History of Denver Broncos in Timeline
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are part of the NFL's American Football Conference (AFC) West division. Their headquarters are located in Dove Valley, Colorado.
August 14, 1959: Denver Broncos Founded
On August 14, 1959, minor league baseball owner Bob Howsam was awarded an American Football League (AFL) charter franchise and founded the Denver Broncos.
September 9, 1960: Denver Broncos Win First AFL Game
On September 9, 1960, the Denver Broncos won their first game as a member of the American Football League, beating the Boston Patriots 13–10.
1960: Broncos' Throwback Uniforms Inspired by this Era
The throwback uniforms worn by the Denver Broncos in 2009 were inspired by the uniforms worn in 1960.
1960: Denver Broncos Join the American Football League
In 1960, the Denver Broncos were founded and began play as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL).
1960: Broncos Debut Unique Uniforms
The Denver Broncos debut with eye-catching uniforms featuring white and mustard yellow jerseys, brown helmets, brown pants, and vertically striped socks.
1960: Denver Broncos Begin Play at Mile High Stadium
The Denver Broncos began playing their home games at Mile High Stadium in 1960.
May 1961: Gerald Phipps Purchases Denver Broncos
In May 1961, Gerald Phipps purchased the Denver Broncos from original owner Bob Howsam.
1962: Denver Broncos Have Only Winning Season in AFL
In 1962, the Denver Broncos had their only winning season during their time in the AFL, finishing the season 7-7.
1962: New Logo and Colors Unveiled
The Denver Broncos introduce a new logo featuring a bucking horse and switch their team colors to orange, royal blue, and white, also updating their uniforms with white pants, orange helmets, and orange or white jerseys.
1962: Orange as Predominant Home Jersey Color
The Denver Broncos make orange their primary home jersey color, a tradition that continues until 1997.
1965: Denver Broncos Close to Losing Franchise
In 1965, the Denver Broncos were close to losing their franchise before a local ownership group took control and rebuilt the team.
1965: Throwback Uniform Origin
This is the year the throw back uniform the Denver Broncos wore in 1994 originated.
August 5, 1967: Denver Broncos Become First AFL Team to Defeat an NFL Team
On August 5, 1967, the Denver Broncos became the first-ever AFL team to defeat an NFL team, beating the Detroit Lions 13–7 in a preseason game.
1967: Floyd Little Signs with Denver Broncos
In 1967, Floyd Little, the team's first superstar, signed with the Denver Broncos, becoming instrumental in keeping the team in Denver.
1968: Broncos' New Color Rush Uniform Inspired by this Era
The Denver Broncos' new Color Rush uniform was inspired by the uniform style worn from 1968 to 1996.
1968: Orange Crush Era Begins
The Denver Broncos unveil the 'Orange Crush' uniform design, featuring a redesigned logo with the horse emerging from a 'D', royal blue helmets, and thin stripes on the sleeves.
1969: End of Denver Broncos' Time in the American Football League
In 1969, the Denver Broncos finished their tenth and final season as a part of the American Football League.
1969: End of Annual Meetings During AFL Years
The Broncos and Patriots met twice annually during the American Football League (AFL) years from 1960 to 1969.
1969: Orange Pants Introduced
The Denver Broncos begin wearing orange pants with their white jerseys, a style they continue to use through 1971.
1970: Denver Broncos Join the National Football League
In 1970, the Denver Broncos joined the National Football League (NFL) as part of the AFL-NFL merger.
1970: Denver Broncos Become Part of the NFL
In 1970, the Denver Broncos officially became part of the National Football League (NFL) due to the AFL-NFL merger.
1970: Consistent Sellouts After AFL-NFL Merger
Since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, the Denver Broncos have consistently sold out all their home games, including postseason games, with the exception of two replacement games during the 1987 strike.
1971: Broncos' Previous Back-to-Back Losing Seasons
The Broncos last had back-to-back losing seasons in 1971 and 1972.
1971: End of First Orange Pants Era
The Denver Broncos discontinue wearing orange pants with their white jerseys after three seasons.
1971: White Jerseys at Home
The Denver Broncos wear their white jerseys for all home games throughout the 1971 season.
1972: John Ralston Hired as Head Coach
In 1972, the Denver Broncos hired former Stanford University coach John Ralston as their head coach.
1972: Broncos' Previous Back-to-Back Losing Seasons
The Broncos last had back-to-back losing seasons in 1971 and 1972.
1973: John Ralston Named UPI's AFC Coach of the Year
In 1973, John Ralston was named the UPI's AFC Coach of the Year, after leading the Denver Broncos to their first winning season at 7–5–2.
1973: Denver Broncos Achieve First Winning Season
In 1973, the Denver Broncos had their first winning season in franchise history.
1974: Start of Home Field Dominance
The Denver Broncos embark on a 32-year stretch (1974-2006) with the best home record in pro football, showcasing their dominance at Mile High Stadium.
1975: Denver Broncos Begin Period of Success
Since 1975, the Denver Broncos have become one of the NFL's most successful teams.
1975: White Facemasks Adopted
The Denver Broncos switch from gray to white facemasks on their helmets.
1976: John Ralston Resigns
In 1976, John Ralston resigned as head coach of the Denver Broncos after several prominent players publicly voiced their discontent with him.
1977: Red Miller Leads Denver Broncos to First Playoff and Super Bowl Appearance
In 1977, Red Miller, along with the Orange Crush Defense and quarterback Craig Morton, took the Denver Broncos to their first playoff appearance and Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.
1977: Denver Broncos Make First Playoff and Super Bowl Appearances
In 1977, the Denver Broncos had their first winning season, advancing to their first playoffs and Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.
1977: Seahawks Join the AFC West
The Seattle Seahawks joined the AFC West in 1977.
1977: Broncos' Throwback "Orange Crush" Uniform Inspired by this Era
The throwback "Orange Crush" uniform unveiled by the Denver Broncos on April 22, 2024, was inspired by the uniforms worn in 1977.
1978: Return of the Orange Pants
The Denver Broncos reintroduce orange pants to be worn with their white jerseys.
1979: Second Orange Pants Era Ends
The Denver Broncos once again stop wearing orange pants with their white jerseys.
1979: Broncos Last Wore Orange Pants
Prior to 2016, the last time the Denver Broncos wore orange pants was in 1979.
1980: White Jerseys for Select Home Games
The Denver Broncos opt to wear their white jerseys for home games against the San Diego Chargers and Dallas Cowboys, aiming to evoke the 'blue jersey jinx' associated with the Cowboys.
1981: Edgar Kaiser Jr. Purchases Denver Broncos
In 1981, Canadian financier Edgar Kaiser Jr. purchased the Denver Broncos from Gerald Phipps.
1981: Dan Reeves Becomes Head Coach
In 1981, Dan Reeves became the youngest head coach (37) in the NFL when he joined the Broncos as vice president and head coach.
1983: Kubiak's Time as Backup Quarterback Begins
Gary Kubiak started his time as a backup quarterback for the Denver Broncos in 1983, supporting John Elway. This period marked the start of his long association with the team.
1983: John Elway Joins Denver Broncos
In 1983, Quarterback John Elway joined the Denver Broncos via a trade after being drafted by the Baltimore Colts with the first pick of the draft.
1983: Broncos Last Wore White Jerseys at Home
Prior to November 16, 2003, the last time the Denver Broncos wore their white jerseys at home was in 1983.
1983: Playoff Loss Against the Seahawks
The Broncos lost a playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks in 1983.
1983: White Jersey Home Games
The Denver Broncos wear their white jerseys for home games against the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Raiders, and Cincinnati Bengals, marking their last instance of wearing white at home for two decades.
1984: Pat Bowlen Purchases Denver Broncos
In 1984, Canadian businessman Pat Bowlen purchased the Denver Broncos from Edgar Kaiser Jr..
1984: Pat Bowlen's Ownership Begins
Pat Bowlen became the owner of the Denver Broncos in 1984, commencing a long and impactful period for the franchise. His ownership is a significant part of the Broncos' history.
1985: Dominance of the 1985 Bears' Defense
The 1985 Chicago Bears' defense is widely recognized as one of the greatest in NFL history. Their dominance throughout the season set a standard for defensive performance in the league.
1986: Denver Broncos Win AFC Championship
In 1986, the Denver Broncos won the AFC Championship.
1986: The Drive
In 1986, John Elway led "The Drive" in the waning moments of the AFC Championship game against the Browns at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, tying the game and leading to a 23-20 win in overtime.
January 4, 1987: John Elway's First Playoff Win
On January 4, 1987, John Elway achieved his first career playoff win against the Patriots.
1987: Denver Broncos Win AFC Championship
In 1987, the Denver Broncos won the AFC Championship.
1987: Player's Strike Impact on Ticket Sales
In 1987, a player's strike resulted in two replacement games that were not sold out, despite all other games being sold out after the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.
1987: The Fumble
In the 1987 AFC Championship game, the Broncos faced the Browns again. Denver had a strong lead, but the Browns rallied. With the Browns nearing a game-tying touchdown, Broncos safety Jeremiah Castille stripped Browns running back Earnest Byner of the football in a play forever known as "The Fumble" to Browns fans. The Broncos recovered, took an intentional safety, and secured a 38-33 win.
1989: Third AFC Championship Win Against the Browns
In 1989, the Broncos and Browns met for the third time in the AFC Championship game, which the Broncos decisively won 37-21.
1989: Denver Broncos Win AFC Championship
In 1989, the Denver Broncos won the AFC Championship.
1991: End of Kubiak's Backup Quarterback Role
Gary Kubiak's tenure as a backup quarterback for the Denver Broncos came to an end in 1991. He had served in this role, backing up John Elway, for eight seasons.
1991: Mike Shanahan's Departure
In 1991, head coach Dan Reeves ousted Mike Shanahan from his role as offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, a move that contributed to friction between Reeves and quarterback John Elway.
1992: End of the Reeves-Elway Era
Marked by feuding over play-calling and draft decisions, the twelve-year partnership between Dan Reeves and John Elway in Denver came to an end in 1992 with Reeves' firing.
1994: Wade Phillips' Short Tenure
After replacing Dan Reeves as head coach in 1992, Wade Phillips was fired after a disappointing 1994 season in which he was perceived to have lost control of the team.
1994: Throwback Uniforms Worn
In celebration of the NFL's 75th anniversary season, the Denver Broncos wear their 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.
1995: Kubiak's Role as Offensive Coordinator Starts
Gary Kubiak began serving as the offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos in 1995. This move marked a significant step in his coaching career with the team.
1995: Mike Shanahan Returns as Head Coach
In 1995, Mike Shanahan returned to the Denver Broncos as head coach, having previously served as the team's offensive coordinator under Dan Reeves.
1995: Mike Shanahan Becomes Head Coach of the Broncos
Mike Shanahan became the head coach of the Broncos in 1995 and remained in the position until 2008.
1995: Start of Frequent Meetings During the Regular Season
Since 1995, the Broncos and the Patriots frequently met during the regular season, including nine consecutive seasons from 1995 to 2003.
1996: Salary Cap Violations Revealed
An NFL investigation revealed in the early 2000s that the Denver Broncos had violated the salary cap during their 1996, 1997, and 1998 championship seasons by improperly deferring money to John Elway and Terrell Davis.
1996: Top Seed and Playoff Upset
The Denver Broncos achieved a 13-3 record and secured the top seed in the AFC in 1996, but their season ended with an upset loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the divisional round of the playoffs.
1996: Broncos' New Color Rush Uniform Inspired by this Era
The Denver Broncos' new Color Rush uniform was inspired by the uniform style worn from 1968 to 1996.
February 4, 1997: New Logo and Uniform Design Unveiled
The Denver Broncos introduce a radically redesigned logo and uniforms, featuring a navy blue and orange color scheme and a horse-head profile inspired by their live mascot, Thunder.
1997: Denver Broncos Win AFC Championship and Super Bowl XXXII
In 1997, the Denver Broncos won both the AFC Championship and Super Bowl XXXII.
1997: Super Bowl XXXII Victory
In 1997, the Denver Broncos won their first Super Bowl, defeating the defending champion Green Bay Packers 31-24 in Super Bowl XXXII. Terrell Davis was named Super Bowl MVP.
1997: Navy Blue Pants Part of Broncos' Uniform Change
Navy blue pants were originally part of the Denver Broncos' uniform change in 1997.
1997: Broncos' Back-to-Back Super Bowl Wins
The Denver Broncos achieved back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1997 and 1998, establishing a period of significant success for the franchise. These championships are considered part of the Broncos' legacy.
1997: Broncos Begin Using Navy Blue as Primary Home Jersey
The Denver Broncos began using navy blue jerseys as their primary home jersey in 1997.
1997: Broncos' Previous Uniform Redesign
The previous uniform redesign by the Denver Broncos occurred in 1997.
1997: First Super Bowl Victory
In 1997, the Broncos defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-21 at Three Rivers Stadium in the AFC Championship. This victory led them to their first Super Bowl win.
1998: Second Consecutive Super Bowl Victory for Broncos
Following their 1997 Super Bowl win, the Denver Broncos continued their winning streak with a second consecutive Super Bowl victory in 1998, solidifying their place in NFL history.
1998: Denver Broncos Win AFC Championship and Super Bowl XXXIII
In 1998, the Denver Broncos won both the AFC Championship and Super Bowl XXXIII.
1998: John Elway's Retirement
John Elway retired from professional football after the 1998 season.
1998: Manning's Rookie Season with the Colts
Peyton Manning's rookie season with the Indianapolis Colts in 1998 marked the beginning of his illustrious career in the NFL. His performance during this season set the stage for his future accomplishments.
1998: First AFC West Title Since 1998
The Denver Broncos secured the AFC West divisional title in 2005, marking their first such championship since 1998.
1999: First Losing Season Since 1999
The Denver Broncos had their first losing season since 1999, ending 2007 with a 7-9 record.
1999: Struggles After Elway
The Denver Broncos struggled in 1999, finishing with a 6-10 record, largely due to a season-ending injury to running back Terrell Davis.
2000: Wild Card Berth and Playoff Loss
The Denver Broncos recovered from a down year in 1999 to earn a Wild Card playoff berth in 2000, but lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens.
2000: Denver Broncos Play Final Season at Mile High Stadium
The Denver Broncos played their final season at Mile High Stadium in 2000.
2000: The 2000 Ravens' Defensive Prowess
The Baltimore Ravens' defense in 2000 is considered one of the most formidable in NFL history. Their performance throughout the season set a benchmark for defensive excellence.
2001: Denver Broncos Move to Empower Field at Mile High
In 2001, the Denver Broncos began playing their home games at Empower Field at Mile High.
2001: Broncos Wear Orange Jerseys as Throwback Uniforms
The Broncos wore orange jerseys as a throwback uniform during a Thanksgiving Day game against the Dallas Cowboys in 2001.
2001: New Stadium Opens
The Denver Broncos move into their new home, Invesco Field at Mile High, built next to the site of the demolished Mile High Stadium.
2001: End of Seahawks' Tenure in the AFC West
The Seattle Seahawks remained in the AFC West until 2001.
2001: Beginning of the Manning-Brady Rivalry
The legendary rivalry between Peyton Manning and Tom Brady began in 2001.
2002: Exceptional Defense of the 2002 Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense in 2002 is widely acclaimed as one of the most dominant in NFL history. Their strong defensive performance contributed significantly to the team's success.
2002: Broncos Begin Using Orange Jerseys as Alternate
The Denver Broncos began using orange jerseys as their alternate jersey in 2002.
2002: Seahawks Move to the NFC West
In 2002, the Seahawks moved to the NFC West as part of the NFL's realignment.
2002: Broncos Introduce Alternate Orange Jersey
In 2002, the Denver Broncos introduced an alternate orange jersey as a mirror image of the navy blue jerseys.
2002: Draft Pick Penalty
As punishment for salary cap violations, the Denver Broncos were stripped of their third-round pick in the 2002 NFL Draft.
November 16, 2003: Broncos Wear White Jerseys at Home for the First Time Since 1983
On November 16, 2003, the Denver Broncos wore their white jerseys at home for the first time since 1983, for a game against the San Diego Chargers.
2003: End of Consecutive Meetings
From 1995 to 2003, the Broncos and Patriots met for nine consecutive seasons.
2003: Jake Plummer Takes Over at Quarterback
Jake Plummer, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals, replaced Brian Griese as the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos in 2003.
2003: Broncos Introduce Navy Blue Pants
The Denver Broncos introduced navy blue pants with orange side streaks in 2003.
2003: Broncos Last Wore White Jerseys at Home
The last time the Denver Broncos wore their white jerseys at home before 2023 was in 2003.
2004: The Denver Post Drops Stadium Naming Policy
The Denver Post abandons its policy of referring to the Broncos' new stadium as 'Mile High Stadium' in protest, officially acknowledging it as Invesco Field at Mile High.
2004: Pat Bowlen Places Broncos Ownership in Family Trust
Sometime before 2004, Pat Bowlen placed ownership of the Denver Broncos into a family trust.
2004: Broncos Use Alternate Orange Jerseys
The Broncos used their alternate orange jerseys only once in 2004.
2005: Kubiak's Tenure as Offensive Coordinator Concludes
In 2005, Gary Kubiak finished his time as the offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, a position he had held for ten seasons, making significant contributions to the team's offensive strategies during this period.
2005: AFC West Title and Playoff Run
In 2005, the Denver Broncos won their first AFC West title since 1998 and defeated the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots in the divisional round of the playoffs, ending New England's bid for a third consecutive championship.
2005: Loss to the Steelers in the AFC Championship
In 2005, the Steelers defeated the Broncos 34-17 at INVESCO Field at Mile High in the AFC Championship, going on to win Super Bowl XL.
2005: Second Draft Pick Penalty
The Denver Broncos faced further punishment for their salary cap violations, losing their third-round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft.
2005: Broncos' Playoff Drought Ends
The Denver Broncos' victory in 2011, led by Tim Tebow, ended a playoff drought that had lasted since 2005, marking a significant turning point for the team.
January 14, 2006: First Playoff Win Since Elway's Retirement
On January 14, 2006, The Broncos achieved their first playoff victory against the Patriots since John Elway retired after the 1998 season. The game also featured a notable 100-yard interception by Champ Bailey.
2006: Record-Setting Defense
The Denver Broncos' defense set an NFL record in 2006 by allowing only one touchdown in the first five games of the season.
2006: End of Home Field Dominance Era
The Denver Broncos' remarkable 32-year run (1974-2006) as the team with the best home record in pro football comes to an end.
2007: First Losing Season Since 1999
The 2007 season marked the first losing season for the Denver Broncos since 1999, as they finished with a 7-9 record.
2008: Broncos Start Wearing Alternate Orange Jerseys Twice Per Season
From 2008 to 2011, the Broncos wore their alternate orange jerseys twice per season.
2008: Mike Shanahan Fired
Mike Shanahan, the longest-tenured and most successful head coach in Denver Broncos history, was fired after the 2008 season after 14 years with the team.
2008: Broncos Deviate From Primary Usage of Navy Blue Pants
The Broncos deviated from their usual pattern of wearing their navy blue pants in 2008.
January 11, 2009: Josh McDaniels Hired as Head Coach
The Denver Broncos hired Josh McDaniels, former offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, as their new head coach on January 11, 2009.
September 4, 2009: Fan Voting for 50th Anniversary Team Ends
On September 4, 2009, the online voting process for the Broncos' 50th anniversary team concluded.
September 15, 2009: Broncos Announce 50th Anniversary Team
On September 15, 2009, the Denver Broncos announced their 50th anniversary team, chosen by fans through an online vote.
October 11, 2009: Broncos vs. Patriots with Josh McDaniels
On October 11, 2009, the Broncos, with former Patriots' offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as head coach, played against the Patriots. Both teams wore their AFL 50th anniversary jerseys for this game. The Broncos won the game in overtime thanks to a field goal by Matt Prater.
2009: Broncos' Promising Start and Subsequent Decline
In 2009, the Denver Broncos, led by coach Josh McDaniels and quarterback Kyle Orton, started the season strong with a 6-0 record. However, their performance faltered, leading to eight losses in the following ten games. This resulted in an 8-8 season record and missing the playoffs.
2009: Broncos Wear Throwback Uniforms to Celebrate 50th Anniversary
In 2009, the Denver Broncos wore their 1960 throwback uniforms for games against two fellow AFL rivals to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
2010: Leadership Restructure and New Head Coach
After the dismal 2010 season, the Denver Broncos underwent a significant leadership change. Joe Ellis stepped up as team president, and John Elway rejoined the organization as the executive vice president of football operations. John Fox, former Carolina Panthers head coach, was hired to lead the team.
2010: Last Playoff Appearance Before Manning Era
Prior to 2016, the Broncos last missed the playoffs in 2010.
2010: Franchise-Worst Season and Coaching Changes
The 2010 season proved disastrous for the Broncos, marking a franchise-worst record with 4 wins and 12 losses. Coach McDaniels was fired due to the poor performance and a videotaping scandal. Eric Studesville took over as interim coach, giving rookie Tim Tebow his first start as quarterback in the final games.
2010: Preseason Games Aired on KCNC
Until 2010, preseason games not shown on national television were broadcasted on KCNC, a CBS affiliate in the Rocky Mountain region.
May 26, 2011: Broncos Announce New Television Partner
On May 26, 2011, the Denver Broncos announced KUSA channel 9, an NBC affiliate, as their new television partner for preseason games.
2011: Broncos Stop Wearing Alternate Orange Jerseys Twice Per Season
The Broncos stopped wearing their alternate orange jerseys twice per season after 2011.
2011: Broncos Change Primary Usage of Navy Blue Pants
Until 2011, the Broncos primarily used their navy blue pants for select prime-time and late-season home games.
2011: Broncos End Use of Orange Jerseys as Alternate
The Denver Broncos stopped using orange jerseys as their alternate jersey in 2011.
2011: End of Navy Blue as Primary Home Jersey
The Denver Broncos discontinue their use of navy blue jerseys as their primary home jersey after 14 seasons.
2011: Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Invesco Field at Mile High is renamed Sports Authority Field at Mile High after the Englewood-based sporting goods retailer acquires naming rights.
2011: The Rise of "Tebow Time"
The 2011 season saw Tim Tebow replace Kyle Orton as starting quarterback after a disappointing 1-4 start. This marked the beginning of "Tebow Time", an era characterized by Tebow's leadership and incredible come-from-behind wins. The Broncos achieved an 8-8 record, securing their first playoff berth and division title since 2005.
2011: Manning Misses Season Due to Injury
Peyton Manning missed the entire 2011 NFL season because of multiple neck surgeries. This period of recovery was a significant challenge in his career.
2011: The 3:16 Game
During the 2011 playoffs, the Broncos faced the Steelers in a game dubbed "The 3:16 Game." Quarterback Tim Tebow connected with wide receiver Demaryius Thomas for an 80-yard game-winning touchdown pass on the first play of overtime, giving the Broncos a 29-23 victory.
2011: Patriots Rout Broncos in Playoffs
In the 2011 Divisional round of the playoffs, the Patriots defeated Tim Tebow and the Broncos 45-10.
2011: Broncos Partner with Spanish Language Radio
In 2011, the Broncos partnered with Spanish language radio station KJMN, 92.1 FM and KCEC, the local Univision affiliate.
March 2012: Peyton Manning Joins the Broncos
In March 2012, the Broncos signed Peyton Manning, former Indianapolis Colts quarterback, to a five-year, $96 million contract. Manning, who had missed the entire 2011 season due to neck surgeries, became the Broncos' new starting quarterback, replacing Tim Tebow, who was traded to the New York Jets.
2012: Ed McCaffrey Becomes Color Commentator
In 2012, former Broncos wide receiver Ed McCaffrey replaced Brian Griese as the color commentator for radio broadcasts on KOA.
2012: Broncos Secure Top Seed but Fall in Divisional Round
In 2012, the Denver Broncos finished the regular season with a 13-3 record, earning them the top seed in the AFC playoffs. However, their playoff run ended in the Divisional Round with a loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
2012: Peyton Manning Joins the Broncos
Peyton Manning became the Broncos' starting quarterback in 2012, igniting the rivalry with the Patriots led by Tom Brady.
2012: Broncos Use Navy Blue Pants Exclusively with Alternate Navy Blue Jerseys
Starting in 2012, the Broncos began using navy blue pants exclusively with their now-alternate navy blue jerseys.
2012: Stadium Upgrades Announced
The Denver Broncos announce plans for $30 million in upgrades to their stadium, including a new, larger video board in the south end zone.
2012: Broncos Make Orange Jerseys Primary Home Jersey
The Denver Broncos made their orange jerseys their primary home jersey in 2012.
2012: Peyton Manning's No. 18 Jersey
In 2012, Peyton Manning was granted permission by former Broncos player Frank Tripucka to wear the retired No. 18 jersey.
October 6, 2013: Broncos Wear Alternate Navy Blue Uniforms for Road Game Against Dallas Cowboys
On October 6, 2013, the Denver Broncos wore their alternate navy blue uniforms for a road game against the Dallas Cowboys.
2013: Stadium Renovations Completed
The Denver Broncos complete renovations to their stadium, including a new video board, ahead of the 2013 season.
2013: NFL Implements One-Helmet Rule
In 2013, the NFL implemented a one-helmet rule.
2013: Record-Breaking Season and Super Bowl Appearance
The 2013 Broncos continued their dominance with another 13-3 season and the AFC's top seed. Led by Peyton Manning, who shattered several quarterback records, the team's offense set new records. They triumphed over the San Diego Chargers and the New England Patriots in the playoffs, advancing to Super Bowl XLVIII. However, they suffered a 43-8 defeat against the Seattle Seahawks, marking their first Super Bowl appearance since winning consecutive championships in 1997 and 1998.
2013: Denver Broncos Win AFC Championship
In 2013, the Denver Broncos won the AFC Championship.
2013: Broncos Win Against the Patriots in the AFC Championship
In 2013, the Broncos, led by Peyton Manning, beat Tom Brady and the Patriots 26-16 in the AFC Championship.
February 2, 2014: Super Bowl XLVIII
On February 2, 2014, the Broncos and Seahawks met in Super Bowl XLVIII, with the Seahawks winning 43-8.
2014: Pat Bowlen Steps Down, Broncos Fall in Divisional Round
At the start of the 2014 season, Pat Bowlen, who had owned the Broncos since 1984, stepped down due to Alzheimer's disease. Joe Ellis and John Elway took over the team's leadership. Despite a 12-4 season and the AFC's No. 2 seed, the Broncos lost to the Indianapolis Colts in the Divisional round, marking their third Divisional round loss in four seasons. This loss was partly attributed to Peyton Manning playing with a strained quadriceps for the last month of the season.
2014: Pat Bowlen Cedes Control of Denver Broncos
In 2014, Pat Bowlen ceded control of the Denver Broncos to Joe Ellis due to his battle with Alzheimer's disease.
January 12, 2015: John Fox Departs, Gary Kubiak Takes the Helm
On January 12, 2015, John Fox and the Denver Broncos mutually agreed to part ways, ending his four-season tenure, which had the highest winning percentage (.719) in franchise history. A week later, Gary Kubiak, who had previously served as a backup quarterback to John Elway from 1983 to 1991 and the Broncos' offensive coordinator from 1995 to 2005, was appointed as the team's new head coach.
November 1, 2015: Broncos Wear White Pants with Orange Side Stripes
On November 1, 2015, the Denver Broncos wore white pants with orange side stripes for a game against the Green Bay Packers.
2015: Road to Super Bowl 50
In 2015, the Broncos defeated the Steelers 23-16 in the Divisional round of the playoffs, which contributed to their victory in Super Bowl 50.
2015: Broncos' Defensive Dominance and Super Bowl 50 Victory
Under Gary Kubiak's leadership and with Wade Phillips as defensive coordinator, the 2015 Broncos witnessed a defensive transformation, becoming the NFL's top-ranked defense. This defense is regarded as one of the greatest in NFL history, comparable to the 1985 Bears, 2000 Ravens, and 2002 Buccaneers. Despite Peyton Manning's statistically worst season since his 1998 rookie year, the team achieved a 12-4 record and the AFC's No. 1 seed. Backup quarterback Brock Osweiler started the last six regular season games due to Manning's foot injury. Manning returned to lead the Broncos through the playoffs, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots to win Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers, marking their third Super Bowl title.
2015: Manning's Retirement and Jersey Honor
Peyton Manning retired after the 2015 season, and his name was added to the Broncos' retired number banner as an honorable mention for wearing No. 18.
2015: Denver Broncos Win AFC Championship and Super Bowl 50
In 2015, the Denver Broncos won both the AFC Championship and Super Bowl 50.
March 7, 2016: Peyton Manning's Retirement
On March 7, 2016, Peyton Manning announced his retirement from the NFL after an 18-year career. He made this announcement during a press conference at the Denver Broncos' headquarters in Dove Valley.
October 13, 2016: Broncos Unveil New Color Rush Uniform
The Denver Broncos unveiled their new Color Rush uniform on October 13, 2016.
2016: Broncos Stadium at Mile High
Following the bankruptcy of Sports Authority, the Denver Broncos stadium is temporarily renamed Broncos Stadium at Mile High while the team seeks a new naming rights sponsor.
2016: Quarterback Carousel in Denver
In 2016, following the retirement of Peyton Manning, the Broncos searched for a new starting quarterback. They acquired Mark Sanchez, drafted Paxton Lynch, and had Trevor Siemian on the roster. Siemian eventually won the starting job, but the Broncos missed the playoffs for the first time since 2010.
2016: Unshutout Home Streak
As of 2016, the Denver Broncos maintain a streak of over 400 games without being shut out at home, a testament to their scoring prowess on their own turf.
January 2, 2017: Gary Kubiak Retires
On January 2, 2017, Gary Kubiak retired as head coach of the Broncos, citing health reasons.
January 11, 2017: Vance Joseph Takes Helm, Broncos Struggle
On January 11, 2017, the Broncos hired Vance Joseph as head coach. The team, hampered by an ineffective quarterback committee, finished with a 5-11 record.
2017: Broncos' First Back-to-Back Losing Seasons Since 1971-1972
The Broncos' losing seasons in 2017 and 2018 were their first consecutive losing seasons since 1971 and 1972.
2017: Broncos Wear Color Rush Uniform
The Denver Broncos wore their Color Rush uniform for a Thursday night game against the Indianapolis Colts during the 2017 season.
March 14, 2018: Broncos Sign Case Keenum
On March 14, 2018, the Broncos signed quarterback Case Keenum to address their offensive struggles.
March 19, 2018: Trevor Siemian Traded to Vikings
On March 19, 2018, the Broncos traded quarterback Trevor Siemian to the Minnesota Vikings.
May 1, 2018: Phillip Lindsay Joins Broncos
On May 1, 2018, the Broncos signed undrafted free agent running back Phillip Lindsay, who went on to become a fan favorite.
December 18, 2018: Lindsay Makes Pro Bowl History
On December 18, 2018, Phillip Lindsay was voted to the 2019 Pro Bowl, becoming the first undrafted offensive rookie in NFL history to achieve this honor.
2018: Broncos Wear Color Rush Uniform
The Denver Broncos wore their Color Rush uniform again for a 2018 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
2018: Broncos Endure Another Losing Season, Joseph Fired
The Broncos had a 6-10 record in 2018, marking their second consecutive losing season. Head coach Vance Joseph was subsequently fired.
January 10, 2019: Vic Fangio Becomes Broncos Head Coach
On January 10, 2019, the Broncos hired Vic Fangio as their 17th head coach.
February 13, 2019: Joe Flacco Announced as Starting Quarterback
On February 13, 2019, Joe Flacco was announced as the Broncos' new starting quarterback.
September 2019: Empower Field at Mile High
The Denver Broncos stadium is renamed Empower Field at Mile High after securing a naming rights sponsor.
October 6, 2019: Broncos Reach 500 Wins
On October 6, 2019, the Broncos achieved their 500th win by defeating the Los Angeles Chargers.
December 1, 2019: Drew Lock Debuts, Broncos Miss Playoffs Again
On December 1, 2019, rookie quarterback Drew Lock made his debut for the Broncos. Despite a 4-1 finish to the season, the Broncos missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.
2019: Lindsay's Pro Bowl Season
Phillip Lindsay played in the 2019 Pro Bowl.
November 29, 2020: Kendall Hinton's Unforgettable Quarterback Debut
On November 29, 2020, with all three of their quarterbacks in COVID-19 protocol, the Broncos turned to wide receiver Kendall Hinton as their emergency quarterback. Hinton had a difficult game, completing just one pass in a 31-3 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
2020: Injuries Plague Broncos Amid Pandemic
The 2020 NFL season was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a shortened preseason and training camps. The Broncos, like many teams, suffered numerous injuries, including season-ending injuries to Von Miller and Courtland Sutton.
2020: Another Playoff Miss for the Broncos
The Broncos finished the 2020 season with a 5-11 record, last in the AFC West, missing the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year.
April 28, 2021: Teddy Bridgewater Arrives in Denver
After another season of inconsistent quarterback play, the Broncos traded for Teddy Bridgewater on April 28, 2021.
July 2021: Hinton's Wristband Goes to the Hall of Fame
In July 2021, Kendall Hinton's quarterback wristband from his memorable game was added to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of a display.
August 25, 2021: Bridgewater Wins Starting Job
Teddy Bridgewater won the quarterback competition against Drew Lock during the preseason and was named the Broncos' starting quarterback on August 25, 2021.
October 31, 2021: Peyton Manning Enters Broncos Ring of Fame
Peyton Manning, who led the Broncos to two AFC Championships and a Super Bowl victory, was inducted into the Broncos' Ring of Fame on October 31, 2021.
November 1, 2021: Broncos Trade Von Miller to the Los Angeles Rams
On November 1, 2021, the Denver 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. 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.
2021: Broncos Bolster Defense, Draft Javonte Williams
In 2021, the Broncos strengthened their defense by signing Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby, and drafting Patrick Surtain II. They also drafted running back Javonte Williams to replace Phillip Lindsay.
January 8, 2022: Broncos Dismiss Head Coach Vic Fangio
After another mediocre performance in the 2021 season with the Broncos going 7–10, head coach Vic Fangio was dismissed on January 8, 2022, after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs.
January 27, 2022: Broncos Hire Nathaniel Hackett as Head Coach
The Broncos announced the hiring of Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as head coach on January 27, 2022.
February 1, 2022: Broncos Put Up For Sale
The Broncos 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.
February 2, 2022: Broncos Hire Justin Outten as Offensive Coordinator
Hackett's first hire as head coach was Justin Outten as offensive coordinator. He was hired on February 2, 2022.
March 16, 2022: Broncos Trade for Russell Wilson
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 round pick for Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks' 2022 fourth-round pick.
June 7, 2022: Walton-Penner Family Acquires the Denver Broncos
On June 7, 2022, the Broncos announced that the Walton-Penner family, led by Rob Walton, had entered in an agreement to acquire the Denver Broncos for $4.65 billion. The NFL approved the bid on August 10, 2022, with the Broncos introducing Carrie Walton Penner, Greg Penner, Mellody Hobson, Condoleezza Rice, and Lewis Hamilton to the ownership group.
July 2022: Denver Broncos Valued at \$4.65 Billion
In July 2022, the Denver Broncos were valued at \$4.65 billion, making them the twelfth most-valuable team in the NFL according to Forbes.
August 10, 2022: NFL Approves Sale of the Denver Broncos
On June 7, 2022, the Broncos announced that the Walton-Penner family, led by Rob Walton, had entered in an agreement to acquire the Denver Broncos for $4.65 billion. The NFL approved the bid on August 10, 2022, with the Broncos introducing Carrie Walton Penner, Greg Penner, Mellody Hobson, Condoleezza Rice, and Lewis Hamilton to the ownership group.
October 30, 2022: Broncos Debut New Uniform Combination
On October 30, 2022, the Denver Broncos debuted a new combination of white jerseys and alternate navy blue pants in an NFL London Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
December 26, 2022: Nathaniel Hackett Fired as Head Coach
On December 26, 2022, the Denver Broncos fired head coach Nathaniel Hackett after a disappointing 4-11 season.
January 31, 2023: Sean Payton Accepts Head Coaching Job for the Denver Broncos
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 season three days later.
2023: Broncos Wear White Jerseys at Home for First Time Since 2003
In 2023, the Denver Broncos wore their white jerseys at home for the first time since 2003, in a Week 2 game against the Washington Commanders, to honor the 25th anniversary of the Super Bowl XXXIII team.
2023: Sean Payton Hired as Head Coach
Sean Payton was hired as the Denver Broncos' head coach for the 2023 season.
2023: End of an Era
The Denver Broncos cease using the logo and uniform design that was introduced in 1997 and used for 26 years.
April 22, 2024: Broncos Unveil New Uniform Design
On April 22, 2024, the Denver Broncos unveiled a simpler uniform design.
May 15, 2024: Broncos Roster Updated
The Denver Broncos roster was updated on May 15, 2024.