Under head coach Mike Shanahan, the Broncos
captured the first Super Bowl championship in the franchise’s
history by defeating the Green Bay Packers in 1998. The team
returned to the Super Bowl in 1999 and defeated the Atlanta
Falcons.
The Broncos became charter members of the American Football
League (AFL) in 1960. Despite strong defensive units that included
cornerback Goose Gonsoulin and tackles Dave Costa and Bud McFadin,
Denver’s best AFL win-loss record was 7-7 in 1962.
The Broncos joined the NFL when the NFL and AFL completed their
merger in 1970. In 1973 the Broncos posted a 7-5 win-loss record
behind head coach John Ralston, who won the coach of the year
award. Running back Floyd Little and wide receiver Riley Odoms
powered the AFC’s top-rated offense that year.
The Broncos steadily improved through the 1970s and surprised
the league in 1977 when they won a franchise-record 12 games
behind head coach Red Miller. The team captured its first-ever
Western Division title with the AFC’s top defense, which
was anchored by end Lyle Alzado, linebacker Randy Gradishar,
and cornerback Louis Wright. Quarterback Craig Morton piloted
a steady offense, and the Broncos advanced to the Super Bowl,
where they lost to the Dallas Cowboys. Denver made the playoffs
the following two seasons but fell in the first round each time.
During the 11 years following the strike-shortened season of
1982, Denver made 7 postseason appearances. As a rookie, John
Elway led the team to a playoff berth in 1983 and to 13 victories
in 1984. In the latter year, wide receiver Steve Watson and
running back Sammy Winder each enjoyed 1,000-yard seasons. The
club once again fielded the AFC’s top defense, this time
anchored by linebacker Karl Mecklenburg and safety Dennis Smith.
Reeves guided Denver to three Super Bowls in four years during
the late 1980s, but despite offensive units that featured Elway,
running back Bobby Humphrey, and receiver Vance Johnson, as
well as consistently strong defenses, the Broncos failed to
earn an NFL championship.
During the mid-1990s Denver remained a division power as the
team’s offense added wide receivers Shannon Sharpe and
Anthony Miller and running back Terrell Davis. The Broncos hired
former San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan
as head coach before the 1995 season. A year later he guided
Denver to 13 regular-season wins and an AFC Western Division
title. In the playoffs, however, the Broncos were upset by the
Jacksonville Jaguars.
Denver finished the 1997 season with a 12-4 win-loss record,
earning a wild card berth in the AFC playoffs. They bested the
Jaguars, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Pittsburgh Steelers
to advance to the Super Bowl. In Super Bowl XXXII Denver defeated
the Green Bay Packers 31-24. The team was led by Davis, who
rushed for 157 yards. In 1998 the Broncos posted a 14-2 win-loss
record during the regular season. Denver defeated the Miami
Dolphins and the New York Jets to gain its fifth Super Bowl
appearance. In Super Bowl XXXIII, the Broncos bested the Atlanta
Falcons, 34-19. After the season, Elway retired.
1978 XII Lost to Dallas Cowboys, 27-10
1987 XXI Lost to New York Giants, 39-20
1988 XXII Lost to Washington Redskins, 42-10
1990 XXIV Lost to San Francisco 49ers, 55-10
1998 XXXII Defeated Green Bay Packers, 31-24
1999 XXXIII Defeated Atlanta Falcons, 34-19
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