Denver Broncos All-Time First-Team A Definitive Roster
The Denver Broncos, a storied franchise with a rich history, have seen numerous legendary players don the orange and blue. As we delve into the Broncos' all-time first-team, it's essential to recognize the challenge of selecting just a handful of individuals from a pool of exceptional talent. This roster represents the best of the best, players who have not only excelled on the field but have also left an indelible mark on the franchise and its fans. From Super Bowl champions to Hall of Famers, this team embodies the Broncos' winning tradition and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Quarterback: John Elway
John Elway, without a doubt, stands as the Broncos' all-time first-team quarterback. His name is synonymous with the franchise, and his legacy is etched in NFL history. Elway's career spanned 16 seasons, all with the Broncos, during which he led the team to five Super Bowl appearances, winning two of them in dramatic fashion. His remarkable arm strength, uncanny ability to escape pressure, and unwavering competitiveness made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Elway's clutch performances, often engineered in the fourth quarter, earned him the moniker "The Drive" and solidified his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. Beyond his on-field achievements, Elway's leadership and charisma made him a beloved figure in Denver and a true icon of the sport. His impact on the Broncos extends far beyond statistics; he represents the heart and soul of the franchise, a symbol of resilience, determination, and unwavering belief. Elway's presence elevated the Broncos to national prominence, transforming them from a struggling team into a perennial contender. His legacy continues to inspire players and fans alike, making him an easy choice for the Broncos' all-time first team.
Running Back: Terrell Davis
When discussing the Broncos' all-time first-team running back, Terrell Davis is the clear frontrunner. Davis's career, though tragically shortened by injuries, was nothing short of spectacular. In just seven seasons, he established himself as one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history. Davis possessed a rare blend of speed, power, and vision, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His signature cutback move became his trademark, leaving defenders grasping at air. Davis's peak years, from 1996 to 1998, were legendary. He led the league in rushing yards in 1996 and 1998, and in 1998, he became only the fourth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. More importantly, Davis was instrumental in the Broncos' back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1997 and 1998. He earned Super Bowl XXXII MVP honors, rushing for 157 yards and three touchdowns against the heavily favored Green Bay Packers. Davis's combination of talent, determination, and impact on the team's success makes him an easy selection for the Broncos' all-time first team. His legacy serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of football careers and the importance of seizing every opportunity.
Wide Receivers: Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey
Selecting the Broncos' all-time first-team wide receivers requires acknowledging the dynamic duo of Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey. These two players formed a formidable partnership that helped define the Broncos' passing attack during their Super Bowl-winning era. Rod Smith, an undrafted free agent, defied expectations to become the Broncos' all-time leading receiver. His career spanned 12 seasons, during which he amassed over 11,000 receiving yards and 68 touchdowns. Smith's toughness, reliability, and ability to make clutch catches made him a favorite target of both John Elway and Brian Griese. He possessed a knack for getting open and making contested catches, often in critical situations. Ed McCaffrey, on the other hand, brought a combination of size, speed, and precision route running to the Broncos' offense. His sure hands and ability to find the soft spots in the defense made him a valuable asset in the passing game. McCaffrey's career with the Broncos coincided with the team's Super Bowl victories, and his contributions were instrumental in their success. Together, Smith and McCaffrey formed a complementary pairing that terrorized opposing defenses. Their chemistry, work ethic, and dedication to the team make them deserving selections for the Broncos' all-time first team. Their impact on the franchise's history is undeniable, and their names are forever etched in Broncos lore.
Tight End: Shannon Sharpe
When it comes to the Broncos' all-time first-team tight end, Shannon Sharpe is the undisputed choice. Sharpe revolutionized the tight end position with his athleticism, receiving skills, and flamboyant personality. He spent 12 seasons with the Broncos, during which he established himself as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. Sharpe possessed the speed and agility of a wide receiver, combined with the size and strength of a tight end. His route-running ability and sure hands made him a dangerous target in the passing game. Sharpe was also a fierce competitor and a master of trash talk, often getting under the skin of opposing defenders. Beyond his individual accolades, Sharpe was a key component of the Broncos' Super Bowl-winning teams in 1997 and 1998. His leadership, passion, and ability to make clutch plays made him a beloved figure in Denver. Sharpe's impact on the Broncos extends beyond his statistics; he helped redefine the tight end position and paved the way for future generations of athletic tight ends. His legacy as one of the greatest Broncos of all time is secure, making him an easy selection for the Broncos' all-time first team.
Offensive Line: Gary Zimmerman, Mark Schlereth, Tom Nalen, Brian Habib, and Tony Jones
The Broncos' all-time first-team offensive line is a testament to the team's commitment to protecting its quarterbacks and paving the way for its running backs. This unit features a collection of talented and tenacious players who formed the backbone of the Broncos' offensive success for many years. Gary Zimmerman, the Hall of Fame left tackle, anchored the line with his exceptional pass-blocking skills and run-blocking prowess. His consistency and leadership made him a cornerstone of the Broncos' offensive line. Mark Schlereth, the fiery and outspoken guard, brought toughness and intensity to the unit. His passion for the game and unwavering commitment to his teammates made him a fan favorite. Tom Nalen, the cerebral and technically sound center, was the glue that held the line together. His intelligence, leadership, and ability to make line calls were crucial to the Broncos' offensive success. Brian Habib, the powerful and versatile guard, provided a physical presence and a relentless work ethic. His ability to play multiple positions made him a valuable asset to the team. Tony Jones, the steady and reliable right tackle, rounded out the unit with his consistency and dependability. Together, these five players formed a cohesive and dominant offensive line that helped the Broncos win two Super Bowls. Their dedication, teamwork, and excellence make them deserving selections for the Broncos' all-time first team.
Defensive Line: Trevor Pryce, Keith Traylor, and Alfred Williams
When assembling the Broncos' all-time first-team defensive line, it's crucial to recognize the players who brought both skill and tenacity to the field. This unit is composed of individuals who consistently disrupted opposing offenses, applying pressure on quarterbacks and stifling the run game. Trevor Pryce, a four-time Pro Bowler, stands out for his exceptional athleticism and versatility. Pryce's ability to rush the passer and defend the run made him a constant threat to opposing offenses. His combination of speed, power, and intelligence allowed him to excel at multiple positions along the defensive line. Keith Traylor, a massive and powerful defensive tackle, provided a stout presence in the middle of the line. Traylor's ability to clog running lanes and disrupt blocking schemes made him a valuable asset in the Broncos' run defense. His strength and durability allowed him to anchor the defensive line for many years. Alfred Williams, a disruptive and relentless defensive end, brought a high motor and a knack for making big plays. Williams's ability to rush the passer and set the edge made him a key component of the Broncos' defense. His passion for the game and his commitment to excellence made him a fan favorite. Together, Pryce, Traylor, and Williams formed a formidable defensive line that helped the Broncos compete for championships. Their talent, toughness, and impact on the team's success make them deserving selections for the Broncos' all-time first team.
Linebackers: Randy Gradishar, Karl Mecklenburg, and Al Wilson
The linebacking corps is the heart and soul of any great defense, and the Broncos' all-time first-team linebackers exemplify this. These players were not only exceptional athletes but also intelligent and instinctive football players who consistently made game-changing plays. Randy Gradishar, the leader of the famed "Orange Crush" defense, is a Broncos legend. Gradishar was a tackling machine, known for his exceptional instincts, leadership, and relentless pursuit of the ball. His intelligence and preparation allowed him to anticipate plays and make tackles all over the field. Karl Mecklenburg, a versatile and tenacious linebacker, could play any position on the front seven. Mecklenburg's relentless motor, physicality, and ability to rush the passer made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. His versatility and toughness allowed him to make an impact in every game. Al Wilson, a hard-hitting and passionate linebacker, brought a fierce intensity to the Broncos' defense. Wilson's leadership, toughness, and ability to make big plays made him a fan favorite. His passion for the game and his commitment to his teammates were evident in every snap. Together, Gradishar, Mecklenburg, and Wilson form a formidable linebacking trio that embodies the Broncos' defensive tradition. Their talent, leadership, and impact on the team's success make them deserving selections for the Broncos' all-time first team.
Cornerbacks: Champ Bailey and Louis Wright
For the Broncos' all-time first-team cornerbacks, Champ Bailey and Louis Wright stand out as the premier choices. These two players represent the epitome of cornerback excellence, combining exceptional athleticism, technique, and football IQ. Champ Bailey, acquired in a blockbuster trade in 2004, quickly established himself as one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history. His coverage skills were unmatched, and his ability to shut down opposing receivers was legendary. Bailey's intelligence, anticipation, and ball skills allowed him to intercept passes and make game-changing plays. He was also a fierce competitor and a respected leader, earning the admiration of his teammates and opponents alike. Louis Wright, a cornerstone of the "Orange Crush" defense, was a dominant cornerback for over a decade. Wright's size, strength, and speed made him a formidable opponent for any receiver. His physicality and aggressiveness set the tone for the Broncos' defense. Together, Bailey and Wright represent the gold standard for Broncos cornerbacks. Their talent, longevity, and impact on the team's success make them deserving selections for the Broncos' all-time first team. Their names are synonymous with cornerback excellence in Denver.
Safeties: Steve Atwater and Dennis Smith
The safety position is crucial to any successful defense, and the Broncos' all-time first-team safeties, Steve Atwater and Dennis Smith, exemplify the ideal combination of hard-hitting physicality and intelligent play. These two players struck fear into the hearts of opposing offenses with their punishing tackles and exceptional coverage skills. Steve Atwater, known as "The Smiling Assassin," was one of the most feared hitters in NFL history. His bone-jarring tackles became his trademark, and his presence in the secondary instilled confidence in his teammates. Atwater's athleticism, intelligence, and leadership made him a cornerstone of the Broncos' defense. Dennis Smith, a six-time Pro Bowler, was a consistent and reliable presence in the Broncos' secondary for over a decade. Smith's versatility, intelligence, and toughness allowed him to excel in both run support and pass coverage. His leadership and dedication to the team made him a beloved figure in Denver. Together, Atwater and Smith formed a formidable safety tandem that helped the Broncos win two Super Bowls. Their talent, physicality, and impact on the team's success make them deserving selections for the Broncos' all-time first team. Their names are etched in Broncos history as two of the greatest safeties to ever wear the orange and blue.
Special Teams: Jason Elam (Kicker), Riley Odoms (Punter), and Rick Upchurch (Returner)
Special teams often get overlooked, but they play a vital role in the outcome of games. The Broncos' all-time first-team special teams unit features three players who excelled in their respective roles, consistently providing the team with an edge. Jason Elam, the Broncos' all-time leading scorer, was one of the most accurate and consistent kickers in NFL history. Elam's booming leg and clutch performances made him a valuable asset to the team for over 15 seasons. Riley Odoms, a four-time Pro Bowler, was a punting specialist known for his booming kicks and ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory. Odoms's consistency and accuracy helped the Broncos control field position for many years. Rick Upchurch, a four-time Pro Bowler, was one of the most electrifying returners in NFL history. Upchurch's speed, agility, and knack for finding the end zone made him a constant threat to score on punt and kickoff returns. Together, Elam, Odoms, and Upchurch formed a special teams unit that consistently contributed to the Broncos' success. Their talent, consistency, and impact on the team's overall performance make them deserving selections for the Broncos' all-time first team.
Selecting an all-time team is always a subjective exercise, sparking debate and discussion among fans. However, the players chosen for this Broncos' all-time first-team represent the best of the best, individuals who have not only excelled on the field but have also left an enduring legacy in Denver. From Super Bowl champions to Hall of Famers, this team embodies the Broncos' winning tradition and unwavering commitment to excellence. Their contributions to the franchise will be celebrated for generations to come.
