On September 9, 1960, the Denver Broncos won 13-10 against the Patriots to make it the first game in American Football League history. This fall, the team will open its 60th season against the Raiders in Oakland. The Mile High City has seen thousands of Broncos players wear the jersey. Some have had memorable careers while others have become legends.
K.C. Jones signed with the Denver Broncos as a Rookie Free Agent in 1997. Jones missed two seasons due to injuries but played 16 games in 2000 as Special Teams player. However, after failing a pre-camp physical in 2001, he was released. He is considered one of the best Broncos to wear the number 60. A true Bronco, Jones has the Super Bowl Ring from the 1998 season and is the most successful player to wear the number.
The 2022 NFL draft class of the Denver Broncos is already in place. Justin Simmons, a third-round pick last year, led the team with five interceptions. He finished the season with eighty tackles, including 59 solos. He had four tackles and 1.5 sacks. He was the only interior lineman to start all 16 games in a season, and he’s expected to keep improving his performance in the coming years.
The general manager of the Denver Broncos, John Elway, should be given more credit for the success of the team. Elway has signed and drafted some outstanding talent since his appointment as GM. He has also brought in some excellent free agents. While there were ups and downs, Elway’s leadership is responsible for the team’s success. He also owns several car dealerships, restaurants, and other businesses, so he’s well-known in the business world.
The 1960 Denver Broncos were 0-8-1 in their last 10 games and 4-9-1 overall. They averaged 6,823 at Bears Stadium in their final two home games, losing to the New York Jets and Buffalo, and finishing last in the Western Division. The next year, 1961, the Broncos had to settle for third in the AFL. In 1962, Griffing, the team’s star quarterback, was killed. The team also lost the vertical stripes socks.
The Broncos will be making significant changes in the upcoming season. As the team began their season with a 3-1 record, they moved into the top spot of the AFL West. Taylor was the league’s leader in receptions (92), yards-per-touch (13.1), as well as rushing touchdowns (58). After one month, the Raiders were still in the playoff picture. However, a late touchdown by Lionel Taylor gave Broncos an advantage of 10-7.