As the dog days of the NFL summer approach, Last Word On Pro Football is releasing “All-Franchise” teams for each of the league’s 32 clubs. For this series, our football writers have composed all-time rosters compiled with the greatest players in each franchise’s history at each position along with their time and accomplishments with the team. From offense to defense to special teams, each unit is displayed on a first-team, “starter” basis only. Because of their young age, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans rosters weren’t as difficult to assemble. On the flip side, given their respective rich histories during the Super Bowl era, building the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys teams were more arduous (yet compelling) tasks.
The offensive lineup is comprised of one quarterback, one running back, three wide receivers, one tight end and five offensive linemen. Though “fullback” was omitted due to its scarcity in modern-day football, players who played that position may be placed as the running back because of their significant contributions to their respective franchise’s ground game. The defense will have the familiar four defensive back look (two cornerbacks, two safeties), but the front seven, whether 4-3 or 3-4, will be arranged in the alignment that the team traditionally runs and/or was historically successful in. Finally, the special teams will have a kicker, a punter and a return man responsible for bringing back kickoffs and punts.
Today, we present the All-Franchise team for the Denver Broncos.
Denver Broncos All-Franchise Team
Head Coach: Mike Shanahan (1995-2008)
I know a lot of older Broncos fans would like to see Red Miller or Dan Reeves here, but Shanahan gets the call. Shanahan finally got the Broncos over the Super Bowl hump, winning the franchise’s first world championship in 1997. The team would then go on to win back-to-back titles in 1997 and 1998. During Shanahan’s tenure, the Broncos saw incredible offensive success and multiple winning seasons. Shanahan was finally let go after 14 years with the Broncos in 2008, finishing with a .616 win percentage. He was also known for making the most out of late round/undrafted players such as Terrell Davis, Rod Smith, Ed McCaffrey, Shannon Sharpe among many others. Many will notice multiple 1990s Broncos players on this list – many of whom Shanahan drafted or groomed into NFL stars.
Offense
Quarterback: John Elway (1983-1998)
By far the most famous Denver Bronco, “The Duke” brought the Broncos to national attention in the early 1980s and has been a legend in Denver ever since. After swinging a trade with the Baltimore Colts to acquire Elway, he would go on to have a Hall of Fame career in orange and blue. Elway’s accomplishments include: two Super Bowl victories, one Super Bowl MVP, nine Pro Bowls, and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.
Known for his incredible scrambling ability and a rocket arm, the Broncos were never out of a game with Elway under center. From “The Drive” to the “Helicopter Dive” Elway was a once-in-a-generation talent. It’s no wonder Elway is only one of three Broncos players to have their numbers retired. Looking around Mile High Stadium, Elway’s jersey is still the most popular among fan apparel. Elway retired after his second Super Bowl in 1998 as the Broncos all-time leader in passing yards (51,475), touchdowns (300), and wins (148). Even now, Elway’s presence is felt in the team as the team’s current general manager.
Running Back: Terrell Davis (1995-2001)
Every Broncos fan knows the story of Terrell Davis, the best running back in Broncos’ history. Davis, a sixth-round draft pick in 1995 out of Georgia, exploded into the NFL scene with an earth-shattering tackle on special teams that started his rise up the depth chart. From there, Davis never looked back. Davis went on to terrorize NFL defenses during the Broncos’ dominant late-90s run. He earned Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro nods in 1996, 1997, and 1998 and was named MVP during the Broncos’ 1997 Super Bowl victory. During his 1998 campaign, Davis became the third player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in one season.
As many remember, Davis’ career was cut short the following season after suffering a knee injury while trying to make a tackle after an interception. Davis never recovered from that injury, and Broncos fans were left wondering what “could have been” after their franchise running back had his career ended in the middle of his prime. After years of pleading Hall of Fame voters to look past Davis’ injury-shortened career, Davis was finally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017. The creator of the “Mile High Salute” still remains the Broncos’ all-time rushing leader with 7,607 yards, despite playing only four full seasons with the team.
Wide Receiver: Rod Smith (1995-2006)
The all-time franchise leader in receiving yards (11,389), receptions (849), and touchdowns (68), Rod Smith is (for the moment) the best wide receiver in Broncos’ history. One of the many undrafted gems in the Shanahan-era, Smith came into the NFL towards the twilight of Elway’s career. While Smith thrived with Elway under center, he continued his NFL success long after Elway hung up his cleats. In the 10 full seasons Smith played for the Broncos, Smith had eight 1,000 yard seasons. While Demaryius Thomas is quickly approaching Smith for his spot at the top, no other receiver in Broncos’ history is even close to putting up the numbers Smith had. Besides Thomas, Smith has almost double the receiving yards of any other Bronco receiver in team history.
Wide Receiver: Demaryius Thomas (2010-Present)
Broncos’ fans might not recognize it, but they are witnessing the second-best wide receiver in Broncos’ history playing football in the present day. Thomas came into the NFL as a first-round draft pick from Georgia Tech at the end of the tumultuous Josh McDaniels era. Under new head coach John Fox, Thomas began to show signs of promise at the end of 2011. But in 2012, when the Broncos signed future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, Thomas’ career took off. During the Manning-era of 2012-2015, Thomas set the NFL on fire. He made the Pro Bowl in three of those seasons and helped the Broncos win two AFC championships and one Super Bowl in that time. Thomas averaged 101.2 yards per game in 2014. During the 2017 season. Thomas moved up to second in the Broncos’ all-time leaders in receptions. Statistically, Thomas trails only Rod Smith in receiving yards (8,653), receptions (629), and touchdowns (57). Two or three more successful seasons and Thomas could see himself at the top of the Broncos’ all-time best wide receiver.
Wide Receiver: Ed McCaffrey (1995-2003)
It pains me not to put the likes of Mark Jackson or Brandon Marshall here, but “Eddie Mac” gets the call as the number three receiver for this all-time team. Ed McCaffrey began his career with the New York Giants as a sub-package receiver before signing with the Denver Broncos in 1995. After joining the likes of Elway and Rod Smith, McCaffrey’s career finally took off. McCaffrey played the perfect complementary receiver position opposite of Smith. He wasn’t so much of a “possession” receiver as much as he was a receiver who was willing to do whatever it took to get separation from the opposing defensive back. McCaffrey played nine great seasons for the Broncos and currently sits at fourth on the team’s all-time receiving yards list.
Tight End: Shannon Sharpe (1990-1999, 2002-2003)
Almost as easy of a pick as Elway to quarterback was his most reliable weapon in the speedy, feisty Shannon Sharpe. Sharpe was a seventh-round pick out of Savannah State and was a key factor in the Broncos Super Bowl victories in the late 1990s. Sharpe was a seven-time Pro Bowler for the Broncos and was selected as a First-Team All-Pro tight end four times. From his outrageous personality to his ability to get under the skin of an opposing team, the NFL hadn’t quite seen a weapon as fast as Sharpe lining up at tight end before.
Sharpe had three seasons where he registered over 1,000 receiving yards, which was a rare feat for tight ends at that time. Sharpe capped off his career with another Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, before closing out his historic career with two more seasons as a Bronco. Sharpe retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in receiving yards (10,060), receptions (815) and touchdowns (62) at tight end. Sharpe was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
Left Tackle: Gary Zimmerman (1993-1997)
Gary Zimmerman will likely go down in history as the team’s best offensive lineman, despite playing for the team for only five seasons. Zimmerman had already established himself as a Hall of Fame left tackle during seven outstanding years with the Minnesota Vikings. Lured by the possibility to play with Elway, Zimmerman signed with the Broncos in 1993, earning Pro Bowl nods in three straight seasons and a first-team All-Pro selection in 1996. Zimmerman was remembered for protecting Elway’s blindside, fortifying the Broncos’ offensive line during their 90s run. Zimmerman retired as a Bronco in 1997 after winning his first Super Bowl and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
Left Guard: Mark Schlereth (1995-2000)
Mark Schlereth, a.k.a. “Stink”, was a gritty, zone-blocking offensive lineman that thrived under the Shanahan-led Broncos. After starting his career with the Washington Redskins, he came over to the Broncos in 1995 and won two Super Bowls with the team. Schlereth was selected to two Pro Bowls in his career (once with the Broncos in 1998). Best known for his on-field “small” as well as his style of play, Schlereth was a key component to Elway’s success and Terrell Davis’ 2,000-yard season.
Center: Tom Nalen (1994-2007)
When people think of the “Broncos offensive line” you probably see Tom Nalen at the ‘center’ of it – as it should be. Nalen was the epitome of consistency and execution, playing 14 solid seasons for the Broncos. Both with and without Elway, Nalen performed exceptionally at center during all stages of his career. Nalen finished his career with five Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro selections. Another key aspect of the success of the late 90s Broncos should be attributed to Nalen, who paved the way for Terrell Davis and protected Elway in the twilight of his Hall of Fame Career.
Right Guard: Keith Bishop (1980-1989)
Keith Bishop was a solid piece of the Broncos’ offensive line during the 80s when Elway was coming onto the NFL scene as a younger player. Bishop was selected to two Pro Bowl during his tenure with the Broncos and was also selected to the team’s 50th Anniversary Team in 2009. Unlike his fellow guard Schlereth, Bishop did not play in a zone-blocking scheme, yet thrived as a physical, gritty blocker.
Right Tackle: Ryan Clady (2008-2014)
I know I’m cheating a bit here as Ryan Clady played his entire career at left tackle, but his career and talent were too good to leave off of the list. Clady was truly a special talent, drafted in the first round of the 2008 draft out of Boise State. Clady set the tone for his NFL career by starting all 16 games his rookie year. His sophomore season proved his rookie campaign was no fluke, as he was selected as a Pro Bowler and a First-Team All-Pro left tackle. Clady had a truly remarkable career, blocking for quarterbacks like Jay Cutler, Kyle Orton, Tim Tebow and future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning. No matter who lined up under center, Clady consistently kept the pressure off of the left side of the offensive line. Unfortunately, Clady’s career was plagued by injuries and the Broncos released him after he missed the entire 2015 season. Clady signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets, but only played in eight games. After the 2016 season, Clady signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Broncos. He finished his career with four Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro selections.
Defense (3-4 Alignment)
Defensive End: Elvis Dumervil (2006-2012)
Perhaps one of the biggest blunders of the John Elway-era of the Broncos was the “Fax Machine” debacle which led to Elvis Dumervil’s release from the team. However, that shouldn’t be the thing Dumervil is remembered for during his time in Denver. Often seen as too “undersized” for a defensive end, Dumervil was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Over his six years in Denver, Dumervil registered 67.5 sacks, which ranks fifth on the Broncos all-time sack list. Dumervil was a three-time Pro Bowler and also made first-team All-Pro in 2009 as a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker. Dumervil would go on to continue his career with the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers, but his best days on the field were in orange and blue. While traditionally lined up as a 4-3 defensive end, Dumervil’s talent was too great to leave off of this list. “Doom” makes the list as one of the early defensive stars during the mid-2000s/early-2010s Broncos teams.
Defensive Tackle: Trevor Pryce (1997-1988)
One of the most beloved Broncos defenders of all time, Pryce was the definition of consistency at defensive tackle. It’s no fluke that the Broncos won their first ever Super Bowl in 1997 – Pryce’s rookie year. Pryce was effective at defensive tackle in both pass rushing and defending against the run for the nine years he dawned a Broncos uniform. Pryce registered double-digit sacks in 1999 and 2000, impressive feats for a defensive tackle. Over his time in Denver, Pryce was selected to four consecutive Pro Bowls (1999-2002) and was First Team All-Pro in 1999. Pryce is currently fourth on the Broncos’ All-Time sack leaders list with 64 sacks.
Defensive End: Rulon Jones (1980-1988)
Rulon Jones excelled at rushing the passer and gets on this list for adding yet another pass rushing phenom to this All-Franchise defense. Jones finished his career as a Bronco with 52.5 sacks, which is sixth on the Broncos all-time sack leaders list. Jones was a two-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro honors in 1986. During that season, Jones amassed 13.5 sacks – an incredible feat for a defensive player playing in the run-heavy 1980s.
Outside Linebacker: Von Miller (2011-Present)
Amazingly, not only do Broncos fans get to witness the one of the best defensive players in team history playing now, they’re also witnessing one of the best pass rushers in the history of the NFL. Miller was selected with the second overall pick by Elway as the Broncos looked to move past the dreadful Josh McDaniels’ era of the franchise. Miller’s career has been nothing short of phenomenal. So far, Miller has registered 85.5 sacks, made six Pro Bowls, named to three first-team All-Pro lists, and was named MVP of the Super Bowl.
In Super Bowl 50, Miller terrorized Panthers quarterback Cam Newton with 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Even in the middle of his career, Miller has climbed his way to second on the Broncos all-time sack leaders list, only trailing Simon Fletcher. The best part for Broncos fans is that Miller is still in his prime, entering only his eighth season in the league. Miller has been a dominant force for the Broncos since his rookie season and looks to continue to have a bright career in front of him for years to come. Regardless, Miller will see himself enshrined in the Hall of Fame someday, as one of the best pass rushers in the history of the NFL.
Inside Linebacker: Karl Mecklenburg (1983-1994)
The original face of the Broncos’ defense, Karl Mecklenburg set the standard for what it meant to be a member of the Orange Crush defense. Mecklenburg was an incredible talent for the Broncos, as one of the best inside linebackers to play the game. Mecklenburg’s career has left a lasting imprint on the Broncos all-time defensive leaderboard. Currently, he ranks second all-time in tackles (1,152), third in sacks (79), and third in forced fumbles (16).
Mecklenburg was a six time Pro Bowler and made first-team All-Pro three times throughout his career. Mecklenburg consistently produced results for every defense he was a part of, recording 100+ tackles in six seasons. The “Albino Rhino” was a force on the defensive side of the ball and was a key part of the Broncos Super Bowl runs prior to the team’s first championship in 1997.
Inside Linebacker: Al Wilson (1999-2006)
While the end of his career might not have been the smoothest of the players on this list, Al Wilson’s production at inside linebacker was second to none during his time with the Broncos in the early 2000s. Despite playing only eight seasons for the Broncos, Wilson ranks ninth on the Broncos all-time tackles list, recording 555 tackles in his career. The five-time Pro Bowler was a complete inside linebacker, known for being stout against the run as well as effective in pass coverage as well. Wilson’s career was cut short due to lingering back problems, leaving many to wonder what his career would have looked like had he been able to keep playing. But make no mistake, Wilson’s impact as a player and the production he had on the field makes him deserving of a spot on this list.
Outside Linebacker: Simon Fletcher (1985-1995)
One of the best defensive players in Broncos’ history, Simon Fletcher was a shoe-in to start opposite of Von Miller in this All-Franchise team. While Miller is quickly approaching Fletcher’s spot at the top of the Broncos’ all-time sack list, Fletcher has held the top spot since his retirement in 1995. With a whopping 97.5 sacks, no one has even come close.
Fletcher was truly a spectacle to watch, consistently harassing opposing quarterbacks alongside the rest of a very talented Broncos’ defense. Comparing Miller to Fletcher would be unfair to Fletcher, who was both dominant in rushing the passer as well as against the run. Fletcher finished with 90+ tackles in six seasons, and recorded double-digit sacks in five. Fletcher not only ranks number one in total sacks, but also fourth in total tackles. Fletcher was inducted into the Broncos’ Ring of Fame in 2016.
Cornerback: Champ Bailey (2004-2013)
Champ Bailey might be considered (should be considered) the best man-to-man cornerback to ever play the position in the NFL. He wasn’t flashy and didn’t draw attention like Deion Sanders, and he didn’t get to play on championship teams like Rod Woodson. However, pound-for-pound Bailey was the best elite shutdown corner to play the game. The Broncos acquired Bailey in a trade with the Washington Redskins, trading away Clinton Portis in exchange for Bailey and a second round draft pick.
Bailey more than exceeded expectations in Denver, being selected to eight Pro Bowls and earning three first-team All-Pro nominations. Despite opposing quarterbacks’ fear of throwing to Bailey, he still made plays on the defensive side of the ball, finishing his career with 52 interceptions (34 with the Broncos). Bailey also ranks 10th on the team’s all-time tackles list. The Broncos enjoyed a decade of premiere cornerback play with Bailey on the roster, and many should see Bailey as a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame once he’s eligible.
Cornerback: Aqib Talib (2013-2017)
Many are going to be surprised by this pick, but to me, this is a no-brainer. Aqib Talib was an absolute stud during his time in Denver, leading the new-era of an elite Broncos defense dubbed the “No Fly Zone.” In his four years in a Broncos uniform, Talib was selected to the Pro Bowl all four years. He was also named first-team All-Pro in 2016. Talib’s stellar play at corner, alongside a very talented Broncos defense, earned the team a championship in 2015. The Broncos’ defense truly asserted themselves in the team’s 24-10 victory over NFL MVP Cam Newton. On this team, opposing offenses would need to choose between throwing to a lock-down corner like Bailey, or an aggressive ballhawk in Talib – a no-win situation either way.
Free Safety: Steve Atwater (1989-1999)
Steve Atwater is one of the most underrated safeties to play the game, not getting the respect he deserves for his dominant play at safety. Atwater came onto the NFL scene when he delivered the “Hit Heard ‘round The World” on Kansas City Chiefs running back Christian Okoye. Since that hit, Atwater was thrust into stardom and never looked back.
Over his 10-year career in the NFL, Atwater was selected to eight Pro Bowls – all with the Broncos. Atwater was known for leaving everything he had on the field and playing with an intense fire to win. Atwater currently ranks third on the Broncos’ all-time tackles list (1,038) and is tied with Champ Bailey with the second-most Pro Bowl selections in team history. The biggest travesty is that Atwater has yet to be selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but that shouldn’t take much longer.
Strong Safety: Dennis Smith (1981-1994)
Holding the top spot for the most tackles in Broncos’ history is Dennis Smith, who was one of the first “all around” safeties that excelled in both pass coverage and against the run in Broncos history. Finishing his historic career with 1,152 tackles, no current active Bronco appears to be on course to break that record any time soon. Smith also sits seventh on the Broncos’ all-time interceptions list with 30 for his career. A member of the Broncos’ 50th Anniversary team, the Broncos Ring of Fame and the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, Smith’s legacy will last forever in the city of Denver.
Special Teams
Kicker: Jason Elam (1993-2007)
Elam is the only kicker worth considering for the Broncos, as one of the longest-tenured players in Broncos’ history. Elam was a part of almost two decades of Broncos football, winning two championships in 1997 and 1998. Elam is ranked number one in Broncos’ kicking history with 395 field goals made. The next highest member on that list (Jim Turner) is more than 200 field goals behind him (151).
Elam finished his Broncos career with an 80.6 field goal percentage, which ranks third all-time among Broncos kickers with more than 100 field goal attempts. Every Broncos fan will remember number one lining up for field goal kicks in the Mile High air, and to this day Elam is the most beloved kicker in Broncos’ history.
Punter: Tom Rouen (1993-2002)
In the NFL, life as a punter can be short-lived with a specific team, as punters are often signed around the NFL and subsequently released frequently. The Broncos were fortunate enough to have a punter like Rouen for a long as they did. Rouen produced solid numbers at the punting position, finishing his career as a Bronco with 28,146 total yards punted, as well as a 43.9 yard per punt average.
Return Man: Rick Upchurch (1975-1983)
There is no other option for the Broncos at kickoff/punt returner. Rick Upchurch has dominated the statsheets as a Bronco, ranking third in all-time kickoff return yards (2,355) and first in punt return yards (3,008). Coupled with eight career punt returns for touchdowns and a 12.1 return average, Upchurch is the unanimous pick to round out the Broncos’ special teams.
MAIN PHOTO:
Super Bowl XXXIII – Denver Broncos vs Atlanta Falcons – January 31, 1999
Denver Broncos wide receiver Ed McCaffrey (87), running back Terrell Davis (30), and Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway (7) during Super Bowl XXXIII, a 34-19 Denver Broncos victory over the Atlanta Falcons on January 31, 1999, at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Allen Kee/Getty Images)
