-will-coach-broncos.html | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref> In [[1973 Denver Broncos season|1973]], he was the [[United Press International|UPI]]'s [[American Football Conference|AFC]] Coach of the Year, after Denver achieved its first winning season at 7–5–2. In five seasons with the Broncos, Ralston guided the team to three winning seasons. Though Ralston finished the [[1976 Denver Broncos season|1976 season]] with a 9–5 record, the team, as was the case in Ralston's previous winning seasons, still missed the playoffs. Following the season, several prominent players publicly voiced their discontent with Ralston, which soon led to his resignation.<ref name="BroncosSportsE-Cyclopedia">{{cite web |url=http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nfl/denver/broncos.html |title=Sports E-Cyclopedia&nbsp;– Denver Broncos |access-date=July 20, 2010 |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021161444/https://sportsecyclopedia.com/nfl/denver/broncos.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:1986 Jeno's Pizza - 47 - Randy Gradishar.jpg|right|thumb|The Broncos defeated the Raiders in the [[1977–78 NFL playoffs|1977–78]] AFC Championship Game to earn their first trip to the Super Bowl.]]
[[Red Miller]], a long-time assistant coach, was hired and along with the [[Orange Crush Defense]] (a nickname originated in 1977, also the brand of [[Orange Crush|the popular orange-flavored soft drink]]) and aging [[List of Denver Broncos starting quarterbacks|quarterback]] [[Craig Morton]], took the Broncos to what was then a record-setting 12–2 regular-season record and their first playoff appearance in [[1977 Denver Broncos season|1977]], and ultimately made their first Super Bowl appearance in [[Super Bowl XII]], in which they were defeated by the [[1977 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] (Morton's former team), 27–10.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/1977.htm|title=1977 Denver Broncos Statistics|publisher=Pro Football Reference|access-date=March 31, 2018|archive-date=May 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509013136/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/1977.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Edgar Kaiser/Pat Bowlen era (1981–2022)===
In [[1981 Denver Broncos season|1981]], Broncos' owner [[Gerald Phipps]], who had purchased the team in May 1961 from the original owner [[Bob Howsam]], sold the team to Canadian financier [[Edgar Kaiser Jr.]], grandson of shipbuilding industrialist [[Henry J. Kaiser]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Paton, James|title=Clock runs out for ex-Broncos owner |url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/oct/02/ex-broncos-owner-denied-chance-buy-back-team|newspaper=Rocky Mountain News|access-date=October 2, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004110729/http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/oct/02/ex-broncos-owner-denied-chance-buy-back-team/ |archive-date=October 4, 2008}}</ref> In [[1984 Denver Broncos season|1984]], the team was purchased by another Canadian, [[Pat Bowlen]], who placed team ownership into a family trust sometime before [[2004 Denver Broncos season|2004]] and remained in day-to-day control until his battle with [[Alzheimer's disease]] forced him to cede the team to [[Joe Ellis]] in [[2014 Denver Broncos season|2014]].<ref name="BowlenSteppingBack">{{cite news|last=Wesseling|first=Chris|title=Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen stepping back|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/denver-broncos-owner-pat-bowlen-stepping-back-0ap2000000367473|publisher=National Football League|date=July 23, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2017|archive-date=April 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405035409/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000367473/article/denver-broncos-owner-pat-bowlen-stepping-back|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BroncosOwner">{{cite news|title=Statements on Owner Pat Bowlen|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/statements-on-owner-pat-bowlen-13272905|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=July 23, 2014|access-date=December 17, 2019|archive-date=December 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217184939/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/statements-on-owner-pat-bowlen-13272905|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Klis, Mike">{{cite news|last=Klis|first=Mike|title=Pat Bowlen resigns control of Denver Broncos, acknowledges he is dealing with Alzheimer's disease|url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_26199148/pat-bowlen-resigns-control-denver-broncos-acknowledges-dealing-alzheimers-disease|newspaper=[[The Denver Post]]|date=July 23, 2014|access-date=July 23, 2014|archive-date=July 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723104759/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_26199148/pat-bowlen-resigns-control-denver-broncos-acknowledges-dealing-alzheimers-disease|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Dan Reeves years (1981–1992)====
[[Dan Reeves]] became the youngest head coach (37) in the [[National Football League|NFL]] when he joined the Broncos in [[1981 Denver Broncos season|1981]] as vice president and [[List of Denver Broncos head coaches|head coach]]. [[List of Denver Broncos starting quarterbacks|Quarterback]] [[John Elway]], who played college football at [[Stanford Cardinal football|Stanford]], arrived in [[1983 Denver Broncos season|1983]] via a trade. Originally drafted by the [[Baltimore Colts]] as the first pick of the [[1983 NFL draft|draft]], Elway proclaimed that he would shun football in favor of [[Major League Baseball|baseball]] (he was drafted by the [[New York Yankees]] to play [[Center fielder|center field]] and was also a pitching prospect), unless he was traded to a selected list of other teams, which included the Broncos.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/elway/timeline.html |title=John Elway Timeline |work=The Sporting News |access-date=November 28, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920140523/http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/elway/timeline.html |archive-date=September 20, 2008 }}</ref> Prior to Elway, the Broncos had over 24 different starting quarterbacks in its 23 seasons to that point.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.football.com/nfl/denverbroncos/index.html|title=Denver Broncos|work=Football.com|access-date=November 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080605052411/http://www.football.com/nfl/denverbroncos/index.html|archive-date=June 5, 2008}}</ref>

[[File:1988 AFC Championship Game - Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos 1988-01-17 (ticket).jpg|thumb|A ticket for the [[1987–88 NFL playoffs|1987–88 AFC Championship Game]] between the Browns and the Broncos.]]
[[File:1986 Jeno's Pizza - 48 - Sammy Winder.jpg|left|thumb|John Elway (''right'') hands the ball for a rushing play against the Packers in 1984.]]
Reeves and Elway guided the Broncos to six post-season appearances, five [[AFC West]] divisional titles, three [[American Football Conference|AFC]] championships and three [[Super Bowl]] appearances (Super Bowl XXI, XXII and XXIV) during their 12-year span together. The Broncos lost [[Super Bowl XXI]] to the [[1986 New York Giants season|New York Giants]], 39–20; [[Super Bowl XXII]] to the [[1987 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]], 42–10; and [[Super Bowl XXIV]] to the [[1989 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]], 55–10; the latter score remains the most lopsided scoring differential in Super Bowl history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl History |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/super-bowl/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The last year of the Reeves-Elway era were marked by feuding, due to Reeves taking on play-calling duties after ousting Elway's favorite offensive coordinator [[Mike Shanahan]] after the [[1991 Denver Broncos season|1991 season]], as well as Reeves drafting quarterback [[Tommy Maddox]] out of [[UCLA Bruins football|UCLA]] instead of going with a [[wide receiver]] to help Elway. Reeves was fired after the [[1992 Denver Broncos season|1992 season]] and replaced by his protégé and friend [[Wade Phillips]], who had been serving as the Broncos' defensive coordinator.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.realclearsports.com/lists/coach_killers/john_elway_dan_reeves.html|title=RealClearSports&nbsp;– Top 10 Coach Killers&nbsp;– John Elway|access-date=March 4, 2014|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517153929/http://www.realclearsports.com/lists/coach_killers/john_elway_dan_reeves.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/413764-mile-high-feud-john-elway-and-mike-shanahan-still-have-a-beef-but-why#articles/413764-mile-high-feud-john-elway-and-mike-shanahan-still-have-a-beef-but-why|title=Mile High Feud: John Elway and Mike Shanahan Still Have a Beef, but Why?|author=Reid Brooks|work=Bleacher Report|access-date=March 4, 2014|archive-date=October 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004205013/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/413764-mile-high-feud-john-elway-and-mike-shanahan-still-have-a-beef-but-why#articles/413764-mile-high-feud-john-elway-and-mike-shanahan-still-have-a-beef-but-why|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="sportsillustrated.cnn.com">{{cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/1998/playoffs/news/1999/01/24/superbowl_feud/ |title=Reeves' comments rekindle feud with Elway, Shanahan|work=CNN/SI | date=January 24, 1999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622064747/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/1998/playoffs/news/1999/01/24/superbowl_feud/|archive-date=June 22, 2011}}</ref> Phillips was fired after a mediocre [[1994 Denver Broncos season|1994 season]], in which management felt he lost control of the team.<ref name="i392">{{cite web | agency=Associated Press| title=BRONCOS BID GOODBYE TO FIRED PHILLIPS | website=Deseret News | date=January 23, 2024 | url=https://www.deseret.com/1994/12/30/19150614/broncos-bid-goodbye-to-fired-phillips/ | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref>

====Mike Shanahan years (1995–2008)====
In [[1995 Denver Broncos season|1995]], [[Mike Shanahan]], who had formerly served under Reeves as the Broncos' offensive coordinator, returned as head coach.<ref name="l030">{{cite web | last=Swanson | first=Ben | title=How Mike Shanahan drew on Broncos history to leave his own lasting impact | website=Denver Broncos | date=October 15, 2021 | url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/how-mike-shanahan-drew-on-broncos-history-to-leave-his-own-lasting-impact | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref> The team went 8–8 in 1995.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1995 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/1995.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Shanahan drafted rookie [[running back]] [[Terrell Davis]]. In [[1996 Denver Broncos season|1996]], the Broncos were the top seed in the AFC with a 13–3 record, dominating most of the teams that year. The fifth-seeded [[1996 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]], however, upset the Broncos 30–27 in the divisional round of the playoffs, ending the Broncos' 1996 run.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1996 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/1996.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos – January 4th, 1997 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199701040den.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

=====Super Bowl XXXII champions (1997)=====
During the [[1997 Denver Broncos season|1997 season]], Elway and Davis helped guide the Broncos to their first Super Bowl victory, a 31–24 win over the defending champion [[1997 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]] in [[Super Bowl XXXII]]. Though Elway completed only 13 of 22 passes, throwing one interception and no touchdowns (he did, however, have a rushing touchdown), Davis rushed for 157 yards and a Super Bowl-record three touchdowns to earn the [[Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award]]—this while overcoming a severe migraine headache that caused him blurred vision.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XXXII – Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos – January 25th, 1998 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199801250den.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="w888">{{cite web | title=Davis Glad MVP Went To Elway | website=CBS News | date=January 31, 1999 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/davis-glad-mvp-went-to-elway/ | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref>

=====Super Bowl XXXIII champions (1998)=====
The Broncos repeated as Super Bowl champions the following season, defeating the [[1998 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]] (led by Elway's longtime head coach [[Dan Reeves]]) in [[Super Bowl XXXIII]], 34–19. Elway was named Super Bowl MVP, completing 18 of 29 passes for 336 yards, with an 80-yard touchdown to wide receiver [[Rod Smith (wide receiver)|Rod Smith]] and one interception.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XXXIII – Denver Broncos vs. Atlanta Falcons – January 31st, 1999 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199901310atl.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
John Elway retired following the [[1998 Denver Broncos season|1998 season]], and [[Brian Griese]] started at [[List of Denver Broncos starting quarterbacks|quarterback]] for the next four seasons. After a 6–10 record in [[1999 Denver Broncos season|1999]], mostly due to a season-ending injury to Terrell Davis, the Broncos recovered in [[2000 Denver Broncos season|2000]], earning a Wild Card playoff berth, but losing to the eventual [[Super Bowl XXXV|Super Bowl]] champion [[2000 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1999 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/1999.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2000 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2000.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> After missing the playoffs the following two seasons,<ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2001.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2002.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> former [[Arizona Cardinals]]' quarterback [[Jake Plummer]] replaced Griese in [[2003 Denver Broncos season|2003]], and led the Broncos to two straight 10–6 seasons, earning Wild Card playoff berths both years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2003.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2004.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> However, the Broncos went on the road to face the [[Indianapolis Colts]] in back-to-back seasons and were blown out by more than 20 points in each game, allowing a combined 90 points.<ref name="BroncosSportsE-Cyclopedia"/>

In the years following the back-to-back championships, a league investigation found that the team had circumvented the salary cap in both seasons and the 1996 season by deferring additional money to Elway and Davis outside of the salary cap. In addition, they purposefully avoided waiving certain players before a certain date. Denver claimed the moves did not give them additional competitive advantage. The NFL gave no formal statement, although between two separate punishments stripped the team of their third-round picks in the [[2002 NFL draft|2002]] and [[2005 NFL draft|2005]] drafts and fined them nearly $2&nbsp;million combined.<ref name="e469">{{cite web | title=Revisiting Denver's cap penalties from the 1990s | website=NBC Sports | date=February 14, 2016 | url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/revisiting-denvers-cap-penalties-from-the-1990s | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 16, 2004 |title=Cap zap: Broncos pay with fine, pick |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1883127 |access-date=March 19, 2023 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

Plummer led the Broncos to a 13–3 record in [[2005 Denver Broncos season|2005]] and their first [[AFC West]] division title since 1998.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2005.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> After a first-round [[Bye (sports)|bye]], the Broncos defeated the defending Super Bowl champion [[2005 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]], 27–13, denying New England from becoming the first [[National Football League|NFL]] team ever to win three consecutive Super Bowl championships.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – New England Patriots at Denver Broncos – January 14th, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200601140den.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They were the first team to beat the Patriots in the playoffs during the Tom Brady era. The Broncos' playoff run came to an end the next week, after losing at home to the [[2005 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]] in the AFC Championship game, 34–17.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship – Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos – January 22nd, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200601220den.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Jaycutler.JPG|thumb|Broncos' quarterback [[Jay Cutler]] in 2007.]]
The Broncos' defense began the first five games of the [[2006 Denver Broncos season|2006 season]] allowing only one touchdown&nbsp;— an NFL record that still stands. ESPN commentator and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Joe Theismann gave the 2006 defense the name "Bad Blue" on ''[[Monday Night Football]]'' as they played the Ravens. However, the team struggled down the season stretch. Plummer led the team to a 7–2 record, but struggled individually with inconsistent performance and more interceptions than touchdown passes. As a result, he would be replaced by rookie quarterback [[Jay Cutler]]. Cutler went 2–3 as a starter, and the Broncos finished with a 9–7 record, losing the tiebreaker to the [[2006 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]] for the final playoff spot.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2006.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Cutler's first full season as a starter in [[2007 Denver Broncos season|2007]] became the Broncos' first losing season since 1999, with a 7–9 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2007.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The [[2008 Denver Broncos season|2008 season]] ended in a 52–21 loss at the [[2008 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]], giving the Broncos an 8–8 record and their third straight season out of the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2008.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Mike Shanahan]], the longest-tenured and most successful [[List of Denver Broncos head coaches|head coach]] in Broncos' franchise history, was fired after 14 seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 30, 2008 |title=Broncos fire Shanahan after season falls apart |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3800768 |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

====Josh McDaniels years (2009–2010)====
On January 11, 2009, two weeks after Shanahan was fired, the Broncos hired former New England Patriots' offensive coordinator [[Josh McDaniels]] as the team's new head coach.<ref>{{cite news|title=ENTER MCDANIELS|url=https://history.denverbroncos.com/2009/01/enter-mcdaniels/|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=January 11, 2009|access-date=November 22, 2020|archive-date=August 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805134304/https://history.denverbroncos.com/2009/01/enter-mcdaniels/|url-status=live}}</ref> Three months later, the team acquired quarterback [[Kyle Orton]] as part of a trade that sent Jay Cutler to the [[Chicago Bears]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Clayton |first1=John |last2=Werder |first2=Ed |date=April 2, 2009 |title=Broncos send Cutler to Bears for Orton, 3 picks |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4037373 |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

Under McDaniels and Orton, the Broncos jumped out to a surprising 6–0 start in [[2009 Denver Broncos season|2009]]. However, the team lost eight of their next ten games, finishing 8–8 for a second consecutive season and missing the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2009.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The next season ([[2010 Denver Broncos season|2010]]), the Broncos set a new franchise record for losses in a single season, with a 4–12 record.<ref>{{cite news|author=Stapleton, Arnie |title=Broncos lose franchise-record 12th game as Chargers win 33–28 |url=http://www.kdvr.com/news/kdvr-chargers-broncos-10211-txt,0,3858640.story |work=Fox 31 Denver |date=January 3, 2011 |access-date=January 3, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006082419/http://www.kdvr.com/news/kdvr-chargers-broncos-10211-txt,0,3858640.story |archive-date=October 6, 2011 }}</ref> McDaniels was fired before the end of the 2010 season following a combination of the team's poor record and the fallout from a highly publicized [[Steve Scarnecchia|videotaping scandal]].<ref name="u854">{{cite web | last=Legwold | first=Jeff | title=Broncos videotape scandal results in fine, embarrassment | website=The Denver Post | date=November 27, 2010 | url=https://www.denverpost.com/2010/11/27/broncos-videotape-scandal-results-in-fine-embarrassment/ | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref> Running backs coach [[Eric Studesville]] was named interim coach for the final four games of the 2010 season.<ref>{{cite news |author=Klis, Mike |title=McDaniels fired as Broncos coach after controversy, losses pile up |url=http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_16791509 |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=December 6, 2010 |access-date=December 6, 2010 |archive-date=December 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209140140/http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_16791509 |url-status=live }}</ref> He chose to start rookie first-round draft choice [[Tim Tebow]] at quarterback for the final three games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tim Tebow 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TeboTi00/gamelog/2010/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

====John Fox years (2011–2014)====
Following the [[2010 Denver Broncos season|2010 season]], [[Joe Ellis]] was promoted from chief operating officer to team president, while [[John Elway]] returned to the organization as the team's executive vice president of football operations.<ref>{{cite news |author=Klis, Mike |title=Broncos officially announce Elway hire, promote Ellis to president |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_17015369 |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=January 5, 2011 |access-date=January 5, 2011 |archive-date=January 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107073312/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_17015369 |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, the Broncos hired [[John Fox (American football)|John Fox]] as the team's 14th [[List of Denver Broncos head coaches|head coach]]. Fox previously served as the [[Carolina Panthers]]' head coach from 2002 to 2010.<ref>{{cite news|title=JOHN FOX NAMED AS HEAD COACH|url=https://history.denverbroncos.com/2011/01/john-fox-named-as-head-coach/|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=January 13, 2011|access-date=November 22, 2020|archive-date=August 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805050810/https://history.denverbroncos.com/2011/01/john-fox-named-as-head-coach/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following a 1–4 start to the [[2011 Denver Broncos season|2011 season]], [[Tim Tebow]] replaced [[Kyle Orton]] as the Broncos' starting [[List of Denver Broncos starting quarterbacks|quarterback]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 11, 2011 |title=Tebow time: 1–4 Broncos make switch at QB |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7087660/tim-tebow-replaces-kyle-orton-denver-broncos-starting-quarterback-john-fox-says#:~:text=Orton%2520didn't%2520carry%2520over,Orton%2520and%2520sent%2520in%2520Tebow. |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> Under Tebow, the Broncos finished the regular season with an 8–8 record, winning the AFC West and qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since [[2005 Denver Broncos season|2005]]. In the Wild Card round, the Broncos defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers on an 80-yard touchdown pass from Tebow to [[Demaryius Thomas]] on the first play of overtime, which set an NFL record for the longest play from scrimmage in overtime.<ref>{{cite news|last=Legan|first=Kenny|title=Thomas Shines in Overtime Victory|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/thomas-shines-in-overtime-victory-6775987|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=January 8, 2012|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=October 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020062737/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/thomas-shines-in-overtime-victory-6775987|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the Broncos lost to the [[2011 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] in the Divisional round.<ref name="BroncosPatriots2011">{{cite news |author=Klis, Mike |title=Tom Brady leads Patriots' 45–10 rout of Broncos, Tim Tebow in NFL playoffs |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_19745656 |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=January 14, 2012 |access-date=January 14, 2012 |archive-date=January 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118022114/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_19745656 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2012, the Broncos reached an agreement on a five-year, [[Dollar|$]]96&nbsp;million contract with former longtime [[Indianapolis Colts]]' quarterback [[Peyton Manning]], who had recently missed the entire {{nfly|2011}} season following multiple neck surgeries.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7713078/2012-nfl-free-agency-peyton-manning-denver-broncos-agree-96m-deal-source-says |title=Peyton Manning, Broncos OK deal |publisher=ESPN |date=March 20, 2012 |access-date=March 20, 2012 |archive-date=March 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320154044/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7713078/2012-nfl-free-agency-peyton-manning-denver-broncos-agree-96m-deal-source-says |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-peyton-manning-question-20120320,0,7718384.story?track=rss |title=How will Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos fare next season? |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=March 20, 2012 |access-date=March 20, 2012 |archive-date=March 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320213147/http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-peyton-manning-question-20120320,0,7718384.story |url-status=live }}</ref> This resulted in the Broncos subsequently trading incumbent quarterback Tim Tebow to the [[2012 New York Jets season|New York Jets]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Cimini |first1=Rich |last2=McManus |first2=Jane |date=March 22, 2012 |title=Jets acquire Tim Tebow for draft pick |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/7718133/new-york-jets-acquire-tim-tebow-4th-round-pick |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324074025/http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/7718133/new-york-jets-acquire-tim-tebow-4th-round-pick |archive-date=March 24, 2012 |access-date=March 22, 2012 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The Broncos finished with a 13–3 record and the [[American Football Conference|AFC]]'s No. 1 seed in the [[2012–13 NFL playoffs|2012 playoffs]], but were [[Mile High Miracle|defeated by the Baltimore Ravens]] in the Divisional round.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Caldwell|first1=Gray|last2=Zaas|first2=Stuart|title=Double-OT Heartbreaker Ends Denver's Season|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/double-ot-heartbreaker-ends-denver-s-season-9349539|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=January 12, 2013|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=January 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116064752/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/double-ot-heartbreaker-ends-denver-s-season-9349539|url-status=live}}</ref>

Like in [[2012 Denver Broncos season|2012]], the [[2013 Denver Broncos season|2013 Broncos]] finished with a 13–3 record and the AFC's No. 1 seed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Broncos broke all offensive records and QB Peyton Manning shattered many quarterback records that season as well.<ref name="e573">{{cite web | last=Legwold | first=Jeff | title=The 2013 Broncos, the NFL's only 600-point team | website=ESPN.com | date=September 27, 2023 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38492638/denver-broncos-peyton-manning-nfl-record-606-points-2013-season#:~:text=Quarterback%20Peyton%20Manning%20threw%20for,back%2Dto%2Dback%20games. | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref> In the [[2013–14 NFL playoffs|2013 playoffs]], they defeated the [[2013 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]] in the Divisional round and the [[2013 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] in the AFC Championship.<ref name="z759">{{cite web | title=Manning, Broncos beat Chargers 24–17 | website=WBIR.com | date=January 12, 2014 | url=https://www.wbir.com/article/sports/ncaa/manning-broncos-beat-chargers-24-17/51-95278218 | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref><ref name="d003">{{cite web | title=Denver Broncos defeat New England Patriots 26–16 | website=CNN | date=January 19, 2014 | url=https://www.cnn.com/2014/01/19/us/afc-championship-game/index.html | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref> However, the Broncos lost to the [[2013 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]] in [[Super Bowl XLVIII]] by a score of 43–8, the Broncos' first [[Super Bowl]] berth since winning back-to-back Super Bowls in [[1997 Denver Broncos season|1997]] and [[1998 Denver Broncos season|1998]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Klis, Mike |title=Broncos, Peyton Manning struggle in Super Bowl loss to the Seahawks |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_25048459/broncos-peyton-manning-super-bowl-blowout-seahawks |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=February 2, 2014 |access-date=February 2, 2014 |archive-date=February 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140211140304/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_25048459/broncos-peyton-manning-super-bowl-blowout-seahawks |url-status=live }}</ref>

Prior to the start of the [[2014 Denver Broncos season|2014 season]], the Broncos announced that [[Pat Bowlen]], the team's owner since [[1984 Denver Broncos season|1984]], relinquished control of the team due to his battle with [[Alzheimer's disease]], resulting in team president Joe Ellis and general manager John Elway assuming control of the team.<ref name="Klis, Mike"/> The Broncos finished the 2014 season with a 12–4 record and the AFC's No. 2 seed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/index.htm |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> However, the Broncos were defeated by the [[2014 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]] in the Divisional round of the [[2014–15 NFL playoffs|2014 playoffs]], marking the third time in four seasons that the Broncos lost in the Divisional round of the playoffs.<ref name="o604">{{cite web | last=Klis | first=Mike | title=Denver Broncos stunned by Indianapolis Colts in home playoff loss | website=The Denver Post | date=January 11, 2015 | url=https://www.denverpost.com/2015/01/11/denver-broncos-stunned-by-indianapolis-colts-in-home-playoff-loss/ | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> Quarterback Peyton Manning had been playing with strained quadriceps for the final month of the 2014 season.<ref>{{cite web |author=Schefter, Adam |title=Peyton was injured for past month |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/12154238/peyton-manning-denver-broncos-played-torn-right-quad-last-month-season |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=January 12, 2015 |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112201223/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/12154238/peyton-manning-denver-broncos-played-torn-right-quad-last-month-season |url-status=live }}</ref>[[File:Gary Kubiak SB Parade Cropped.jpg|thumb|[[Gary Kubiak]] won [[Super Bowl 50]] in his first season as the Broncos head coach.]]

====Gary Kubiak years (2015–2016)====
On January 12, 2015, one day after the divisional playoff loss to the Colts, the Broncos and [[List of Denver Broncos head coaches|head coach]] [[John Fox (American football)|John Fox]] mutually agreed to part ways.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wesseling|first=Chris|title=John Fox, Denver Broncos part ways after four seasons|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/john-fox-denver-broncos-part-ways-after-four-seasons-0ap3000000457308|publisher=National Football League|date=January 12, 2015|access-date=January 12, 2015|archive-date=January 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113005134/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000457308/article/john-fox-denver-broncos-part-ways|url-status=live}}</ref> Fox left the Broncos with a .719 winning percentage in his four seasons as the Broncos' head coach—the highest in franchise history.<ref>{{cite web |author=Holden, Will |title=Chicago Bears officially name John Fox new head coach |url=http://kdvr.com/2015/01/16/chicago-bears-officially-name-john-fox-new-head-coach/ |work=[[KDVR|Fox 31 Denver]] |date=January 16, 2015 |access-date=January 16, 2015 |archive-date=January 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123222403/http://kdvr.com/2015/01/16/chicago-bears-officially-name-john-fox-new-head-coach/ |url-status=live }}</ref> One week later, the Broncos hired [[Gary Kubiak]] as the team's 15th head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2015 |title=Gary Kubiak takes over Broncos |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12191685/denver-broncos-hire-gary-kubiak-new-head-coach |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> Kubiak served as a backup quarterback to executive vice president/general manager John Elway from 1983 to 1991, as well as the Broncos' offensive coordinator from 1995 to 2005.<ref>{{cite web |author=Jhabvala, Nicki |title=Gary Kubiak: Denver Broncos job was "a game-changer" |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_27357330/gary-kubiak-denver-broncos-job-was-game-changer |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=January 20, 2015 |access-date=January 20, 2015 |archive-date=January 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120222648/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_27357330/gary-kubiak-denver-broncos-job-was-game-changer |url-status=live }}</ref>

===== Super Bowl 50 champions (2015) =====
Shortly after Kubiak became head coach, the Broncos underwent numerous changes to their coaching staff and players, including the hiring of defensive coordinator, defensive mastermind [[Wade Phillips]], under whom the Broncos' defense went from middle of the road to being ranked No. 1 in the NFL. By the [[2015 Denver Broncos season|2015 season]], it would go on to be considered one of the greatest NFL defenses of all time&nbsp;— along with the 1985 Bears, 2000 Ravens and 2002 Buccaneers.<ref name="v687">{{cite web | last=Clayton | first=John | title=Broncos' defense is among best ever | website=ESPN.com | date=February 6, 2016 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14723383/denver-broncos-defense-2015-best-ever-nfl | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> The Broncos finished with a 12–4 record and the AFC's No. 1 seed, despite [[Peyton Manning]] having his worst statistical season since his rookie year with the [[Indianapolis Colts]] in {{nfly|1998}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 26, 2016 |title=Peyton Manning Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MannPe00.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002144105/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MannPe00.htm |archive-date=October 2, 2018 |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Backup quarterback [[Brock Osweiler]] started the last six games of the regular season due to Manning suffering from a foot injury.<ref name="i843">{{cite web | last=Tabish | first=Dillon | title=Osweiler's Clutch Performance Seals Broncos Playoff Berth | website=Flathead Beacon | date=December 29, 2015 | url=https://flatheadbeacon.com/2015/12/29/osweiler-guides-broncos-to-win-playoff-berth/ | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> Manning led the Broncos throughout the [[2015–16 NFL playoffs|playoffs]]. The Broncos defeated the [[2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]] 23–16 in the Divisional Round and the [[2015 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] 20–18 in the AFC Championship.<ref name="o085">{{cite web | title=Denver Broncos top Pittsburgh Steelers 23–16 | website=NFL.com | date=January 17, 2016 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/denver-broncos-top-pittsburgh-steelers-23-16-0ap3000000624643 | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref><ref name="e282">{{cite web | last=Brown | first=Tim | title=Denver Broncos defeat New England Patriots 20–18 in wild finish to AFC Championship Game, advance to Super Bowl: Live updates recap | website=OregonLive | date=January 25, 2016 | url=https://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/2016/01/new_england_patriots_vs_denver_1.html | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> They were victorious against the [[2015 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]] 24–10 in [[Super Bowl 50]] for their third Super Bowl title.<ref>{{cite news |author=Renck, Troy |title=Von Miller, defense carry Broncos to Super Bowl 50 victory |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_29489135/von-miller-defense-carry-broncos-super-bowl-50 |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=February 7, 2016 |access-date=February 7, 2016 |archive-date=February 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208203654/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_29489135/von-miller-defense-carry-broncos-super-bowl-50 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Peyton Manning - Broncos.jpg|left|thumb|Quarterback [[Peyton Manning]] led the Broncos to two Super Bowl appearances, including a win at [[Super Bowl 50]].]]
On March 7, 2016, quarterback Peyton Manning retired after 18 NFL seasons during a press conference at the team's [[Dove Valley, Colorado|Dove Valley]] headquarters.<ref>{{cite news|last=Swanson|first=Ben|title=Peyton Manning to retire after Super Bowl finish to 18-year NFL career|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/peyton-manning-to-retire-after-super-bowl-finish-to-18-year-nfl-career-16897919|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=March 5, 2016|access-date=February 11, 2020|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729210234/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/peyton-manning-to-retire-after-super-bowl-finish-to-18-year-nfl-career-16897919|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Renck|first=Troy|title=Peyton Manning retires from football: "I love the game...I will miss it."|url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_29606293/peyton-manning-retires-from-football-i-fought-good-fight|newspaper=The Denver Post|date=March 7, 2016|access-date=September 8, 2016|archive-date=March 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309045655/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_29606293/peyton-manning-retires-from-football-i-fought-good-fight|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Following Manning's retirement, the Broncos scrambled to find the team's next starting quarterback after backup quarterback Brock Osweiler departed on a four-year contract to the [[2016 Houston Texans season|Houston Texans]].<ref name="t831">{{cite web | last=Rosenthal | first=Gregg | title=Brock Osweiler agrees in principle to $72M Texans deal | website=NFL.com | date=March 9, 2016 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/brock-osweiler-agrees-in-principle-to-72m-texans-deal-0ap3000000642792 | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> The Broncos acquired [[Mark Sanchez]] from the [[2016 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] and selected [[Paxton Lynch]] during the [[2016 NFL draft|2016]] draft.<ref name="d940">{{cite web | last=Sessler | first=Marc | title=Mark Sanchez acquired by Broncos in trade with Eagles | website=NFL.com | date=March 11, 2016 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/mark-sanchez-acquired-by-broncos-in-trade-with-eagles-0ap3000000643643 | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref><ref name="z129">{{cite web | title=Denver Broncos trade up to select QB Paxton Lynch | website=NFL.com | date=April 28, 2016 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/denver-broncos-trade-up-to-select-qb-paxton-lynch-0ap3000000657291 | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> Sanchez, Lynch and second-year quarterback [[Trevor Siemian]] competed for the starting quarterback spot during the off-season and preseason. Prior to the [[2016 NFL season|regular season]], Sanchez was released and Siemian was named the starter.<ref name="z198">{{cite magazine | title=Denver Broncos cut QB Mark Sanchez | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=September 3, 2016 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/09/03/denver-broncos-mark-sanchez-released-trevor-siemian-starting-quarterback. | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref><ref name="o365">{{cite web | last=Jhabvala | first=Nicki | title=Trevor Siemian named Broncos' starting quarterback for season opener | website=The Denver Post | date=August 29, 2016 | url=https://www.denverpost.com/2016/08/29/trevor-siemian-broncos-starting-quarterback-season-opener/ | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> The Broncos finished the season 9–7 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2010.<ref name="a520">{{cite web | title=Broncos, Panthers miss playoffs after Super Bowl 50 | website=NFL.com | date=December 25, 2016 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-panthers-miss-playoffs-after-super-bowl-50-0ap3000000763687 | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2016.htm |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

On January 2, 2017, coach Gary Kubiak announced his retirement, citing health as the main reason for retiring.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=January 2, 2017 |title=Broncos coach Gary Kubiak retires from coaching |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-coach-gary-kubiak-retires-from-coaching-0ap3000000768140 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103000851/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000768140/article/broncos-coach-gary-kubiak-retires-from-coaching |archive-date=January 3, 2017 |access-date=January 2, 2017 |work=NFL.com |publisher=National Football League}}</ref>

==== Vance Joseph years (2017–2018)====

The Broncos hired [[Miami Dolphins]] defensive coordinator [[Vance Joseph]] as head coach on January 11, 2017.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mason|first=Andrew|title=Broncos appoint Vance Joseph, 'a leader of men,' as new head coach|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-appoint-vance-joseph-a-leader-of-men-as-new-head-coach-18429631|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=January 11, 2017|access-date=October 16, 2017|archive-date=September 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921170247/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-appoint-vance-joseph-a-leader-of-men-as-new-head-coach-18429631|url-status=live}}</ref> The Broncos finished 5–11 in 2017 as a result of an unimpressive offense led by a quarterback committee of [[Trevor Siemian]], [[Brock Osweiler]], and [[Paxton Lynch]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2017.htm |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In an effort to address poor production from the offense, the Broncos signed quarterback [[Case Keenum]] on March 14, 2018, and traded away Trevor Siemian to the [[Minnesota Vikings]] on March 19, 2018.<ref name="u928">{{cite web | last=Rosenthal | first=Gregg | title=Case Keenum signs two-year deal with Broncos | website=NFL.com | date=March 12, 2018 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/case-keenum-signs-two-year-deal-with-broncos-0ap3000000920793 | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref><ref name="r762">{{cite web | last=Cronin | first=Courtney | title=Source: Vikings finalizing trade to get QB Trevor Siemian from Broncos | website=ESPN.com | date=March 14, 2018 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22765860/minnesota-vikings-working-trade-denver-broncos-qb-trevor-siemian | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref>

On May 1, 2018, the Broncos signed local [[undrafted free agent]] [[running back]] [[Phillip Lindsay]], who became a fan favorite due to his underdog mentality, explosive play style and local roots.<ref name="m704">{{cite web | last=Hauser | first=Jeff | title=Phillip Lindsay signs UDFA deal with Denver Broncos | website=The Ralphie Report | date=April 29, 2018 | url=https://www.ralphiereport.com/2018/4/29/17296722/phillip-lindsay-signs-denver-broncos-free-agent | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> Lindsay became the first undrafted player in NFL history with 100+ scrimmage yards in each of their first two games<ref name="p732">{{cite web | last=Wakeman | first=Travis | title=Broncos RB Phillip Lindsay sets NFL record | website=Broncos Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=September 16, 2018 | url=https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2018/09/16/denver-broncos-phillip-lindsay-running-back-fantasy-football-revelation-nfl-record/ | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> and on December 18, 2018, Lindsay was voted to the [[2019 Pro Bowl]], making him the first undrafted offensive rookie in NFL history to be voted to a Pro Bowl.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nesbitt |first1=Andy |title=Broncos rookie Phillip Lindsay makes pretty cool NFL history by being named to Pro Bowl |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ftw/2018/12/18/broncos-phillip-lindsay-nfl-history-named-pro-bowl/38763589/ |work=USA Today |date=December 19, 2018}}</ref>

After getting off to a strong start, their [[2018 Denver Broncos season|2018 season]] was up and down, eventually finishing with a 6–10 record and placing third in the [[AFC West]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2018.htm |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Coupled with the 5–11 season in [[2017 Denver Broncos season|2017]], the Broncos had back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since [[1971 Denver Broncos season|1971]]–[[1972 Denver Broncos season|1972]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Denver Broncos Team Encyclopedia |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/index.htm |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=December 31, 2018 |archive-date=January 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101090249/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/index.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Shortly after the conclusion of the regular season, head coach Vance Joseph was fired after recording a poor 11–21 record in two seasons.<ref>{{cite news|title=Broncos relieve Head Coach Vance Joseph of his duties|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-relieve-head-coach-vance-joseph-of-his-duties|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=December 31, 2018|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=April 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416105126/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-relieve-head-coach-vance-joseph-of-his-duties|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Vic Fangio years (2019–2021)====

On January 10, 2019, the Broncos hired [[Chicago Bears]] defensive coordinator [[Vic Fangio]] to become the 17th head coach in franchise history.<ref name="FangioBroncos">{{cite news|last=DiLalla|first=Aric|title=Broncos agree to terms with Vic Fangio to become head coach|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-agree-to-terms-with-vic-fangio-to-become-head-coach|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=January 10, 2019|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=January 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111000317/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-agree-to-terms-with-vic-fangio-to-become-head-coach|url-status=live}}</ref> Fangio was chosen over [[Mike Munchak]], the Broncos' offensive line coach. Fangio received a four-year contract with a team option for an additional season.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2813413-vic-fangio-reportedly-hired-as-broncos-head-coach-over-mike-munchak|title=Vic Fangio Hired as Broncos Head Coach over Mike Munchak|last=Daniels|first=Tim|work=Bleacher Report|access-date=September 18, 2019|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202211752/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2813413-vic-fangio-reportedly-hired-as-broncos-head-coach-over-mike-munchak|url-status=live}}</ref>

On February 13, 2019, [[Joe Flacco]] was traded to the Broncos from the Baltimore Ravens.<ref name="y376">{{cite news | last=Maske | first=Mark | title=Ravens agree to trade Joe Flacco to Broncos | newspaper=Washington Post | date=February 13, 2019 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/02/13/ravens-agree-trade-joe-flacco-broncos/ | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref> On October 6, 2019, the Broncos defeated the [[2019 Los Angeles Chargers season|Los Angeles Chargers]] for their 500th win, bringing their win–loss record to 500–432.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tiedtke |first=Graham |date=October 7, 2019 |title=Denver Broncos win 500th game in team history against Chargers |url=https://predominantlyorange.com/2019/10/06/denver-broncos-win-500th-game-history/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220054841/https://predominantlyorange.com/2019/10/06/denver-broncos-win-500th-game-history/ |archive-date=December 20, 2019 |access-date=December 20, 2019 |website=Predominantly Orange |language=en-US}}</ref>

On December 1, 2019, the Broncos started [[Missouri Tigers football|Mizzou]] rookie quarterback [[Drew Lock]] for the first time.<ref name="n161">{{cite web | last=Stapleton | first=Arnie | title=Broncos name Drew Lock starter against Texans | website=Durango Herald | date=December 2, 2019 | url=https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/broncos-name-drew-lock-starter-against-texans/ | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref> He led the Broncos to a 4–1 record to end the [[2019 Denver Broncos season|2019 season]]. The Broncos finished 2nd place in the AFC West Division at 7–9, missing the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year. In five games, Lock finished with 1,020 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drew Lock 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LockDr00/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=July 30, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the [[2020 NFL season]] did not have a preseason or full training camps,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shook |first1=Nick |title=NFLPA tells players there will be no preseason games in 2020 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nflpa-tells-players-there-will-be-no-preseason-games-in-2020 |publisher=National Football League |date=July 21, 2020}}</ref> which likely contributed to an abnormally large amount of injuries that plagued the Broncos and other NFL teams. Star [[linebacker]] [[Von Miller]] suffered a season-ending ankle tendon injury before the regular season started, and starting [[wide receiver]] [[Courtland Sutton]] suffered a season-ending torn [[Anterior cruciate ligament|ACL]] during a week two game.<ref name="p262">{{cite web | last=Sullivan | first=Tyler | title=Von Miller injury: Broncos star placed on injured reserve, reportedly will need ankle surgery | website=CBSSports.com | date=September 14, 2019 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/von-miller-injury-broncos-star-placed-on-injured-reserve-reportedly-expected-to-need-ankle-surgery/ | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref><ref name="j818">{{cite web | last=Legwold | first=Jeff | title=Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton (ACL) out for season, QB Drew Lock out 3–5 weeks | website=ESPN.com | date=September 21, 2020 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29938560/sources-denver-broncos-wr-courtland-sutton-acl-season | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref>

On November 29, 2020, after all three of the Broncos' [[quarterbacks]] were placed in COVID-19 protocol, the Broncos were forced to turn to undrafted wide receiver and former college quarterback [[Kendall Hinton]] as the emergency quarterback.<ref name="g298">{{cite web | title=All Broncos QBs out vs. Saints due to COVID-19 protocols | website=New York Times| date=November 28, 2020 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4230185/2020/11/28/all-4-broncos-qbs-out-vs-saints-due-to-covid-19-protocols/ | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref><ref name="t128">{{cite web | last=Gardner | first=Steve | title=Kendall Hinton: Broncos' practice squad WR set to start at quarterback | website=USA TODAY | date=November 29, 2020 | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/broncos/2020/11/28/kendall-hinton-broncos-practice-squad-wr-start-quarterback/6454041002/ | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref> Hinton completed only one pass for 13 yards in 9 attempts—the fewest pass completions in a single game in franchise history—and was intercepted twice. The Broncos' only scoring play was a 58-yard field goal by [[placekicker]] [[Brandon McManus]] in a 31–3 loss to the [[2020 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]]. In July 2021, the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] announced that Hinton's quarterback wristband would be added to the Hall of Fame as part of a display.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Patra |first1=Kevin |title=Broncos WR Kendall Hinton has QB wristband displayed at Hall of Fame |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-wr-kendall-hinton-qb-wristband-pro-football-hall-of-fame |publisher=National Football League |date=July 9, 2021}}</ref>

The Broncos finished the 2020 season with a record of 5–11, last in the [[AFC West]], and missed the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year.<ref name="h689">{{cite web | last=Newman | first=Kyle | title=Broncos blasted by Josh Allen and Bills, 48–19, to cement Denver's fifth consecutive postseason miss, fourth straight losing season | website=Greeley Tribune | date=December 20, 2020 | url=https://www.greeleytribune.com/2020/12/19/broncos-blasted-by-josh-allen-bills-week-15/ | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref>

Following another season of uninspiring [[quarterback]] performances, the Broncos were the subject of multiple quarterback trade rumors during the 2021 offseason. [[Aaron Rodgers]] and [[Deshaun Watson]] were two names rumored to be of interest for the Broncos, but ultimately the Broncos traded for quarterback [[Teddy Bridgewater]] on April 28, 2021. Bridgewater won the subsequent quarterback competition between himself and Drew Lock during the preseason, and he was named the Broncos' starting quarterback on August 25, 2021.<ref name="h258">{{cite magazine | last=McGavic | first=Matthew | title=Broncos Name Teddy Bridgewater Starting Quarterback | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=August 25, 2021 | url=https://www.si.com/college/louisville/football/bridgewater-named-starter | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref>

The Broncos also made notable improvements in the [[defensive back|defensive secondary]], signing former All-Pro [[cornerback]] [[Kyle Fuller]] and cornerback [[Ronald Darby]], as well as drafting [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|Alabama]] cornerback [[Patrick Surtain II]] with the ninth overall pick in the [[2021 NFL draft]]. [[Running back]] [[Phillip Lindsay]] was replaced by [[North Carolina Tar Heels football|UNC]] rookie running back [[Javonte Williams]], who was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft by the Broncos.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Payne |first=Scotty |date=April 30, 2021 |title=Denver Broncos select running back Javonte Williams with their 35th overall selection in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft |url=https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/4/30/22413073/denver-broncos-select-javonte-williams-second-round |access-date=July 30, 2024 |website=Mile High Report |language=en}}</ref>

On October 31, 2021, [[Peyton Manning]] (who won two AFC Championships, [[Super Bowl 50]], and an [[National Football League Most Valuable Player Award|NFL MVP]] during his four seasons as a Bronco) was inducted to the Broncos' [[Denver Broncos Ring of Fame|Ring of Fame]] during a game against [[Washington Commanders|Washington]].<ref>{{cite web|last=DeArdo|first=Bryan|title=Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2021: Peyton Manning, Calvin Johnson lead the eight-member class|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-of-2021-peyton-manning-calvin-johnson-lead-the-eight-member-class/|website=CBSSports.com|date=February 6, 2021|access-date=April 26, 2021|archive-date=April 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427093216/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-of-2021-peyton-manning-calvin-johnson-lead-the-eight-member-class/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On November 1, 2021, the Broncos traded franchise legend Von Miller to the [[Los Angeles Rams]] in exchange for a 2nd and 3rd round pick in the [[2022 NFL draft]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shook, Nick |date=November 1, 2021 |title= Broncos trade star LB Von Miller to Rams for two 2022 NFL draft picks |publisher=National Football League |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-trade-star-lb-von-miller-to-rams |access-date=November 1, 2021}}</ref> At the time of the trade, Miller was the longest-tenured Bronco on the team, and the only remaining non-special teams player from Denver's Super Bowl 50 roster.<ref name="b591">{{cite web | last=Kiszla | first=Mark | title=Kiszla: Why the Broncos need Von Miller, the team's last Super Bowl hero standing, now more than ever | website=The Denver Post | date=April 7, 2020 | url=https://www.denverpost.com/2020/04/06/von-miller-last-super-bowl-50-hero-kiszla/ | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref>

After another mediocre performance in the [[2021 Denver Broncos season|2021 season]] with the Broncos going 7–10, head coach Vic Fangio was dismissed on January 8, 2022, after losing to the [[2021 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Middlehurst-Schwartz |first=Michael |date=January 9, 2022 |title=Denver Broncos coach Vic Fangio fired after three seasons |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/broncos/2022/01/09/denver-broncos-fire-coach-vic-fangio-playoff-drought/9148921002/ |access-date=February 2, 2022 |website=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Walton–Penner era (2022–present)===

====Nathaniel Hackett season (2022)====
The Broncos announced the hiring of [[Green Bay Packers]] offensive coordinator [[Nathaniel Hackett]] as head coach on January 27, 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Legwold |first=Jeff |date=January 27, 2022 |title=Denver Broncos hire Nathaniel Hackett for first stint as head coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33157981/denver-broncos-hire-nathaniel-hackett-new-head-coach-sources-say |access-date=February 2, 2022 |work=ESPN.com |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures, LLC|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

The Broncos then announced on February 1, 2022, that they were now up for sale and that they would be parting ways with the Bowlen family, the former owners of the franchise.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Halloran |first=Ryan |date=February 1, 2022 |title=Broncos up for sale: Team expected to command record-setting price for U.S. sports franchise |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2022/02/01/broncos-for-sale-record-price-expected/ |access-date=February 2, 2022 |website=The Denver Post |language=en-US}}</ref>

Hackett's first hire as head coach was [[Justin Outten]] as offensive coordinator. He was hired on February 2, 2022.<ref name="k405">{{cite web | last=DiLalla | first=Aric | title=Broncos name Justin Outten as offensive coordinator, announce additional coaching hires | website=DenverBroncos.com | date=February 2, 2022 | url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-name-justin-outten-as-offensive-coordinator-announce-additional-coaching | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref>

On March 16, 2022, the Broncos traded [[Drew Lock]], [[Noah Fant]], [[Shelby Harris]], Denver's 2022 first-round pick (No. 9), its 2022 second-round pick (No. 40), its 2023 first- and second-round picks, and its 2022 fifth-round pick for [[Russell Wilson]] and the [[Seattle Seahawks]]' 2022 fourth-round pick.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33520835/russell-wilson-says-denver-broncos-perfect-fit-deal-seattle-seahawks-becomes-official|title=Russell Wilson calls Denver Broncos 'perfect fit' as deal with Seattle Seahawks becomes official|publisher=ESPN|first=Jeff|last=Legwold|date=March 16, 2022|accessdate=March 17, 2022}}</ref>

On June 7, 2022, the Broncos announced that a consortium led by former [[Walmart]] chairman [[S. Robson Walton|Rob Walton]] had entered in an agreement to acquire the Denver Broncos for $4.65&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Broncos and Walton-Penner family enter into a purchase and sale agreement|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-and-walton-penner-family-enter-into-a-purchase-and-sale-agreement|website=DenverBroncos.com|date=June 7, 2022|access-date=June 8, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Halloran |first1=Ryan |title=Broncos enter into purchase agreement with Walton-Penner family for record $4.65 billion sale price |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2022/06/07/broncos-walton-penner-family-purchase-agreement/ |access-date=June 8, 2022 |work=The Denver Post |date=June 7, 2022}}</ref> The NFL approved the bid on August 10, 2022. On that day, the members of Walton's partnership, known as the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group, were introduced to the press. The group includes Rob Walton, his daughter [[Carrie Walton Penner]], son-in-law and current Walmart chairman [[Greg Penner]], Starbucks chairwoman [[Mellody Hobson]], former Secretary of State [[Condoleezza Rice]], and Formula One driver [[Lewis Hamilton]].<ref>{{cite news|title=NFL owners approve Walton-Penner group's purchase the new owners of Denver Broncos franchise|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-owners-approve-walton-penner-family-s-purchase-of-denver-broncos-franchise|publisher=National Football League|date=August 9, 2022|access-date=August 10, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=DiLalla|first=Aric|title='Putting a winning team on the field is our No. 1 priority': Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group unanimously approved, introduced as new Broncos owners as of August 10th 2022|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/putting-a-winning-team-on-the-field-is-our-no-1-priority-walton-penner-family-ow|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=August 9, 2022|access-date=August 10, 2022}}</ref> Walton delegated most of his authority to Penner, who became CEO and operating head of the franchise as well as the public face of the Walton-Penner Group. Penner is recognized as the team's controlling owner by the NFL, and represents the Broncos at league meetings.<ref name="PennerBroncosCEO">{{cite web|last=DiLalla|first=Aric|title=New Broncos Owner & CEO Greg Penner outlines key requirements for winning organization|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/new-broncos-owner-ceo-greg-penner-outlines-key-requirements-for-winning-organiza|website=DenverBroncos.com|date=August 10, 2022|access-date=August 14, 2022}}</ref><ref>[https://www.denverbroncos.com/team/front-office-roster/greg-penner Greg Penner Broncos bio]</ref>

On December 26, with the Broncos sitting at 4–11 following a 51–14 [[National Football League Christmas games|Christmas Day]] loss to the [[2022 Los Angeles Rams|Los Angeles Rams]], Hackett was fired and replaced by interim head coach [[Jerry Rosburg]].<ref name="u741">{{Cite web |last=Gabriel |first=Parker |date=December 26, 2022 |title=Broncos fire Nathaniel Hackett after 51–14 loss to Los Angeles Rams |url=https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/broncos-fire-nathaniel-hackett-after-51-14-loss-to-los-angeles-rams/article_a4131fbe-8569-11ed-af42-0f9d81e3b44d.html |access-date=July 30, 2024 |website=The Victoria Advocate}}</ref><ref name="q995">{{cite web | last=Newman | first=Kyle | title=Jerry Rosburg introduced as Broncos interim head coach: "I'm very confident I can do this job for the next two weeks." | website=The Denver Post | date=December 28, 2022 | url=https://www.denverpost.com/2022/12/28/broncos-jerry-rosburg-introduced-interim-head-coach/ | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref> Hackett became the fifth head coach to not finish his first season after [[Lou Holtz]] in [[1976 New York Jets season|1976]], [[Pete McCulley]] in [[1978 San Francisco 49ers season|1978]], [[Bobby Petrino]] in [[2007 Atlanta Falcons season|2007]], and [[Urban Meyer]] in [[2021 Jacksonville Jaguars season|2021]].<ref name="p486">{{cite web | last=Kerr | first=Jeff | title=Nathaniel Hackett fired: Broncos coach just fifth since 1970 merger to not finish end of first season | website=CBSSports.com | date=December 26, 2022 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nathaniel-hackett-fired-broncos-coach-just-fifth-since-1970-merger-to-not-finish-end-of-first-season/ | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref>

==== Sean Payton years (2023–present)====
On January 31, 2023, [[Sean Payton]] reported that he had accepted the head coaching job for the Denver Broncos, and he was officially hired as head coach for the [[2023 Denver Broncos season|2023 season]] three days later.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DiLalla |first=Aric |date=February 3, 2023 |title=Broncos name Sean Payton as Head Coach |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-name-sean-payton-as-head-coach |access-date=February 7, 2023 |website=DenverBroncos.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC}}</ref>

The Broncos started the season off 1–5, including a 20–70 loss to the [[2023 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]] in week 3.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 24, 2023 |title=Sean Payton's Broncos fall apart in 'embarrassing' 70-20 loss at Miami |url=https://apnews.com/article/broncos-dolphins-penalties-52f51e639d6483640334095c3c2b81f2 |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> However, after a 21–31 loss to the [[2023 New York Jets season|New York Jets]], the team rallied off five straight wins, including victories over the [[2023 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]], [[2023 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]], and [[2023 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]]; their first win against the Chiefs since 2015,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stapleton |first=Arnie |date=October 29, 2023 |title=Wilson, Simmons lead Denver Broncos to first win over Chiefs since 2015 with a 24-9 thrashing |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/wilson-simmons-lead-denver-broncos-to-first-win-over-chiefs-since-2015-with-a-21-9-thrashing/ |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US}}</ref> to get to 6–5. After a loss to the [[2023 Houston Texans season|Houston Texans]] and a victory over the [[2023 Los Angeles Chargers season|Los Angeles Chargers]], the Broncos won just one of their final four games, including a 23–26 loss to the [[2023 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] at home on Christmas Eve. After the loss, reports surfaced about contract disputes between Russell Wilson and Broncos management over an injury clause, causing Wilson to be benched by the team the final two games of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 30, 2023 |title='Definitely disappointed': Russell Wilson addresses contract disagreement, benching |url=https://www.denver7.com/sports/broncos/definitely-disappointed-russell-wilson-addresses-contract-disagreement-over-injury-guarantee-eventual-benching-by-broncos#google_vignette |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH) |language=en}}</ref> The Broncos finished the 2023 season 8–9, good enough for their best record since the [[2016 Denver Broncos season|2016 season]]. However, the team finished under .500 for the seventh consecutive season, and missed the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2024 |title=Broncos officially eliminated from 2023 NFL playoff contention |url=https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2023/12/31/nfl-news-broncos-eliminated-from-2023-playoff-contention/ |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=Broncos Wire |language=en-US}}</ref>

Following the season, the Broncos released Russell Wilson, taking on $85M in dead-cap money, the largest in NFL history.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 14, 2024 |title=Broncos release Russell Wilson, opt for $53 million cap charge in 2024 |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/broncos-release-russell-wilson-opt-for-53-million-cap-charge-in-2024 |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 4, 2024 |title=Broncos to cut Wilson, take $85M dead money hit |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39654399/broncos-cut-russell-wilson-take-85m-dead-money-hit |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

On March 7, the Broncos released veteran safety [[Justin Simmons (American football)|Justin Simmons]]. Simmons was the longest tenured player on the Broncos following [[Brandon McManus|Brandon McManus']] departure the previous offseason.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 7, 2024 |title=Broncos release star S Simmons after 8 seasons |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39674946/sources-broncos-releasing-all-pro-safety-justin-simmons |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

On April 22, The Broncos unveiled a new set of uniforms known as the "Mile High Collection," which was the team's first uniform change since the [[1997 Denver Broncos season|1997 season]]. A throwback uniform also pays homage to the 1977 Orange Crush uniforms that feature the iconic royal blue "D" helmets.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Broncos unveil new uniforms focused on altitude, peaks of Denver, add in 1977-inspired throwback |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-unveil-new-uniforms-focused-on-altitude-peaks-of-denver-add-in-1977-inspired-throwback |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

In the [[2024 NFL draft]], the Broncos selected [[Bo Nix]] with the team's first-round pick to succeed Russell Wilson as the team's quarterback.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Broncos select QB Bo Nix with 12th-overall pick in 2024 NFL draft |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-select-qb-bo-nix-with-12th-overall-pick-in-2024-nfl-draft |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=www.denverbroncos.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Nix was named the starter prior to the [[2024 NFL season]], beating out [[Zach Wilson]] and [[Jarrett Stidham]], and becoming the first Broncos quarterback since [[John Elway]] in [[1983 Denver Broncos season|1983]] to start week 1 of his rookie season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Scott |date=August 21, 2024 |title=Bo Nix makes Broncos history after being named Week 1 starter |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/bo-nix-makes-broncos-history-after-being-named-week-1-starter |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}</ref>

The Broncos started the season 0–2, before winning five of their next six games to get to 5–3. After back-to-back losses against the [[2024 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]] and [[2024 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]], the team won four straight games to improve to 9–5, marking an improvement over their 8-win campaign the previous season. Despite back-to-back losses to the [[2024 Los Angeles Chargers season|Los Angeles Chargers]] and [[2024 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]], the Broncos would defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in week 18 to finish the season with a record of 10–7, their first 10-win season since [[2015 Denver Broncos season|2015]], and the team's first winning season since 2016. With the victory, the Broncos clinched a playoff spot for the first time since winning [[Super Bowl 50]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Post |first=Ryan McFadden {{!}} The Denver |date=January 5, 2025 |title=How it happened: Broncos crush Chiefs, clinch 1st playoff berth since Peyton Manning era |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2025/01/05/broncos-chiefs-live-updates-highlights-nfl-2024-week-18/ |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=The Denver Post |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dragon |first=Tyler |title=Drought over: Broncos earn AFC's final playoff spot in blowout win vs. Chiefs |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/01/05/nfl-playoff-picture-broncos-afc-playoff-bracket/77466765007/ |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref> In the [[2024–25 NFL playoffs|Wild Card Round]] of the NFL playoffs, the Broncos lost to the [[2024 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]] 7–31.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Camenker |first=Joe Rivera and Jacob |title=Bills steamroll Broncos, set NFL playoff matchup with Ravens: Highlights |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/01/12/bills-broncos-live-score-updates-nfl-playoffs-wild-card/77634696007/ |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref>

The Broncos started the [[2025 NFL season]] 1–2, but rattled off 13 wins over the final 14 weeks of the regular season, including an 11-game winning streak, which tied the longest win streak in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heath |first=Jon |title=Broncos are hottest NFL team with longest win streak since Peyton Manning |url=https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/broncos/2025/12/17/nfl-broncos-winning-streak-since-peyton-manning/87796737007/ |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=Broncos Wire |language=en-US}}</ref> The Broncos ultimately finished 2025 with a record of 14–3, tying their highest win total in franchise history, and earned the AFC's No. 1 seed in the [[2025–26 NFL playoffs|playoffs]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morik |first=Ryan |date=2026-01-04 |title=Broncos earn top seed in AFC in Bo Nix's second season, finishing with 14-3 record |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/broncos-earn-top-seed-afc-bo-nixs-second-season-finishing-14-3-record |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}</ref> In the Divisional Round of the playoffs, the Broncos defeated the [[2025 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]] 33–30,<ref>{{Cite web |last=writer |first=Frank SchwabSenior |date=2026-01-18 |title=Broncos beat Bills in OT to reach AFC title game thanks in part to 4 Josh Allen turnovers |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/live/broncos-beat-bills-in-ot-to-reach-afc-title-game-thanks-in-part-to-4-josh-allen-turnovers-200000008.html |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> winning their first playoff game since their Super Bowl 50 winning season, however, two plays before the end of the game, Bo Nix fractured a bone in his ankle, ending his season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=QB Bo Nix suffers season-ending ankle injury, QB Jarrett Stidham to start AFC Championship Game |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/qb-bo-nix-suffers-season-ending-ankle-injury-qb-jarrett-stidham-to-start-afc-championship-game |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=www.denverbroncos.com |language=en-US}}</ref> In the AFC Championship against the [[2025 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]], the Broncos were defeated 7–10.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Athletic |first=The |date=2026-01-25 |title=Drake Maye, Patriots advance to Super Bowl by defeating Broncos 10-7: Live updates and reaction |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/patriots-vs-broncos-live-score-updates-nfl-playoffs-afc-championship-game-result/seBXB81yUtwW/ |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=The Athletic |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Rivalries==
===Divisional===
{{see also|American Football League}}

The Denver Broncos have three [[AFC West]] rivals-the [[Kansas City Chiefs]], [[Las Vegas Raiders]], and [[Los Angeles Chargers]]. All teams, along with the Broncos, were charter members of the [[American Football League]] (AFL), with each team placed in the AFL Western Division, forerunner of today's AFC West.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wakeman |first=Travis |date=June 27, 2017 |title=5 NFL teams that Broncos fans love to hate |url=https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/broncos/2017/06/27/nfl-rivalries-denver-broncos-fans-hate-these-five-teams/79709936007/ |access-date=2026-01-25 |website=Broncos Wire |language=en-US}}</ref> The four teams have played each other twice a year for over 60 years, making the entire division one huge rivalry. The Broncos were barely competitive during the AFL years (1960–69), going a combined 10–49–1 against the Chiefs, Raiders, and Chargers.

====Kansas City Chiefs====
{{Further|Broncos–Chiefs rivalry}}
The Broncos have had several memorable matchups with the Chiefs, particularly during the years in which [[John Elway]] was the Broncos' starting [[List of Denver Broncos starting quarterbacks|quarterback]] (1983–98). The Broncos defeated the Chiefs at [[Arrowhead Stadium]] in the divisional round of the [[1997–98 NFL playoffs|1997 NFL playoffs]], en route to their first [[Super Bowl XXXII|Super Bowl]] victory. As of the {{nfly|2024}} season, the Chiefs hold a 73–57 series lead over the Broncos, including the aforementioned 1997 divisional playoff game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=den&tm2=kan&yr=all |access-date=February 24, 2025 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

====Las Vegas Raiders====
{{Further|Broncos–Raiders rivalry}}
Historically, the most heated divisional matchup for Denver is with the Raiders. The rivalry was ignited in its present form in {{nfly|1977}}, when the Broncos advanced to their first [[Super Bowl XII|Super Bowl]] by defeating the defending champion Raiders in the [[1977–78 NFL playoffs|1977 AFC Championship]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Moss |first=Irv |title=1977 Broncos gave Denver first AFC title, paved road to Super Bowl XII |website=The Denver Post |date=January 23, 2016 |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2016/01/23/1977-broncos-gave-denver-first-afc-title-paved-road-to-super-bowl-xii/ |access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> The rivalry intensified in the mid-1990s, when [[Mike Shanahan]] was hired as the Broncos' [[List of Denver Broncos head coaches|head coach]] in [[1995 Denver Broncos season|1995]]. Shanahan coached the Raiders in {{nfly|1988}} before being fired four games into the {{nfly|1989}} season. As of the {{nfly|2024}} season, the Raiders hold a 73–56–2 series lead over the Broncos, including 1–1 in the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Denver Broncos vs. Las Vegas/LA/Oakland Raiders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=den&tm2=rai&yr=all |access-date=February 24, 2025 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

====Los Angeles Chargers====
{{Further|Broncos–Chargers rivalry}}
Unlike their record against the Chiefs and Raiders, as of the 2024 season, the Broncos have a winning record against the Chargers, with a 73–57–1 series lead, including 1–0 in the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=den&tm2=sdg&yr=all |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Broncos pulled off one of the largest comebacks in ''[[Monday Night Football]]'' history, when [[Peyton Manning]] led the Broncos from a 24–0 halftime deficit to a 35–24 win at [[San Diego]]'s [[Qualcomm Stadium]] during the {{nfly|2012}} season. The two teams met in the playoffs for the first time on January 12, 2014, at [[Denver]]'s [[Empower Field at Mile High|Sports Authority Field at Mile High]], with the Broncos winning 24–17.<ref name="c686">{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=den&tm2=sdg&yr=all |access-date=February 24, 2025 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

===Conference===
Aside from the aforementioned [[AFC West]] teams, the Broncos have had intra-conference rivalries over the years with the [[Cleveland Browns]], [[New England Patriots]], and [[Pittsburgh Steelers]].

====Cleveland Browns====
{{see also|The Drive (American football)|The Fumble}}

The Broncos had a brief rivalry with the Browns that arose from three [[American Football Conference|AFC]] championship matches in 1986, 1987 and 1989. In the [[1986–87 NFL playoffs#AFC: Denver Broncos 23, Cleveland Browns 20 (OT)|1986 AFC Championship]], [[List of Denver Broncos starting quarterbacks|quarterback]] [[John Elway]] led ''[[The Drive (American football)|The Drive]]'' to secure a tie in the waning moments at [[Cleveland Municipal Stadium]]; the Broncos went on to win in 23–20 in overtime.<ref>{{cite web |author=Carter, Bob |title=Elway led Broncos on 'The Drive' |url=https://www.espn.com/classic/s/add_elway_john.html |publisher=ESPN |date=July 5, 2005 |access-date=August 28, 2013 |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203043141/http://espn.go.com/classic/s/add_elway_john.html |url-status=live }}</ref> One year later, the two teams met again in the [[1987–88 NFL playoffs#AFC Championship: Denver Broncos 38, Cleveland Browns 33|1987 AFC Championship]] at [[Mile High Stadium]]. Denver took a 21–3 lead, but Browns' quarterback [[Bernie Kosar]] threw four touchdown passes to tie the game at 31–31 halfway through the 4th quarter. After a long drive, John Elway threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to running back [[Sammy Winder]] to give Denver a 38–31 lead. Cleveland advanced to Denver's 8-yard line with 1:12 left, but Broncos' safety [[Jeremiah Castille]] stripped Browns' running back [[Earnest Byner]] of the football at the 2-yard line—a play that has been called ''[[The Fumble]]'' by Browns' fans. The Broncos recovered it, gave Cleveland an intentional safety, and went on to win 38–33.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Reilly, Rick |title=Byner's fumble spoils Browns shot at 1987 AFC Championship glory |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/painful_moments_in_sports/09/09/Earnest.Byner.Browns/index.html |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=September 21, 2011 |access-date=August 28, 2013 |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116013246/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/painful_moments_in_sports/09/09/Earnest.Byner.Browns/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The two teams met yet again in the [[1989–90 NFL playoffs#AFC Championship: Denver Broncos 37, Cleveland Browns 21|1989 AFC Championship]] at Mile High Stadium, which the Broncos easily won by a score of 37–21.<ref>{{cite news |author=Heisler, Mark |title=This Time, Just Call It Elway : AFC championship: Bronco quarterback is at his best in 37–21 victory over Browns as Denver earns its third trip to the Super Bowl in four seasons. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-01-15-sp-257-story.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=January 15, 1990 |access-date=August 28, 2013 |archive-date=December 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204041148/http://articles.latimes.com/1990-01-15/sports/sp-257_1_super-bowl-xxiv |url-status=live }}</ref> The Broncos did not win the Super Bowl after any of the championship games where they defeated the Browns, losing by an aggregate of 136–40. As of the {{nfly|2024}} season, the Broncos lead the all-time series 26–7.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Denver Broncos vs. Cleveland Browns |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=den&tm2=cle&yr=all |access-date=December 9, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

====New England Patriots====
{{see also|Tom Brady–Peyton Manning rivalry}}

The Broncos and Patriots met twice annually during the [[American Football League]] (AFL) years from 1960 to 1969, and played in the first-ever AFL game on September 9, 1960.<ref>{{cite web|title=Denver Broncos Team History|url=https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/denver-broncos/team-history/|website=ProFootballHOF.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|access-date=February 24, 2020|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730015404/https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/denver-broncos/team-history/|url-status=live}}</ref> Since {{nfly|1995}}, the two teams have met frequently during the regular season, including nine consecutive seasons from 1995 to 2003.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mason|first=Andrew|title=Broncology: So We Meet Again|url=http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncology-So-We-Meet-Again/067e474c-7893-11df-ba56-acc8e62813e9|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=November 2, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002150818/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncology-So-We-Meet-Again/067e474c-7893-11df-ba56-acc8e62813e9|archive-date=October 2, 2013|access-date=May 23, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> The teams' first playoff match on January 4, 1987, was John Elway's first career playoff win,<ref>{{cite web |author=Lynch, Tim |title=Denver Broncos @ New England Patriots; Through The Years |url=http://www.milehighreport.com/2008/10/16/634005/denver-broncos-new-england |work=Mile High Report |date=October 16, 2008 |access-date=August 28, 2013 |archive-date=July 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731090146/http://www.milehighreport.com/2008/10/16/634005/denver-broncos-new-england |url-status=live }}</ref> while the teams' second playoff match on January 14, 2006, game was the Broncos' first playoff win since Elway's retirement after the [[1998 Denver Broncos season|1998 season]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 14, 2006 |title=Broncos take advantage of turnovers, eliminate Patriots |url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=260114007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211164106/http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=260114007 |archive-date=December 11, 2013 |access-date=August 28, 2013 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The game was also notable for [[Champ Bailey]]'s 100-yard interception that resulted in a touchdown-saving tackle by [[Benjamin Watson]] at the 1-yard line.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 16, 2011 |title=Benjamin Watson tackle saving touchdown |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsZCTzYNBQE |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103212333/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsZCTzYNBQE&app=desktop |archive-date=November 3, 2017 |access-date=June 5, 2016 |website=YouTube |publisher=sevenand7kc}}</ref> On October 11, 2009, the two teams met with former Patriots' offensive coordinator, [[Josh McDaniels]] as the Broncos' [[List of Denver Broncos head coaches|head coach]]. Both teams wore their AFL 50th anniversary jerseys.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gasper |first=Christopher L. |date=October 12, 2009 |title=Denver doldrums continue for the Patriots&nbsp;– The Boston Globe |url=https://archive.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2009/10/12/denver_doldrums_continue_for_the_patriots/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806151937/http://archive.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2009/10/12/denver_doldrums_continue_for_the_patriots/ |archive-date=August 6, 2016 |access-date=June 5, 2016 |work=The Boston Globe}}</ref> The game featured a 98-yard drive in the fourth quarter, with a game-tying touchdown pass from [[Kyle Orton]] to [[Brandon Marshall]], followed by an overtime drive led by Orton that resulted in a 41-yard game-winning field goal by [[Matt Prater]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=291011007|title=Patriots vs. Broncos&nbsp;– Game Recap&nbsp;– October 11, 2009|publisher=ESPN|access-date=June 5, 2016|archive-date=April 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409130225/http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=291011007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The two teams met in the Divisional round of the [[2011–12 NFL playoffs|2011 playoffs]], with the Patriots blowing out [[Tim Tebow]] and the Broncos by a score of 45–10.<ref name="BroncosPatriots2011"/> The Broncos' rivalry with the Patriots later intensified when longtime [[Indianapolis Colts]]' quarterback [[Peyton Manning]] became the Broncos' starting quarterback from 2012 to 2015. Manning and Patriots' quarterback [[Tom Brady]] maintained a legendary [[Tom Brady–Peyton Manning rivalry|rivalry]] from {{nfly|2001}}<ref>{{cite web |author=Gasper, Christopher |title=Lucky to see Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning again |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2012/10/06/tom-brady-and-peyton-manning-renew-their-rivalry-for-time/c4fU2F8OSIOCuo9ghNSQKO/story.html |newspaper=The Boston Globe |date=October 7, 2012 |access-date=August 28, 2013 |archive-date=October 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012054840/http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2012/10/06/tom-brady-and-peyton-manning-renew-their-rivalry-for-time/c4fU2F8OSIOCuo9ghNSQKO/story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> until Manning's retirement after the {{nfly|2015}} season.<ref>{{cite news|author=Renck, Troy |title=Peyton Manning retires from football: "I love the game...I will miss it." |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_29606293/peyton-manning-retires-from-football-i-fought-good-fight |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=March 7, 2016 |access-date=March 7, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309045655/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_29606293/peyton-manning-retires-from-football-i-fought-good-fight |archive-date=March 9, 2016 }}</ref> Though Brady dominated Manning in regular season play, winning nine of twelve meetings, Manning won three of five playoff meetings, including the Broncos' 26–16 win in the [[2013-14 NFL playoffs#Conference Championships|2013 AFC Championship]] and the Broncos' 20–18 win in the [[2015–16 NFL playoffs#Conference Championships|2015 AFC Championship]].<ref name="AFCChampionship">{{cite news |author=Renck, Troy |title=Broncos hold off Tom Brady and Patriots, head to Super Bowl |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_29426828/broncos-hold-off-tom-brady-patriots-head-super-bowl |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=January 24, 2016 |access-date=January 24, 2016 |archive-date=January 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126012031/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_29426828/broncos-hold-off-tom-brady-patriots-head-super-bowl |url-status=live }}</ref> The two teams next postseason meeting came in the [[2025-26 NFL playoffs#Conference Championships|2025 AFC Championship]], where New England defeated Denver 10–7 to advance to [[Super Bowl LX]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/rapid-recap-patriots-win-afc-championship-beat-broncos-10-7 |title=Rapid Recap: Patriots Win AFC Championship, Beat Broncos 10-7 |date=January 25, 2026 |access-date=February 9, 2026 |first=Mike |last=Dussault}}</ref> As of the 2025 season, the Broncos lead the all-time series 31–25.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Denver Broncos vs. Boston/New England Patriots |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=den&tm2=nwe&yr=all |access-date=February 24, 2025 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

====Pittsburgh Steelers====
{{Further|Broncos–Steelers rivalry}}
As of the end of the 2024 season, the Broncos and Steelers have met in postseason play eight times, tied with five other pairings for the second-[[List of NFL playoff games#Most frequent matchups|most frequent playoff matchups]] in [[National Football League|NFL]] playoff history.<ref name="d494">{{cite web | last=DeArdo | first=Bryan | title=Steelers vs. Broncos rivalry: Here's a look at their unique playoff history | website=CBSSports.com | date=October 8, 2021 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/steelers-vs-broncos-nfl-throwback-heres-a-look-at-their-unique-playoff-history/ | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref> The Broncos currently own a 5–3 playoff record vs. the Steelers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos Playoff History |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/playoffs.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003010656/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/playoffs.htm |archive-date=October 3, 2018 |access-date=March 31, 2018 |website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]}}</ref> Perhaps the most memorable postseason matchup occurred in the [[1997–98 NFL playoffs#AFC Championship: Denver Broncos 24, Pittsburgh Steelers 21|1997 AFC Championship]], in which the Broncos defeated the Steelers 24–21 at [[Three Rivers Stadium]], en route to their first [[Super Bowl XXXII|Super Bowl]] victory. Eight years later, the Steelers returned the favor at [[Empower Field at Mile High|INVESCO Field at Mile High]], defeating the Broncos 34–17 in the [[2005–06 NFL playoffs#AFC Championship: Pittsburgh Steelers 34, Denver Broncos 17|2005 AFC Championship]], and subsequently won [[Super Bowl XL]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Mason|first=Andrew|title=Recalling the 2005 AFC Title Game|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/recalling-the-2005-afc-title-game-12462736|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=January 17, 2014|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=May 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523220236/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/recalling-the-2005-afc-title-game-12462736|url-status=live}}</ref> In the Wild Card round of the [[2011–12 NFL playoffs|2011 playoffs]], in a game dubbed ''The 3:16 game'', the Broncos stunned the Steelers 29–23 on the first play of overtime, when quarterback Tim Tebow connected with [[wide receiver]] [[Demaryius Thomas]] on an 80-yard game-winning touchdown pass.<ref>{{cite news|last=Caldwell|first=Gray|title=Broncos Advance with Postseason Thriller|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-advance-with-postseason-thriller-6775656|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=January 8, 2012|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=May 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523220238/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-advance-with-postseason-thriller-6775656|url-status=live}}</ref> The teams met again in the Divisional round of the [[2015–16 NFL playoffs|2015 playoffs]] at Denver, where the Broncos defeated the Steelers 23–16 on their way to a victory in [[Super Bowl 50]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Renck, Troy |title=Peyton Manning, Broncos beat Steelers, punch ticket to AFC championship game |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_29397431/peyton-manning-broncos-beat-steelers-punch-ticket-afc-championship |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=January 17, 2016 |access-date=January 17, 2016 |archive-date=January 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118201011/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_29397431/peyton-manning-broncos-beat-steelers-punch-ticket-afc-championship |url-status=live }}</ref> The Broncos lead the all-time series 20–14–1.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Denver Broncos vs. Pittsburgh Steelers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=den&tm2=pit&yr=all |access-date=February 24, 2025 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

===Historical===
====Seattle Seahawks====
{{Main|Broncos–Seahawks rivalry}}

The Broncos had an old rivalry with the [[Seattle Seahawks]], who were members of the [[AFC West]] from 1977 to 2001, prior to the Seahawks' move to the [[NFC West]] as part of the [[National Football League|NFL]]'s {{nfly|2002}} re-alignment.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Banks, Don |title=Seattle moved to NFC in approved realignment plan |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/news/2001/05/22/banks_realign/ |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=May 22, 2001 |access-date=September 1, 2013 |archive-date=June 8, 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010608113824/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/news/2001/05/22/banks_realign |url-status=dead }}</ref> During the 25 years in which the Seahawks resided in the AFC West, the Broncos went 32–18 against the Seahawks, including a loss at Seattle in the [[1983–84 NFL playoffs|1983 NFL playoffs]]. Since 2002, the Broncos have won three of five interconference meetings,<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=den&tm2=sea&yr=all |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> and the two teams met in [[Super Bowl XLVIII]] on February 2, 2014, with the Seahawks winning by a score of 43–8.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=February 2, 2014 |title=Seattle Seahawks stomp Broncos for Super Bowl win |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/seattle-seahawks-stomp-broncos-for-super-bowl-win-0ap2000000322899 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703003605/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000322899/article/seattle-seahawks-stomp-broncos-for-super-bowl-win |archive-date=July 3, 2016 |access-date=June 29, 2016 |work=NFL.com}}</ref> As of the {{nfly|2024}} season, the Broncos lead the all-time series 35–23.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=den&tm2=sea&yr=all |access-date=February 24, 2025 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

==Facilities==
[[File:Denver Mile High Stadium postcard (c. 1970s-1980s).jpg|right|thumb|[[Mile High Stadium]] was the home of the Broncos from 1960 to 2000]]
For most of their history, the Denver Broncos played in [[Mile High Stadium]]. The [[American Football League|AFL]] Broncos played at the [[University of Denver]]'s [[DU Stadium|Hilltop Stadium]] from time to time, including the first victory of an AFL team over an [[National Football League|NFL]] team: The Broncos beat the [[Detroit Lions]] on August 5, 1967, in a preseason game. The team has sold out every home game (including post-season games) since the [[AFL–NFL merger]] in {{nfly|1970}}, with the exception of two replacement games during the {{nfly|1987}} strike (but both were sold out before the strike).

During home games, the attendance is announced to the crowd, along with the number of no-shows (the fans subsequently boo the no shows). The fans are also known to chant "IN-COM-PLETE!" every time the visiting team throws an [[Forward pass|incomplete pass]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Frequently Asked Questions&nbsp;— FAQs|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/faq|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=April 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401024856/https://www.denverbroncos.com/faq|url-status=live}}</ref> The stadium's legendary homefield advantage is regarded as one of the best in the NFL, especially during the playoffs. The Broncos had the best home record in pro football over a 32-year span from 1974 to 2006 (191–65–1). Mile High Stadium was one of the NFL's loudest stadiums, with steel flooring instead of [[concrete]], which may have given the Broncos an advantage over opponents, plus the advantage of altitude conditioning for the Broncos. In {{nfly|2001}}, the team moved into then-named [[Empower Field at Mile High|Invesco Field at Mile High]], built next to the former site of the since-demolished Mile High Stadium. Sportswriter [[Woody Paige]], along with many of Denver's fans, however, often refused to call the stadium by its full name, preferring to use "Mile High Stadium" because of its storied history and sentimental import. Additionally, ''[[The Denver Post]]'' had an official policy of referring to the stadium as simply "Mile High Stadium" in protest, but dropped this policy in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://denver.cbslocal.com/guide/guide-to-sports-authority-field-at-mile-high/ |title=Guide To Sports Authority Field At Mile High |work=CBS Denver |date=October 25, 2011 |access-date=September 2, 2013 |archive-date=August 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831105605/http://denver.cbslocal.com/guide/guide-to-sports-authority-field-at-mile-high/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{multiple image
| align = right
| direction = horizontal
| footer = [[Empower Field at Mile High]], the Broncos' home since 2001, as seen in 2011 (left) and 2025 (right)
| image1 = Invesco Field - Mile High Stadium - panoramio.jpg
| total_width = 430
| footer_align = left
| image2 = Empower Field at Mile High, 2025.jpg
}}
Prior to the [[2011 Denver Broncos season|2011 season]], [[Englewood, Colorado|Englewood]]-based [[Sports equipment|sporting goods]] [[retail]]er [[Sports Authority]] claimed the [[naming rights]] of Invesco Field, which became known as '''Sports Authority Field at Mile High'''.<ref>{{cite news|title=NEW NAME; SAME GAME|url=https://history.denverbroncos.com/2011/08/new-name-same-game/|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=August 16, 2011|access-date=November 22, 2020|archive-date=August 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805053838/https://history.denverbroncos.com/2011/08/new-name-same-game/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Broncos stadium renamed Sports Authority Field at Mile High|url=http://www.denverpost.com/2011/08/16/broncos-stadium-renamed-sports-authority-field-at-mile-high/|newspaper=The Denver Post|date=August 16, 2011|access-date=June 29, 2016|archive-date=August 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816132817/http://www.denverpost.com/2011/08/16/broncos-stadium-renamed-sports-authority-field-at-mile-high/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, in the summer of 2016, Sports Authority went bankrupt, the stadium was renamed Broncos Stadium at Mile High, and the Broncos sought out a naming rights sponsor until September 2019 when they agreed to rename the stadium '''Empower Field at Mile High'''.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Worthington, Danika |author2=Wolfe, Cameron |title=Mile High Stadium will get a new naming sponsor after Sports Authority, Broncos chief says |url=http://www.denverpost.com/2016/07/27/sports-authority-logos-stripped-broncos/ |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=July 27, 2016 |access-date=July 27, 2016 |archive-date=July 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730150544/http://www.denverpost.com/2016/07/27/sports-authority-logos-stripped-broncos/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The altitude has also been attributed as part of the team's home success. The stadium displays multiple references to the stadium's location of {{convert|5280|ft|mi}} above sea level, including a prominent mural just outside the visiting team's locker room. The team training facility, Broncos Park Powered by [[CommonSpirit Health|CommonSpirit]] (formerly known as the Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre), is a state-of-the-art facility located in [[Dove Valley, Colorado|Dove Valley]]. With {{convert|13.5|acre}} of property, the facility hosts three full-size fields, a complete weight and training facility, and a cafeteria.<ref>{{cite web|title=2020 Training Camp|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/nfl/trainingcamp/|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=May 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523220242/https://www.denverbroncos.com/nfl/trainingcamp/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=May 29, 2024 |title=Broncos training facility renamed 'Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-training-facility-renamed-broncos-park-powered-by-commonspirit |access-date=May 29, 2024}}</ref>

In their more than half-century of existence, the Broncos have never been shut out at home, a streak of over 400 games as of the {{nfly|2016}} season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/ |title=Denver Broncos Franchise Encyclopedia&nbsp;– Pro Football Reference |website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]] |date=November 12, 2012 |access-date=November 12, 2012 |archive-date=January 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102203957/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In late 2012, the Broncos announced that the stadium would receive $30&nbsp;million upgrades including a new video board in the south end zone three times larger than the previous display. The renovations were finished before kickoff of the 2013 season.<ref>{{cite news|last=Caldwell|first=Gray|title=Broncos Announce Stadium Upgrades|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-announce-stadium-upgrades-9163945|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=December 21, 2012|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=May 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523220242/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-announce-stadium-upgrades-9163945|url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 2025, the Broncos officially designated Burnham Yard, a 58-acre, state-owned former [[Rail yard|railyard]] in downtown Denver, as the preferred site for their future stadium, [[New Broncos Stadium]]. The plan calls for a privately financed, [[Retractable roof|retractable-roof]] facility anchored within an expansive [[mixed-use development]] featuring retail, hotels, offices, residences, and dynamic public spaces, supported by public infrastructure improvements. The development is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2031 NFL season, coinciding with the expiration of the Broncos’ lease at Empower Field at Mile High.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kosmider |first=Nick |date=2025-09-09 |title=Broncos announce site of future retractable-roof stadium, targeting 2031 completion |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6613520/2025/09/09/denver-broncos-stadium-burnham-yard/ |access-date=2025-09-09 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

==Logos and uniforms==

===1968–1996===
{{Multiple image
| perrow            = 2
| direction         = vertical
| align             = right
| total_width       = 350
| footer            = Broncos logo (1997–present) and wordmark (1968–1996)
| image1            = 
| image2            = Denver Broncos wordmark (1968 - 1996).png
}}

[[File:Broncos 1968-96 uniforms.png|thumb|left|Denver Broncos uniform set from 1967 to 1996. The logo was designed by Edwin Guy Taylor of Denver. A contest was held through Public Service of Denver to come up with a new logo for the team. Taylor's submission was selected late in 1967 and adopted the next season. The team briefly wore orange pants with the away jerseys between 1969 and 1971 and 1978–1979.]]

When the Broncos debuted in {{nfly|1960}}, their original uniforms were said to have drawn as much attention as their play on the field. They featured white and mustard yellow jerseys, contrasting brown helmets, brown pants, and vertically striped socks. Two years later, the team unveiled a new logo featuring a bucking horse and changed their team colors to orange, royal blue and white. The {{nfly|1962}} uniform consisted of white pants, orange helmets, and either orange or white jerseys.<ref>{{cite news|last=Saccomano|first=Jim|title=Sacco Sez: How the orange and blue began|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/sacco-sez-how-the-orange-and-blue-began|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=DenverBroncos.com|date=August 7, 2022|access-date=May 14, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Saccomano|first=Jim|title=Legend and Legacy: Orange's origin|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/legend-and-legacy-orange-s-origin-14944477|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises|date=February 20, 2015|access-date=March 17, 2020|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730022148/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/legend-and-legacy-orange-s-origin-14944477|url-status=live}}</ref>

In {{nfly|1968}}, the Broncos debuted a design that became known as "Orange Crush". Their logo was redesigned so that the horse was coming out of a "D". Additionally, the helmets were changed to royal blue, and the sleeves had thin stripes with other minor modifications added. From 1969 to 1971, and again from 1978 to 1979, the team wore orange pants with their white jerseys.<ref name="Endzone">{{cite web |url=http://www.uniwatchblog.com/white-at-home-in-the-nfl/ |title=White at Home in the NFL&nbsp;– Uni Watch |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100425040815/http://www.uniwatchblog.com/white-at-home-in-the-nfl/ |archive-date=April 25, 2010 }}</ref> In 1975, the face masks were changed to white from grey.

The Broncos wore their white jerseys at home throughout the {{nfly|1971}} season, as well as for {{nfly|1980}} home games against the [[San Diego Chargers]] and [[Dallas Cowboys]], the latter in hopes to bring out the "blue jersey jinx" which has followed the Cowboys for decades. (The Broncos won 41–20.) The Broncos wore their white jerseys for {{nfly|1983}} home games against the [[Philadelphia Eagles]], [[Los Angeles Raiders]] and [[Cincinnati Bengals]], but did not wear white at home again for two decades&nbsp;— ''see next section''.<ref name="Endzone"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://endzonesportscharities.org/gunews.htm |title=Endzone's Denver Broncos Game-Used News & Price Guide Page |access-date=June 16, 2010 |archive-date=November 19, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119115236/http://endzonesportscharities.org/gunews.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

In {{nfly|1994}}, in honor of the 75th anniversary season of the [[National Football League|NFL]], the Broncos wore their {{nfly|1965}} [[throwback uniforms]] for two games—a Week 3 home game against the Raiders and a road game at the [[Buffalo Bills]] the following week.<ref name="Endzone"/>

===1997–2011===
[[File:Thunder (horse mascot) 2018.JPG|thumb|[[Thunder (mascot)|Thunder]] (mascot)]]
The Broncos radically changed their logo and uniforms in {{nfly|1997}}, a design that the team used until 2023. The new logos and uniforms were unveiled on February 4, 1997.<ref>{{cite news|title=New uniforms for a new era|url=http://history.denverbroncos.com/1997/02/new-uniforms-for-a-new-era/|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=February 4, 1997|access-date=October 16, 2017|archive-date=October 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016075849/http://history.denverbroncos.com/1997/02/new-uniforms-for-a-new-era/|url-status=live}}</ref> Navy blue replaced royal blue on the team's color scheme. The current logo is a profile of a horse's head, with an orange mane and navy blue outlines.<ref name="2012UniformChange"/> The Broncos' popular live animal mascot [[Thunder (mascot)|Thunder]] was the inspiration to incorporate a horse-head profile as part of the logo on the team's helmets.<ref name=Pomeroy>{{cite web|last=Pomeroy|first=L.A.|title=Thunder: Denver's Favorite Bronco |url=http://www.arabianhorses.org/marketplace/mah_articles/MAH_Broncos_Thunder_Dec12.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114152708/http://www.arabianhorses.org/marketplace/mah_articles/MAH_Broncos_Thunder_Dec12.pdf| work=Modern Arabian Horse|publisher=Arabian Horse Association|access-date=January 26, 2014|archive-date= November 14, 2014 |pages=62–67 |year=2012}}</ref> During a February 4, 1997, press conference introducing the new logo, the team president and the art director for [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]], who were the creators of the new design, described it as "a powerful horse with a fiery eye and mane."<ref>{{cite press release|title=Broncos unveil new uniform and logo|url=http://www.nfl.com/broncos/news/0204newuni.html|website=NFL.com/Broncos|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=February 4, 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970419112211/http://www.nfl.com/broncos/news/0204newuni.html|archive-date=April 19, 1997|access-date=June 29, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Broncos began wearing navy blue jerseys, replacing their longtime orange jerseys that had been the team's predominant home jersey color since 1962. This new uniform design features a new word mark, numbering font and a streak that runs up and down the sides of both the jerseys and the pants. On the navy blue jerseys, the streak is orange, with an orange collar and white numerals trimmed in orange, while on the road white jerseys, the streak is navy blue, with a thin orange accent strip on both sides, a navy collar and navy numerals trimmed in orange; the helmet facemasks became navy blue. When they debuted, these uniforms were vilified by the press and fans, until the Broncos won their first-ever [[Super Bowl XXXII|Super Bowl]] in the new design that same season. The navy blue jerseys served as the team's primary home jersey until the end of the {{nfly|2011}} season&nbsp;— ''see next section''.<ref name="2012UniformChange">{{cite news|last=Saccomano|first=Jim|title=New Uniforms and Old Traditions|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/new-uniforms-and-old-traditions-12608363|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=October 3, 2011|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=August 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809015334/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/new-uniforms-and-old-traditions-12608363|url-status=live}}</ref>

In {{nfly|2002}}, the Broncos introduced an alternate orange jersey that is a mirror image of the aforementioned navy blue jerseys, but with orange and navy trading places. Like the road white jerseys, the white pants with the navy blue streaks running down the sides are worn with this uniform. This jersey was used only once in the 2002 and {{nfly|2004}} seasons, and were used twice per season from 2008 to 2011. [[Mike Shanahan]], the team's [[List of Denver Broncos head coaches|head coach]] from 1995 to 2008, was not a big fan of the alternate orange jerseys.<ref>{{cite news |title=Broncos' RBs turn in uneven performances |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_15671807 |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=August 4, 2010 |access-date=August 4, 2010 |archive-date=August 5, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100805232254/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_15671807 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Broncos previously wore orange jerseys as a throwback uniform in a [[NFL on Thanksgiving Day|Thanksgiving Day]] game at the [[Dallas Cowboys]] in {{nfly|2001}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://endzonesportscharities.org/history.htm |title=ESC's Denver Broncos Uniform History |access-date=March 26, 2019 |archive-date=September 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901003221/http://endzonesportscharities.org/history.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

The team also introduced navy blue pants in {{nfly|2003}}, with orange side streaks to match with the navy blue jerseys. Though they were part of the uniform change in 1997 (in fact, they were worn for a couple of 1997 preseason games) and most players wanted to wear them, the only player who vetoed wearing them was [[John Elway]], thereby delaying their eventual introduction.<ref name="2003Uniforms">{{cite web |url=http://endzonesportscharities.org/PDFs/Uni_2003.pdf |title=End Zone Sports Charities |access-date=November 23, 2012 |archive-date=March 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306082655/http://endzonesportscharities.org/PDFs/Uni_2003.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> From 2003 to 2011, these pants were primarily used for select prime-time and late-season home games (excluding the {{nfly|2008}} season), and since {{nfly|2012}}, are used exclusively with the now-alternate navy blue jerseys&nbsp;— ''see next section''.

On November 16, 2003, the Broncos wore their white jerseys at home for the first time since {{nfly|1983}}, in a game vs. the [[San Diego Chargers]]. This was compensation for a uniform mix-up, after the teams' first meeting at [[San Diego]]'s [[Qualcomm Stadium]] in Week 2 earlier that season, when the Chargers were the team that was supposed to declare their uniform color. The Chargers were planning to wear their white jerseys, but the visiting Broncos came to the stadium in white, and were fined [[Dollar sign|$]]25,000 by the [[National Football League|NFL]] as a result. When the two teams met at [[Empower Field at Mile High|INVESCO Field at Mile High]] later that season (Week 11), the NFL allowed the visiting Chargers to choose their uniform color in advance, and they chose navy blue, forcing the Broncos to wear their white jerseys at home.<ref name="2003Uniforms"/>

In {{nfly|2009}}, in honor of their 50th anniversary season as one of the eight original [[American Football League]] teams, the Broncos wore their 1960 throwback uniforms (brown helmets, mustard yellow and brown jerseys) for games against two fellow AFL rivals—a Week 5 home game vs. the [[New England Patriots]], as well as the following week at the San Diego Chargers.<ref name="legacy">{{cite news|title=NFL announces 2009 AFL 'Legacy Games'|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-2009-afl-legacy-games-09000d5d81029dc6|publisher=National Football League|date=July 19, 2009|access-date=July 19, 2009|archive-date=July 17, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100717034221/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81029dc6/article/nfl-announces-2009-afl-legacy-games|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="post">{{cite news |author=Klis, Mike |url=http://www.denverpost.com/premium/broncos/ci_13530153 |title=Even if they win, the Broncos figure to look bad in their throwback uniforms Sunday |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=October 10, 2009 |access-date=October 10, 2009 |archive-date=October 13, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091013094303/http://www.denverpost.com/premium/broncos/ci_13530153 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2012–2023===
[[File:Broncos uniforms.png|thumb|left|The Denver Broncos uniform set from 1997 to 2023. The navy blue jersey was worn as a primary home jersey from 1997 to 2011 before becoming an alternate jersey in 2012, while the orange jersey was introduced as an alternate in 2002 and became the primary home jersey in 2012. White pants with orange stripes were also worn with the navy blue jersey.]]

Beginning in {{nfly|2012}}, the orange jerseys that served as the alternate colored jerseys from 2002 to 2011 became the primary home jersey, while the navy blue jerseys that served as the primary home jersey from 1997 to 2011 switched to alternate designation.<ref name="y995">{{cite web | last=Klis | first=Mike | title=NFL approves Broncos' switch back to orange uniforms | website=The Denver Post | date=October 3, 2011 | url=https://www.denverpost.com/2011/10/03/nfl-approves-broncos-switch-back-to-orange-uniforms/ | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref> The change was made due to overwhelming popularity with the fans, who pressured the Broncos to return to orange as the team's primary home jersey color.<ref name="2012UniformChange"/> Since the 2012 uniform change, the team has worn the alternate navy blue jerseys for at least one home game per season, with the exception of {{nfly|2013}}, in which the Broncos wore their alternate navy blue uniforms for an October 6, 2013, road game at the [[Dallas Cowboys]], which the Broncos won in a shootout, 51–48.<ref>{{cite news|last=Klis|first=Mike|title=Broncos to wear alternate blue uniforms vs. Cowboys in Dallas|url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_24217311/broncos-wear-alternate-blue-uniforms-vs-cowboys-dallas|newspaper=The Denver Post|date=October 1, 2013|access-date=October 1, 2013|archive-date=October 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001230736/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_24217311/broncos-wear-alternate-blue-uniforms-vs-cowboys-dallas|url-status=live}}</ref> The team will either wear the navy blue or the white pants&nbsp;– with the orange side stripes&nbsp;– to match with the alternate navy blue jerseys. The team initially did not wear the white pants with the orange side stripes, until a November 1, 2015, game vs. the [[Green Bay Packers]], in which the Broncos wore said design to match the uniform ensemble that was used during the team's [[Super Bowl XXXII]] win over the Packers.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mason|first=Andrew|title=Blue thunder: Broncos to break out blue jerseys against Packers, Raiders|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/blue-thunder-broncos-to-break-out-blue-jerseys-against-packers-raiders-15705441|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=August 20, 2015|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=May 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523220241/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/blue-thunder-broncos-to-break-out-blue-jerseys-against-packers-raiders-15705441|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 30, 2022, the Broncos debuted a new combination of white jerseys and alternate navy blue pants in an [[NFL International Series|NFL London Game]] at the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]], with mismatched side stripes of navy blue (white jersey) and orange (navy blue pants).<ref>{{cite news|last=Swanson|first=Ben|title=Broncos to debut new uniform combination for London game vs. Jaguars|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-to-debut-new-uniform-combination-for-london-game-vs-jaguars|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=October 26, 2022|access-date=October 27, 2022}}</ref>

As the designated home team in [[Super Bowl 50]], the Broncos&nbsp;– who have a 0–4 [[List of Super Bowl champions|Super Bowl]] record when using their standard orange jerseys&nbsp;– chose to wear their white jerseys as the designated "home" team.<ref>{{cite news|last=Swanson|first=Ben|title=Broncos to wear white uniforms in Super Bowl 50|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-to-wear-white-uniforms-in-super-bowl-50-16746473|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=January 25, 2016|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=May 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523220236/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-to-wear-white-uniforms-in-super-bowl-50-16746473|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Patra|first=Kevin|title=Broncos choose to wear white jerseys in Super Bowl|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-choose-to-wear-white-jerseys-in-super-bowl-0ap3000000628505|publisher=National Football League|date=January 25, 2016|access-date=December 19, 2021}}</ref>

In {{nfly|2016}}, the Broncos' unveiled a new [[NFL Color Rush|Color Rush]] uniform, which the team wore for a ''[[Thursday Night Football|Thursday Night]]'' game at the [[2016 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]] on October 13, 2016. The uniform kit contained the following features: orange pants, which the team wore for the first time since 1979, orange socks and shoes, along with block-style numerals trimmed in navy blue that mirrored the team's 1968–1996 uniform style. Due to the [[National Football League|NFL]]'s one-helmet rule implemented in 2013, the helmets remained the same, with the team temporarily replacing the modern primary logo with the throwback "D-horse" logo.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mason|first=Andrew|title=NFL reveals Color Rush jersey for the Broncos|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/nfl-reveals-color-rush-jersey-for-the-broncos-17676130|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=September 13, 2016|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=May 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523220240/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/nfl-reveals-color-rush-jersey-for-the-broncos-17676130|url-status=live}}</ref> The same uniform was used for a Thursday night game against the [[2017 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]] during the {{nfly|2017}} season and again during a 2018 game against the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Boniface|first=Daniel|title=What do you think about the Denver Broncos 'color rush' uniforms?|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2017/12/13/denver-broncos-color-rush-uniforms/|newspaper=The Denver Post|date=December 13, 2017|access-date=December 13, 2017|archive-date=December 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213190359/http://www.denverpost.com/2017/12/13/denver-broncos-color-rush-uniforms/|url-status=live}}</ref> In a Week 2 game vs. the [[Washington Commanders]] in [[2023 Denver Broncos season|2023]], the Broncos wore their white jerseys at home for the first time since [[2003 Denver Broncos season|2003]], to honor the 25th anniversary of the [[Super Bowl XXXIII]] team.<ref>{{cite web |last=DiLalla |first=Aric |title=Broncos announce 2023 jersey schedule |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-announce-2023-jersey-schedule |work=Denver Broncos |date=August 21, 2023 |accessdate=August 21, 2023}}</ref> In 2023, the Color Rush uniforms were paired with a white alternate helmet, again using the modernized "D-horse" logo,<ref>{{Cite news |last=DiLalla |first=Aric |date=July 25, 2023 |title=Broncos unveil new 'Snowcapped' alternate helmet |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-unveil-new-snowcapped-alternate-helmet |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=DenverBroncos.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC}}</ref> and were discontinued at the end of that season, with the arrival of a new uniform kit in 2024—''see next section''.

===2024–present===
[[File:Denver Broncos Uniforms 2024-Present.png|thumb|The Denver Broncos uniform set from 2024 to present, known as the "Mile High Collection."]]
On April 22, 2024, the Broncos unveiled a simpler uniform design, eliminating the mismatched jersey and pant stripes that characterized their 1997 redesign and reverting to a more vintage block number style and letters inspired by the signage of [[List of protected areas of Colorado|Colorado's national parks]]. The set consists of a primary home orange and road white uniform, and an alternate navy blue uniform; all uniforms could be worn with either orange, white or navy blue pants.<ref name="BroncosMileHighUnis" /> The striping on the uniform is a nod to the [[Rocky Mountains]]. The primary helmets remain navy blue while the alternate remains white; both feature the current Broncos logo with triangle clusters on top to represent Denver's elevation. The Broncos also unveiled a throwback 1977 "Orange Crush" uniform along with the royal blue "D-horse" helmet; this is due to the NFL allowing teams with new uniforms to unveil a second alternate helmet this season.<ref name="BroncosMileHighUnis" /><ref name="ShookBroncosUnis2024" /><ref>{{cite news|last=DiLalla|first=Aric|title=Broncos unveil 1977 throwback uniform honoring Orange Crush era|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-unveil-1977-throwback-uniform-honoring-orange-crush-era|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=DenverBroncos.com|date=April 22, 2024|access-date=April 22, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Mile High Collection|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/uniforms/|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=DenverBroncos.com|date=April 22, 2024|access-date=April 22, 2024}}</ref>

In 2025, after the NFL allowed teams to pair their alternate helmets with the primary uniforms and vice versa, the Broncos took advantage by unveiling two mono-color uniform sets. On September 29, against the [[2025 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]], they paired their all-navy blue alternate uniforms with the primary navy blue helmet.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rehklau|first=Kennedy|title=Broncos to debut all-Midnight Navy uniform combination vs. Bengals |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-to-debut-all-midnight-navy-uniform-combination-vs-bengals|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=DenverBroncos.com|date=September 28, 2025|access-date=December 26, 2025}}</ref> Then on [[NFL on Christmas Day|Christmas Day]] at the [[2025 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]], they wore the all-white uniforms with the alternate white helmet.<ref>{{cite news|last=DiLalla|first=Aric|title=Broncos to wear all-Summit White uniforms for Week 17 matchup vs. Chiefs |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-to-wear-all-summit-white-uniforms-for-week-17-matchup-vs-chiefs|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=DenverBroncos.com|date=December 22, 2025|access-date=December 26, 2025}}</ref>

==Statistics and records==

===Season-by-season records===
{{main|List of Denver Broncos seasons}}

Since their first season in 1960, the Broncos have an all-time record of 518–472–10 as of the {{nfly|2024}} season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/ |access-date=February 24, 2025 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

==Players of note==

===Current roster===
{{Denver Broncos roster}}

===Retired numbers===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|border=2}};"|Denver Broncos retired numbers
|-
! style="{{Gridiron alt primary style|Denver Broncos}};"|No.
! style="{{Gridiron alt primary style|Denver Broncos}};"|Player
! style="{{Gridiron alt primary style|Denver Broncos}};"|Position
! style="{{Gridiron alt primary style|Denver Broncos}};"|Career
! style="{{Gridiron alt primary style|Denver Broncos}};" data-sort-type="number" |Retired
|-
| '''7''' || data-sort-value="Elway, John" | [[John Elway]] || [[List of Denver Broncos starting quarterbacks|QB]] || 1983–1998 || data-sort-value="1999" | September 13, 1999
|-
|rowspan=2| '''18''' || data-sort-value="Tripucka, Frank" | [[Frank Tripucka]] || QB || 1960–1963 || 1963–2012
|-
| data-sort-value="Manning, Peyton" | [[Peyton Manning]] || QB || 2012–2015 <sup>†</sup> || 2016 <sup>†</sup>
|-
| '''44''' || data-sort-value="Little, Floyd" | [[Floyd Little]] || [[Running back|RB]] || 1967–1975 || 1984
|}
'''† Note:''' No. 18 was re-issued for [[Peyton Manning]] after Tripucka gave his approval; it was used by Manning from the [[2012 Denver Broncos season|2012 season]] until his retirement after the [[2015 Denver Broncos season|2015 season]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Ex-Bronco Tripucka says Manning can wear familiar No. 18|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ex-bronco-tripucka-says-manning-can-wear-familiar-no-18-09000d5d827ba3e0|publisher=National Football League|date=March 20, 2012|access-date=June 29, 2016|archive-date=April 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427033458/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d827ba3e0/article/exbronco-tripucka-says-manning-can-wear-familiar-no-18|url-status=live}}</ref> Manning's name was added to the retired number's banner as an honorable mention.<ref name="l698">{{cite web | last=Kirk | first=Alexander | title=Retired Broncos numbers get new signage at Denver stadium | website=KUSA.com | date=May 19, 2023 | url=https://www.9news.com/article/sports/nfl/denver-broncos/broncos-retired-numbers/73-0da3c818-f0a3-4233-8466-d8a3a1f720fc#:~:text=DENVER%20%E2%80%94%20The%20retired%20numbers%20of,Frank%20Tripucka%20and%20Peyton%20Manning. | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Lynch|first=Tim|date=September 18, 2016|title=Denver Broncos to unveil retired number signage on Sunday|url=https://www.milehighreport.com/2016/9/18/12955042/broncos-to-unveil-retired-jerseys-colts|access-date=January 20, 2021|website=Mile High Report|language=en|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128043418/https://www.milehighreport.com/2016/9/18/12955042/broncos-to-unveil-retired-jerseys-colts|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Swanson|first=Ben|title=Broncos unveil retired numbers tribute in pregame ceremony|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-unveil-retired-numbers-tribute-in-pregame-ceremony-17712043|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=September 18, 2016|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=May 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523220236/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-unveil-retired-numbers-tribute-in-pregame-ceremony-17712043|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Pro Football Hall of Famers===
[[File:Champ Bailey.JPG|thumb|upright|Hall of Fame CB [[Champ Bailey]]]]
[[File:Terrell Davis 2017.JPG|thumb|upright|Hall of Fame RB [[Terrell Davis]]]]
[[File:Uso-show-john-elway-defenselink-mil.jpg|thumb|upright|Hall of Fame QB [[John Elway]]]]
[[File:Floyd Little denver71.png|thumb|upright|Hall of Fame RB [[Floyd Little]]]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|border=2}};"|Denver Broncos Hall of Famers
|-
! colspan="5" style="{{Gridiron alt primary style|Denver Broncos}};"|Players
|-
! No.
! Name
! Position(s)
! Season(s)
! Inducted
|-
| 24 || {{sortname|Willie|Brown|dab=American football}} || [[Cornerback|CB]] || 1963–1966 || 1984
|-
| 33|| {{sortname|Tony|Dorsett}} || [[Running back|RB]] || 1988 || 1994
|-
| 7 || '''{{sortname|John|Elway}}''' || [[List of Denver Broncos starting quarterbacks|QB]] || 1983–1998 || 2004
|-
| 65 || '''{{sortname|Gary|Zimmerman}}''' || [[Offensive tackle|OT]] || 1993–1997 || 2008
|-
| 44 || '''{{sortname|Floyd|Little}}''' || [[Running back|RB]] || 1967–1975 || 2010
|-
| 84 || '''{{sortname|Shannon|Sharpe}}''' || [[Tight end|TE]] || 1990–1999<br />2002–2003 || 2011
|-
| 30|| '''{{sortname|Terrell|Davis}}''' || [[Running back|RB]] || 1995–2001 || 2017
|-
| 20 || {{sortname|Brian|Dawkins}} || SS || 2009–2011 || 2018
|-
| 24 || '''{{sortname|Champ|Bailey}}''' || [[Cornerback|CB]] || 2004–2013 || 2019
|-
| 26 || {{sortname|Ty|Law}} || [[Cornerback|CB]] || 2009 || 2019
|-
| 27 || '''{{sortname|Steve|Atwater}}''' || FS || 1989–1998 || 2020
|-
| 47 || {{sortname|John|Lynch|dab=American football}} ||SS || 2004–2007 || 2021
|-
| 18 || {{sortname|Peyton|Manning}} || QB || 2012–2015 || 2021
|-
| 94 || {{sortname|DeMarcus|Ware}} || [[Linebacker|LB]] || 2014–2016 || 2023
|-
| data-sort-value="52" | 52, 53 || '''{{sortname|Randy|Gradishar}}'''  || LB || 1974–1983 || 2024
|-
! colspan="5" style="{{Gridiron alt primary style|Denver Broncos}};"|Coaches and Contributors
|-
! colspan="2"|Name
! Position(s)
! Season(s)
! Inducted
|-
| colspan="2"|'''{{sortname|Pat|Bowlen}}''' || Owner/[[Chief Executive Officer|CEO]] || 1984–2019 || 2019
|}

===Ring of Fame===
The Broncos have a Ring of Fame on the Level 5 facade of [[Empower Field at Mile High#Denver Broncos Ring of Fame|Empower Field at Mile High]], which honors the following:<ref>{{Cite web |title=All 37 Broncos Ring of Fame members |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/photos/ring-of-fame-inductees-15405196 |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=DenverBroncos.com |language=}}</ref><ref name="p923">{{cite web | last=Heath | first=Jon | title=View all the players in the Broncos Ring of Fame | website=Broncos Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=June 27, 2024 | url=https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/lists/denver-broncos-every-player-in-ring-of-fame-in-2024/ | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|border=2}}"|Denver Broncos Ring of Fame
|-
! style="{{Gridiron alt primary style|Denver Broncos}};"|No.
! style="{{Gridiron alt primary style|Denver Broncos}};"|Name
! style="{{Gridiron alt primary style|Denver Broncos}};"|Position(s)
! style="{{Gridiron alt primary style|Denver Broncos}};"|Seasons
! style="{{Gridiron alt primary style|Denver Broncos}};"|Inducted
|-
| '''23''' || data-sort-value="Gonsoulin, Goose" | [[Goose Gonsoulin]] || [[Safety (gridiron football position)|S]] || 1960–1966 || 1984
|-
| '''87''' || data-sort-value="Jackson, Rich" | [[Rich Jackson]] || [[Defensive end|DE]] || 1967–1972 || 1984
|-
| '''44''' || data-sort-value="Little, Floyd" | [[Floyd Little]] || [[Running back|RB]] || 1967–1975 || 1984
|-
| '''87''' || data-sort-value="Taylor, Lionel" | [[Lionel Taylor]] || [[End (gridiron football)|E]]|| 1960–1966 || 1984
|-
| — || data-sort-value="Phipps, Gerald" | [[Gerald Phipps]] || Owner || 1961–1981 || 1985
|-
| '''12''' || data-sort-value="Johnson, Charley" | [[Charley Johnson]] || [[Quarterback|QB]] || 1972–1975 || 1986
|-
| '''70''' || data-sort-value="Smith, Paul" | [[Paul Smith (defensive end)|Paul Smith]] || [[Defensive tackle|DT]]|| 1968–1978 || 1986
|-
| '''18''' || data-sort-value="Tripucka, Frank" | [[Frank Tripucka]] || QB || 1960–1963 || 1986
|-
| '''36''' || data-sort-value="Thompson, Billy" | [[Bill Thompson (American football)|Billy Thompson]] || S || 1969–1981 || 1987
|-
| '''7''' || data-sort-value="Morton, Craig" | [[Craig Morton]] || QB || 1977–1982 || 1988
|-
| '''25''' || data-sort-value="Moses, Haven" | [[Haven Moses]] || [[Wide receiver|WR]] || 1972–1981 || 1988
|-
| '''15''' || data-sort-value="Turner, Jim" | [[Jim Turner (placekicker)|Jim Turner]] || [[Placekicker|K]] || 1971–1979 || 1988
|-
| '''53''' || data-sort-value="Gradishar, Randy" | [[Randy Gradishar]] || [[Linebacker|LB]] || 1974–1983 || 1989
|-
| '''57''' || data-sort-value="Jackson, Tom" | [[Tom Jackson (American football, born 1951)|Tom Jackson]] || LB || 1973–1986 || 1992
|-
| '''20''' || data-sort-value="Wright, Louis" |[[Louis Wright (American football)|Louis Wright]] || [[Cornerback|CB]] || 1975–1986 || 1993
|-
| '''7''' || data-sort-value="Elway, John" | [[John Elway]] || QB, [[General manager (American football)|General manager]]|| 1983–1998<br />2011–2020 || 1999
|-
| '''77''' || data-sort-value="Mecklenburg, Karl" | [[Karl Mecklenburg]] || LB || 1983–1995 || 2001
|-
| '''49''' || data-sort-value="Smith, Dennis" | [[Dennis Smith (American football)|Dennis Smith]] || S || 1981–1994 || 2001
|-
| '''65''' || data-sort-value="Zimmerman, Gary" | [[Gary Zimmerman]] || [[Offensive tackle|OT]] || 1993–1997 || 2003
|-
| '''27''' || data-sort-value="Atwater, Steve" | [[Steve Atwater]] || S || 1989–1998 || 2005
|-
| '''30''' || data-sort-value="Davis, Terrell" | [[Terrell Davis]] || RB || 1995–2001 || 2007
|-
| '''84''' || data-sort-value="Sharpe, Shannon" | [[Shannon Sharpe]] || [[Tight end|TE]]|| 1990–1999, 2002–2003 || 2009
|-
| '''80''' || data-sort-value="Smith, Rod" | [[Rod Smith (wide receiver)|Rod Smith]] || WR || 1994–2006 || 2012 <!--NOTE: Rod Smith did not play at all in 2007 due to hip replacement surgery, and he retired prior to the 2008 season.-->
|-
| '''66''' || data-sort-value="Nalen, Tom" | [[Tom Nalen]] || [[Center (gridiron football)|C]] || 1994–2007 || 2013
|-
| '''21''' || data-sort-value="Mingo, Gene" | [[Gene Mingo]] || [[Halfback (American football)|HB]], K || 1960–1964 || 2014
|-
| — || data-sort-value="Reeves, Dan" | [[Dan Reeves]] || [[List of Denver Broncos head coaches|Head coach]] || 1981–1992 || 2014
|-
| '''80''' || data-sort-value="Upchurch, Rick" | [[Rick Upchurch]] || [[Wide receiver|WR]], [[Punt returner|PR]], [[Kick returner|KR]]|| 1975–1983 || 2014
|-
| — || data-sort-value="Bowlen, Pat" | [[Pat Bowlen]] || Owner || 1984–2013 || 2015
|-
| '''1''' || data-sort-value="Elam, Jason" | [[Jason Elam]] || K || 1993–2007 || 2016
|-
| '''73''' || data-sort-value="Fletcher, Simon" | [[Simon Fletcher (American football)|Simon Fletcher]] || LB || 1985–1995 || 2016
|-
| '''47''' || data-sort-value="Lynch, John" | [[John Lynch (American football)|John Lynch]] || S || 2004–2007 || 2016
|-
| — || data-sort-value="Miller, Red" | [[Red Miller]] || Head coach || 1977–1980 || 2017
|-
| '''24''' || data-sort-value="Bailey, Champ" | [[Champ Bailey]] || CB || 2004–2013 || 2019
|-
| — || data-sort-value="Shanahan, Mike" | [[Mike Shanahan]] || Head coach || 1984–1987 (WR Coach / QB Coach / Offensive Coordinator)<br>1989–1991 (QB Coach / Offensive Coordinator)<br>1995–2008 (Head Coach) || 2020
|-
| '''18''' || data-sort-value="Manning, Peyton" | [[Peyton Manning]] || QB || 2012–2015 || 2021
|-
| '''43''' || data-sort-value="Foley, Steve" | [[Steve Foley (defensive back)|Steve Foley]] || S || 1976–1986 || 2024
|-
| '''88''' || data-sort-value="Odoms, Riley" | [[Riley Odoms]] || TE || 1972–1983 || 2024
|-
| '''88''' || data-sort-value="Thomas, Demaryius" | [[Demaryius Thomas]] || WR || 2010–2018 || 2025
|}

===50th Anniversary Team===
The Denver Broncos announced the club's 50th anniversary team on September 15, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bena |first=John |title=Denver Broncos 50th Anniversary Team Released |website=Mile High Report |date=September 15, 2009 |url=https://www.milehighreport.com/2009/9/15/1032381/denver-broncos-50th-anniversary#:~:text=Along%20with%20the%20first%20team,Riley%20Odoms%20at%20tight%20end. |access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref> The anniversary team was voted on by users at DenverBroncos.com from June 6 to September 4, 2009.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
! scope="col" | Position
! scope="col" | Player
! scope="col" | Tenure
|-
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|border=2}}" | Offense
|-
| [[Quarterback|QB]]
| [[John Elway]]
| 1983–1998
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Running back|RB]]
| [[Terrell Davis]]
| 1995–2001
|-
| [[Floyd Little]]
| 1967–1975
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Wide receiver|WR]]
| [[Ed McCaffrey]]
| 1995–2003
|-
| [[Rod Smith (wide receiver)|Rod Smith]]
| 1994–2007
|-
| [[Tight end|TE]]
| [[Shannon Sharpe]]
| 1990–1999, <br> 2002–2003
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Tackle (gridiron football position)|OT]]
| [[Matt Lepsis]]
| 1997–2007
|-
| [[Gary Zimmerman]]
| 1993–1997
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Guard (gridiron football)|G]]
| [[Keith Bishop (American football)|Keith Bishop]]
| 1980–1989
|-
| [[Mark Schlereth]]
| 1995–2000
|-
| [[Center (gridiron football)|C]]
| [[Tom Nalen]]
| 1994–2008
|-
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|border=2}}" | Defense
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Defensive end|DE]]
| [[Simon Fletcher (American football)|Simon Fletcher]]
| 1985–1995
|-
| [[Rich Jackson]]
| 1967–1972
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Defensive tackle|DT]]
| [[Trevor Pryce]]
| 1997–2005
|-
| [[Rubin Carter (American football)|Rubin Carter]]
| 1975–1986
|-
| rowspan="3" | [[Linebacker|LB]]
| [[Karl Mecklenburg]]
| 1983–1994
|-
| [[Randy Gradishar]]
| 1974–1983
|-
| [[Tom Jackson (American football, born 1951)|Tom Jackson]]
| 1973–1986
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Cornerback|CB]]
| [[Champ Bailey]]
| 2004–2013
|-
| [[Louis Wright (American football)|Louis Wright]]
| 1975–1986
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Safety (gridiron football position)|S]]
| [[Steve Atwater]]
| 1989–1998
|-
| [[Dennis Smith (American football)|Dennis Smith]]
| 1981–1994
|- 
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|border=2}}" | Special teams
|-
| [[Placekicker|K]]
| [[Jason Elam]]
| 1993–2007
|-
| [[Punter (gridiron football)|P]]
| [[Tom Rouen]]
| 1993–2002
|-
| [[Return specialist|RS]]
| [[Rick Upchurch]]
| 1975–1983
|-
| colspan="3" style="text-align: center;" | '''Source:'''<ref>{{cite news|title=BRONCOS ANNOUNCE 50th ANNIVERSARY TEAM|url=http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/BRONCOS-ANNOUNCE-50th-ANNIVERSARY-TEAM/ce65c9c7-7892-11df-ba56-acc8e62813e9|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=September 15, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215082249/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/BRONCOS-ANNOUNCE-50th-ANNIVERSARY-TEAM/ce65c9c7-7892-11df-ba56-acc8e62813e9|archive-date=December 15, 2014|access-date=May 23, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|}

{{Broncos50th}}

===Super Bowl MVPs===
The Broncos have had three players win Super Bowl MVP in franchise history.<ref name="k083">{{cite magazine | last=Manzano | first=Gilberto | title=Ranking All 57 Super Bowl MVPs, From Bart Starr to Patrick Mahomes | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=February 7, 2024 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2024/02/07/ranking-all-57-super-bowl-mvps-bart-starr-patrick-mahomes | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|border=2}};"|Super Bowl MVP Winners
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos}};"|Super Bowl
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos}};"|Player
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos}};"|Position
|-
| [[Super Bowl XXXII|XXXII]] || [[Terrell Davis]] || [[Running back|RB]]
|-
| [[Super Bowl XXXIII|XXXIII]] || [[John Elway]] || [[List of Denver Broncos starting quarterbacks|QB]]
|-
| [[Super Bowl 50|50]]|| [[Von Miller]] || [[Linebacker|LB]]
|}

===Colorado Sports Hall of Fame===
{{main|Colorado Sports Hall of Fame}}

==Staff and head coaches==

===Head coaches===
{{main|List of Denver Broncos head coaches}}

The Broncos have had 20 head coaches serve in the capacity in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos Coaches |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/coaches.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

===Current staff===
{{Denver Broncos staff}}

==In the media and popular culture==
* Tim McKernan, a.k.a. [[Barrel Man (Denver Broncos)|Barrel Man]], began wearing a barrel in 1977 after making a $10 (equivalent to ${{inflation|US|10|1977|r=-1|fmt=c}} in {{inflation/year|US}}) bet with his brother, Scott, that by wearing one he could get on television. McKernan won the bet, and the barrel he had painted to look like an [[Orange Crush]] soda can became his signature costume, and resulted in him becoming one of the Broncos' most recognized fans and a popular mascot. McKernan died on December 5, 2009.<ref>{{cite news |author=Espinoza, Annette |title=Tim McKernan, "Barrel Man" to Broncos fans, dies at 69 |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_13934615 |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=December 5, 2009 |access-date=December 6, 2009 |archive-date=December 8, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091208021320/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_13934615 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* The animated television show ''[[South Park]]'', set in [[Park County, Colorado|Park County]], often mentions the Denver Broncos; show creators [[Trey Parker]] and [[Matt Stone]] both grew up in Colorado as devout Broncos fans.<ref>{{cite news|last=Parker|first=Ryan|title=Denver Broncos owe success to 'South Park' hilariously claim creators Parker and Stone|url=http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2014/01/24/denver-broncos-owe-success-south-park-hilariously-claim-creators-parker-stone/25685/|newspaper=The Denver Post|date=January 24, 2014|access-date=June 29, 2016|archive-date=March 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091419/http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2014/01/24/denver-broncos-owe-success-south-park-hilariously-claim-creators-parker-stone/25685/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* In ''[[The Simpsons]]'' season 5 episode [[Cape Feare]], when the family are to be given new identities, Homer imagines himself as John Elway, scoring a (consolation) touchdown against San Francisco. Conversely, in the 1996 episode "[[You Only Move Twice]]", Hank Scorpio gives Homer Simpson the Denver Broncos as a thank-you gift for helping him. However, Homer complains that he wanted to own the [[Dallas Cowboys]], as the Broncos team that just arrived are playing very sloppy football on his front lawn (a reference to the team losing four Super Bowl appearances, three by significant margins including [[Super Bowl XII]] against Dallas). Incidentally, the Broncos were 13–3 in the 1996 season, and won the Super Bowl the next two seasons. Only two seasons later in the Super Bowl-centric episode "[[Sunday, Cruddy Sunday]]", Homer chooses Denver as his [[Super Bowl XXXIII]] pick over Moe's choice of the [[Atlanta Falcons]]. In the episode, "[[The Bonfire of the Manatees]]", Homer picks the Broncos to win the Super Bowl over the [[Seattle Seahawks]]. The two teams later did play against each other in [[Super Bowl XLVIII]] which aired on [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]], the U.S. home of ''The Simpsons''; but the result was a Seahawks victory instead.
* In the 1979 ''[[Mork & Mindy]]'' episode "Hold That Mork", Mork's character, played by [[Robin Williams]], became the first male [[Denver Broncos Cheerleaders|cheerleader in Broncos' history]]. As a member of the "Pony Express", he trotted out on the field at [[Mile High Stadium]] during an actual Broncos' game vs. the [[New England Patriots]] on November 11, 1979. The episode aired exactly two weeks later.<ref>{{cite news |author=Jhabvala, Nicki |title=Robin Williams, aka "Mork", made Broncos history as first male cheerleader |url=http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2014/08/11/robin-williams-denver-broncos-cheerleader/28744/ |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=August 11, 2014 |access-date=August 11, 2014 |archive-date=August 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812111129/http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2014/08/11/robin-williams-denver-broncos-cheerleader/28744/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Many former Broncos are now in broadcasting, including [[Shannon Sharpe]], [[Mark Schlereth]], [[Alfred Williams]], [[Tom Jackson (American football, born 1951)|Tom Jackson]], [[Ed McCaffrey]], [[Brian Griese]], [[David Diaz-Infante]], [[Terrell Davis]] and [[Brandon Stokley]]. Some former Broncos work in radio, [[KKFN]] and [[KDFD]] in Denver, Colorado.
* Former tight end and wide receiver [[Nate Jackson (American football)|Nate Jackson]] has written and published two nonfiction books, ''Slow Getting Up'' and ''Fantasy Man''. His writing about the NFL has appeared in ''[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]'',<ref name="slate-nj">{{cite web |url=http://www.slate.com/authors.nate_jackson.html | title=Authors: Nate Jackson | work=Slate | publisher=The Slate Group, LLC | year=2013 | access-date=August 22, 2013 | archive-date=August 19, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819043734/http://www.slate.com/authors.nate_jackson.html | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Deadspin]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kinja.com/slowgettingup | title=Search results for 'Nate Jackson' | work=Deadspin.com | publisher=Gawker Media | year=2013 | access-date=August 22, 2013 | archive-date=August 11, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811112126/https://kinja.com/slowgettingup | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The Daily Beast]]'',<ref name="dailybeast-nj">{{cite web |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/12/04/murder-doesn-t-shake-nfl-s-dream-world-of-consequence-free-violence.html | title=Murder Doesn't Shake NFL's Dream World of Consequence-Free Violence | work=The Daily Beast | publisher=Newsweek/The Daily Beast Company, LLC | date=December 4, 2012 | access-date=August 22, 2013 | author=Jackson, Nate | archive-date=September 27, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927104020/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/12/04/murder-doesn-t-shake-nfl-s-dream-world-of-consequence-free-violence.html | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'',<ref name="NYT-nj">{{cite web |url=https://query.nytimes.com/search/sitesearch/#/*/since1851/allresults/1/bynate+jackson/ | title=NYTimes.com Search | work=[[The New York Times]] | year=2013 | access-date=August 22, 2013 | archive-date=January 4, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104185600/http://query.nytimes.com/search/sitesearch/#/*/since1851/allresults/1/bynate+jackson/ | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'',<ref name="wsj-nj">{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704005404576176792241983886 | title=Why a Lockout Would Be Good for Football | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=March 5, 2011 | access-date=August 22, 2013 | author=Jackson, Nate | archive-date=September 11, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911203451/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704005404576176792241983886 | url-status=live }}</ref> and ''[[BuzzFeed]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/natejackson?language=en |title=Nate Jackson on BuzzFeed |website=[[BuzzFeed]] |date=October 8, 2012 |access-date=March 21, 2019 |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090803/https://www.buzzfeed.com/natejackson?language=en |url-status=live }}</ref> among others. Jackson also co-hosts the ''Caveman Poet Society''.<ref>{{cite web |title=About |url=http://cavemanpoetsociety.com/?page_id=8 |website=Caveman Poet Society Podcast |access-date=February 21, 2019 |archive-date=February 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222152044/http://cavemanpoetsociety.com/?page_id=8 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Radio and television==
{{main|List of Denver Broncos broadcasters}}

The Broncos' flagship radio station is currently [[KOA (AM)|KOA]], 850AM, a 50,000-watt station owned by [[iHeartMedia]].<ref name="u663">{{cite web | title=KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM | website=KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM | date=August 4, 2024 | url=https://koacolorado.iheart.com/ | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> [[Dave Logan (American football)|Dave Logan]] is the play-by-play announcer, with former Broncos' wide receiver [[Ed McCaffrey]] serving as the color commentator beginning in 2012, replacing [[Brian Griese]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Jones, Lindsay |title=Ed McCaffrey joins KOA Broncos broadcast team |url=http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2012/07/31/ed-mccaffrey-joins-koa-broncos-broadcast-team/14562 |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=July 31, 2012 |access-date=July 31, 2012 |archive-date=August 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801235033/http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2012/07/31/ed-mccaffrey-joins-koa-broncos-broadcast-team/14562/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Ed McCaffrey was replaced by Rick Lewis. Until 2010, preseason games not selected for airing on national television were shown on [[KCNC-TV|KCNC]], channel 4, which is a [[CBS]] [[owned-and-operated station]], as well as other CBS affiliates around the [[Rocky Mountain]] region. On May 26, 2011, the Broncos announced that [[KUSA-TV|KUSA]] channel 9, an [[NBC]] affiliate also known as '''9NEWS''' in the Rocky Mountain region, will be the team's new television partner for preseason games.<ref name="BroadcastPartners">{{cite web|title=Denver Broncos Radio Affiliates|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/audio/affiliates|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=May 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523220240/https://www.denverbroncos.com/audio/affiliates|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2011, the Broncos began a partnership with [[KJMN]], 92.1 FM, a leading [[Spanish language]] radio station owned by [[Entravision|Entravision Communications]] (EVC). The partnership also includes broadcasting rights for a half-hour weekly TV show on [[KCEC (TV)|KCEC]], the local [[Univision]] affiliate operated by EVC.<ref name="BroadcastPartners"/>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
'''Notes'''
{{reflist}}

'''Further reading'''
* Dater, Adrian (2007) ''The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Denver Broncos: Heart-Pounding, Jaw-Dropping, and Gut-Wrenching Moments from Denver Broncos History''. Triumph Books. {{ISBN|1-57243-975-0}}
* Frei, Terry (2009) ''{{'}}77: Denver, The Broncos, and A Coming of Age'' . Taylor Trade Publishing. {{ISBN|1-58979-213-0}}
* [[Craig Morton|Morton, Craig]] and Dater, Adrian (2008) ''Then Morton Said to Elway...: The Best Denver Broncos Stories Ever Told'', [[Triumph Books]]. {{ISBN|1-60078-121-7}}
* Saccomano, Jim (2007) ''Game of My Life: Denver Broncos: Memorable Stories of Broncos Football''.  Sports Publishing LLC. {{ISBN|1-59670-091-2}}
* Saccomano, Jim and [[John Elway|Elway, John]] (2009) ''Denver Broncos: The Complete Illustrated History''. MBI Publishing Company, {{ISBN|0-7603-3476-5}}
* Sandler, Michael (2007) ''John Elway and the Denver Broncos: Super Bowl XXXIII''.  Bearport Publishing Company. {{ISBN|1-59716-536-0}}
* Stewart, Mark (2006)''The Denver Broncos''. Norwood House Press. {{ISBN|1-59953-066-X}}
* Zimmer, Larry (2004) ''Denver Broncos: Colorful Tales of the Orange and Blue''.  Globe Pequot Press. {{ISBN|0-7627-2766-7}}

==External links==
{{sister project links|auto=yes}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://www.nfl.com/teams/denver-broncos/ Denver Broncos] at the [[National Football League]] official website
*[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/ Franchise Encyclopedia] at [[Pro Football Reference]]

{{Denver Broncos}}
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|titlestyle = {{NFLPrimaryStyle|Denver Broncos|border=2}}
|list =
{{s-start}}
{{s-bef|before = [[Green Bay Packers]]}}
{{s-ttl|title = [[Super Bowl]] champions|years = [[Super Bowl XXXII|1997 (XXXII)]], [[Super Bowl XXXIII|1998 (XXXIII)]]}}
{{s-aft|after = [[Los Angeles Rams|St. Louis Rams]]}}
{{s-bef|before = [[New England Patriots]]}}
{{s-ttl|title = [[Super Bowl]] champions|years = [[Super Bowl 50|2015 (50)]]}}
{{s-aft|after = [[New England Patriots]]}}
{{s-end}}
{{Denver Broncos roster navbox}}
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{{Portal bar|American football|Colorado}}
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[[Category:Denver Broncos| ]]
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