Denver Broncos QB History: From Elway To Nix & Beyond!
Has the Denver Broncos quarterback position been a revolving door, a carousel of hopes and disappointments? The Broncos have witnessed a staggering number of quarterbacks take the field since their inception, a testament to the enduring quest for a franchise signal-caller.
The history of the Denver Broncos, a storied American football club, began in 1960 when they were chartered as a member of the American Football League. From their inception, the team has called the city of Denver, Colorado, their home, cultivating a passionate fanbase known as "Broncos Country." Over the decades, the Broncos have achieved remarkable success, highlighted by Super Bowl victories and legendary players. But the journey has also been marked by periods of quarterback uncertainty, a constant search for the leader to guide them to the promised land.
| Player | Position | Years with Broncos | Key Stats/Achievements | Reference Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Elway | Quarterback | 1983-1998 | Super Bowl Champion (2), Super Bowl MVP, Hall of Fame | Pro Football Hall of Fame |
| Peyton Manning | Quarterback | 2012-2015 | Super Bowl Champion, Super Bowl MVP, 4-time NFL MVP | Pro Football Hall of Fame |
| Steve Atwater | Safety | 1989-1999 | Super Bowl Champion (2), Hall of Fame | Pro Football Hall of Fame |
| Terrell Davis | Running Back | 1995-2001 | Super Bowl Champion (2), Super Bowl MVP | Pro Football Hall of Fame |
| Shannon Sharpe | Tight End | 1990-1999, 2002-2003 | Super Bowl Champion (3), Hall of Fame | Pro Football Hall of Fame |
The quest for the ideal quarterback has defined much of the Broncos' history. On the night of May 2, 1983, a pivotal moment reshaped the franchise: the Broncos secured the rights to quarterback John Elway in a deal with the Baltimore Colts. This single transaction heralded a new era, promising a prosperous future. Elway's arrival, however, did not immediately solve all the teams problems; the Broncos needed to build around him, and the road to Super Bowl success was not without its detours.
The Broncos' journey through the quarterback position has been a winding one. Since Elway's retirement, and even before his arrival, the team has experimented with numerous signal-callers. The list includes journeymen, draft picks, and veteran acquisitions, each hoping to become the long-term answer under center. Some, like Peyton Manning, achieved legendary status in Denver. Manning's arrival in 2012, after a successful career with the Indianapolis Colts, gave Broncos fans a renewed sense of hope. Manning, along with a strong supporting cast, led the Broncos to Super Bowl 50.
In order to properly rank the top 10 quarterbacks in Denver Broncos history, a number of different factors had to be considered. Stats matter, wins matter, and impact on the franchise matters. A quarterback's impact extends beyond mere passing statistics; it encompasses leadership, resilience, and the ability to elevate the play of the entire team. The list includes the players who have significantly contributed in wins and passing touchdowns.
The Broncos have also seen periods of uncertainty at the quarterback position, particularly after Manning's departure. Navigating the post-Manning era has been challenging. The team has sought to rebuild and find a new franchise quarterback. There has been a look at the myriad of quarterbacks the Broncos have had since trading for Manning in 2012. These efforts have included trades, free-agent signings, and, most recently, the draft. The team has had 13 different starting quarterbacks since Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler in 2016.
In 2024, the Broncos selected Bo Nix in the first round (12th overall) of the NFL Draft, the last of six quarterbacks taken in the first round, tying the 1983 draft for the most in NFL history. The hope is that Nix can be the cornerstone of a new era of success. With a new quarterback in the fold, the Broncos are aiming to return to their former glory. Tackle Garett Bolles stated, "The sky's the limit for us when we have No. 10 with the ball in his hands."
Throughout the years, the team has seen a plethora of talented players since the merger of the American and National Football Leagues in 1970. Since then, 59 more men have taken snaps in a qualified game, combining to make 16 Pro Bowl appearances. Current team members are listed in bold, reflecting the ongoing evolution of the roster. In a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, on September, Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien (4) was in action during the fourth quarter.
Even with a new selection such as Bo Nix, the Broncos have had to rely on practice squad players at times. As a result, practice squad receiver Kendall Hinton, who had some experience at quarterback, was activated to play in the game as the Broncos' primary passer. In one game, the Broncos lined up in wildcat formation with running back Phillip Lindsay under center for the first four plays, and Lindsay technically started the game at quarterback. Drew Lock started a game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, January, and in 11 starts, he threw for 1,650 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The Broncos have had their share of highs and lows at the quarterback position. Some quarterbacks have been more successful than others. In 2020, Russell Wilson became the third quarterback in NFL history to throw 30 touchdowns in four consecutive seasons. However, his time with the Broncos was marred with disappointment, with the Broncos having the league's worst scoring offense in 2022. The number of games they started during the season is listed to the right, providing a comprehensive overview of each quarterback's tenure with the team. These quarterbacks have the most starts for the Broncos in regular season games (through the 2018 NFL season).
The Denver Broncos historical starting lineups showcase the evolution of the team. The quarterbacks have started at least one game for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League and are listed in order of the date of each player's first start at quarterback for the team. Let's take a trip through each decade and look at every single quarterback who started a game for the Broncos. It was actually remarkable that he was able to keep those two stats that close, considering the ferocious pass rush he was always under.
Ultimately, the story of the Denver Broncos and their quarterbacks is a story of perseverance, hope, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Broncos Country has witnessed the brilliance of Hall of Famers, the flashes of potential, and the trials of rebuilding. With each season, the franchise hopes to discover the next signal-caller who will lead them back to the pinnacle of the sport, and the sky's the limit.
