Denver Broncos History: Owners, Stadiums, Hall of Famers, MVPs and the Broncos Legacy
The Denver Broncos are one of the most recognizable franchises in professional football. Founded in 1959 as a charter member of the American Football League, the Broncos began play in 1960 and joined the National Football League when the AFL and NFL merged in 1970.
The early years were difficult. Denver struggled through most of its first decade, finishing the AFL era with a 39-97-4 record. But the franchise eventually transformed itself into one of the NFL’s most successful organizations.
The Broncos have won three Super Bowls—XXXII, XXXIII and 50—and have captured AFC championships in 1977, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1997, 1998, 2013 and 2015.
The Birth of the Denver Broncos
The Broncos were founded by Bob Howsam, who received an AFL franchise for Denver in 1959. Howsam had experience in professional baseball and had been involved in developing Bears Stadium, which would become the Broncos’ first regular home.
The Broncos played their first regular-season game on September 9, 1960, defeating the Boston Patriots 13-10. That game was the first game ever played in the history of the American Football League.
The Howsam family’s ownership lasted only briefly. Howsam sold his interest to a group headed by Gerald H. Phipps and Cal Kunz in 1961.
Denver Broncos Ownership History
The Broncos have had several ownership groups since their creation.
Bob Howsam — 1959-1961
Robert “Bob” Howsam was the founder and original owner of the Broncos. He brought professional football to Denver by obtaining the AFL franchise.
His first Broncos team went 4-9-1 in 1960, but the organization he created eventually became one of the NFL’s most successful franchises.
Cal Kunz — 1961-1964
Cal Kunz became part of the ownership group that purchased the Broncos from Howsam in 1961. Kunz was an important member of the early Denver ownership group.
Gerald and Allan Phipps — 1961-1981
Gerald H. Phipps and his brother Allan Phipps became the dominant owners of the Broncos. Gerald Phipps purchased the club in 1965 and became one of the most important figures in early Broncos history. Under his ownership, the team experienced its first winning season in 1973 and eventually reached its first playoffs and first Super Bowl in 1977. Gerald Phipps was later inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame.
Edgar Kaiser Jr. — 1981-1984 Edgar Kaiser Jr., a member of the Kaiser family, purchased the Broncos from the Phipps ownership group in 1981. His ownership lasted only a few seasons, but it directly preceded the beginning of the greatest ownership era in franchise history.
Pat Bowlen — 1984-2019
Pat Bowlen became majority owner of the Broncos in 1984 and eventually acquired 100 percent ownership. Bowlen’s ownership lasted more than three decades and included:
7 AFC championships
3 Super Bowl championships
21 winning seasons
18 playoff appearances
7 Super Bowl appearances
Bowlen was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019 as a contributor.
His ownership era included the Broncos’ greatest sustained period of success.
The Pat Bowlen Trust — 2019-2022
After Bowlen’s death in 2019, the franchise was operated through the Pat Bowlen Trust while the ownership succession process was completed. Joe Ellis served as the Broncos’ president and CEO during this transition.
Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group — 2022-Present
In 2022, the Broncos were purchased by the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group.
Rob Walton became the principal owner, while Greg Penner serves as chairman and CEO. The ownership group also includes Carrie Walton Penner and other investors. As of 2026, the Walton-Penner group remains the Broncos’ ownership group.
Every Stadium the Broncos Have Called Home
The Broncos have a particularly interesting stadium history because they spent their first 41 seasons almost entirely in one facility.
Bears Stadium — 1960-1968
The Broncos began playing in Bears Stadium, which had originally been built in 1948 for the Denver Bears baseball club. When the Broncos entered the AFL, the stadium was expanded for professional football. It became the original home of the Denver Broncos.
University of Denver Stadium — 1962 and 1963
The Broncos also used University of Denver Stadium, commonly known as Hilltop Stadium, for two home openers because Bears Stadium was unavailable. These were unusual exceptions rather than a permanent change of home field.
Mile High Stadium — 1969-2000
Bears Stadium was renamed Denver Mile High Stadium in 1969. For decades, “Mile High” became almost synonymous with the Denver Broncos. The Broncos played virtually all of their home games there from 1960 through 2000. Their record in the building was 190-108-7. The stadium also became famous for its enormous crowds and intimidating home-field atmosphere.
Invesco Field at Mile High — 2001-2011
In 2001, the Broncos moved into their new stadium adjacent to the old Mile High Stadium site.
The new facility was initially called Invesco Field at Mile High.
Sports Authority Field at Mile High — 2011-2018
The stadium was renamed Sports Authority Field at Mile High in 2011.
Broncos Stadium at Mile High — 2018-2019
Following the end of the Sports Authority naming agreement, the facility temporarily became known as Broncos Stadium at Mile High.
Empower Field at Mile High — 2019-Present
In 2019, the stadium became Empower Field at Mile High under a 21-year naming-rights agreement. As of 2026, Empower Field remains the Broncos’ home stadium.
The stadium holds approximately 76,000 fans and has continued the tradition of “Mile High” football in Denver.
Broncos in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Broncos have produced a remarkable collection of Pro Football Hall of Famers.
For this list, the focus is on individuals whose Hall of Fame careers included their major Broncos accomplishments—not players whose Hall of Fame credentials were primarily earned with another franchise.
John Elway — Quarterback
John Elway is arguably the most important player in Broncos history.
Elway spent his entire NFL career with Denver from 1983 through 1998. He led the Broncos to five Super Bowl appearances and won back-to-back championships in Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII.
His career included:
2 Super Bowl championships
5 Super Bowl appearances
9 Pro Bowls
1987 NFL MVP
1992 NFL passing leader
Broncos all-time quarterback records
Elway was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
Floyd Little — Running Back
Floyd Little was one of the first great stars in Broncos history.
A Hall of Fame running back, Little spent his entire professional career with Denver from 1967 through 1975. He became one of the NFL’s premier runners and was especially important in establishing the Broncos as a legitimate professional football franchise.
Little was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
Shannon Sharpe — Tight End
Shannon Sharpe became one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history during his Broncos career. He played for Denver from 1990 through 1999 and again in 2002.
With the Broncos, Sharpe was a key part of the two Super Bowl championship teams of the 1990s. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
Gary Zimmerman — Offensive Tackle
Gary Zimmerman was one of the outstanding offensive tackles of his era.
He played for Denver from 1993 through 1997 and was an important member of the Broncos’ first championship team. Zimmerman was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
Terrell Davis — Running Back
Terrell Davis was the centerpiece of Denver’s back-to-back championship teams.
He played for Denver from 1995 through 2001 and produced one of the greatest three-year stretches by a running back in NFL history.
His accomplishments included:
1998 NFL MVP
1996 and 1998 NFL Offensive Player of the Year
Super Bowl XXXII MVP
3 Pro Bowls
3 first-team All-Pro selections
2,008 rushing yards in 1998
Two Super Bowl championships
Davis was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
Champ Bailey — Cornerback Champ Bailey played for Denver from 2004 through 2013.
He became one of the premier cornerbacks of his generation and earned nine Pro Bowl selections during his career. Bailey was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019. He became the first Broncos defensive player elected to the Hall of Fame as a Bronco.
Steve Atwater — Safety
Steve Atwater was one of the defining defensive players of the Broncos’ championship era. He played for Denver from 1989 through 1998 and was a key member of the defenses that helped the Broncos reach five Super Bowls during the Elway era.
Atwater was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.+
Randy Gradishar — Linebacker
Randy Gradishar was the leader of Denver’s famous Orange Crush defense.
He played for the Broncos from 1974 through 1983 and was the centerpiece of the defense that took Denver to its first Super Bowl following the 1977 season.
Gradishar was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024.
Pat Bowlen — Owner
Although not a player, Pat Bowlen belongs on a Broncos Hall of Fame list because his Hall of Fame recognition came specifically for his contribution as an owner. Bowlen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.
Broncos Hall of Fame distinction
The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Broncos team history currently lists 15 Hall of Famers connected to the franchise. That larger number includes players such as Peyton Manning, John Lynch, Willie Brown, Tony Dorsett, DeMarcus Ware, Ty Law and Brian Dawkins, whose Hall of Fame careers also include major accomplishments with other franchises.
That is why this article’s primary list is limited to Broncos whose Hall of Fame credentials were substantially built as members of Denver.
Broncos NFL Rookie of the Year Winners
The Broncos have had several outstanding rookies, but two deserve special mention for winning major rookie honors while wearing Denver uniforms.
Billy Joe — 1963 AFL Rookie of the Year
Billy Joe, a fullback, became Denver’s first major Rookie of the Year winner in 1963.
He was selected as the AFL Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press, UPI and The Sporting News. Joe rushed for 646 yards and scored four rushing touchdowns while also catching 15 passes for 90 yards. Because the Broncos were still members of the AFL at the time, this is properly identified as an AFL Rookie of the Year, rather than an NFL award.
Mike Croel — 1991 NFL Rookie of the Year Mike Croel, a linebacker selected in the first round of the 1991 NFL Draft, became one of Denver’s most impressive defensive rookies. Croel was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press and was also recognized by several other football organizations. He recorded 10 sacks during his rookie season.
Von Miller — 2011 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Von Miller became the Broncos’ second AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The second overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft, Miller immediately became a dominant pass rusher.
He received 39 of 50 votes from the Associated Press voting panel and became the second Broncos player to win the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award after Mike Croel. Broncos Rookie of the Year summary
1963 — Billy Joe: AFL Rookie of the Year
1991 — Mike Croel: NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
2011 — Von Miller: NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
Broncos NFL MVP Winners
Two Broncos have won the major Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award while playing for Denver.
Terrell Davis — 1998 NFL MVP
Terrell Davis reached the peak of his career in 1998.
He rushed for 2,008 yards, becoming only the fourth running back at the time to break the 2,000-yard barrier. He also scored 21 rushing touchdowns. Davis was named the 1998 AP NFL MVP, becoming the first Bronco running back to win the award. He also helped Denver finish 14-2 and win its second consecutive Super Bowl.It is important to distinguish this from Davis’ 1996 season. In 1996 he was the AP Offensive Player of the Year and finished third in AP MVP voting; he did not win the AP MVP that season.
Peyton Manning — 2013 NFL MVP
Peyton Manning won the AP NFL MVP award in 2013 while playing quarterback for Denver.
His 2013 season was extraordinary:
5,477 passing yards
55 touchdown passes
450 completions
16 starts
49 of 50 AP MVP votes
The 55 touchdown passes and 5,477 yards were NFL single-season records at the time.
Manning’s 2013 MVP was his fifth career MVP award, but importantly for Broncos history, this particular MVP was earned as a Denver Bronco.
Broncos AP NFL MVPs
Terrell Davis — 1998
Peyton Manning — 2013
The Broncos’ Super Bowl Legacy
Denver has appeared in eight Super Bowls and won three.
Super Bowl appearances
Super Bowl XII — 1977 season: Lost to Dallas
Super Bowl XXI — 1986 season: Lost to New York Giants
Super Bowl XXII — 1987 season: Lost to Washington
Super Bowl XXIV — 1989 season: Lost to San Francisco
Super Bowl XXXII — 1997 season: Won
Super Bowl XXXIII — 1998 season: Won
Super Bowl XLVIII — 2013 season: Lost to Seattle
Super Bowl 50 — 2015 season: Won
Denver’s first championship finally arrived in Super Bowl XXXII, when the Broncos defeated the Green Bay Packers 31-24. Terrell Davis rushed for 157 yards and three touchdowns and was named Super Bowl MVP.
The following season, Denver defeated Atlanta 34-19 in Super Bowl XXXIII.
John Elway was named Super Bowl MVP.
The Broncos’ third championship came in Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season. Denver defeated Carolina Panthers, 24-10 behind a dominant defensive performance.
The Orange Crush
One of the most important chapters in Broncos history began in the 1970s.
The Orange Crush defense became one of the NFL’s most recognizable defensive units.
Randy Gradishar was its central star, surrounded by players such as:
Lyle Alzado, Tom Jackson, Louis Wright, Bill Thompson, Barney Chavous, and Rich Jackson. The defense helped Denver reach its first postseason in 1977 and its first Super Bowl. That 1977 team changed the Broncos from an AFL-era afterthought into a legitimate NFL contender.
The John Elway Era
The arrival of John Elway in 1983 transformed the franchise.
Elway became the face of the Broncos and led Denver to three Super Bowl appearances during the 1980s. Although those teams lost each of their first three Super Bowls, the experience helped establish Denver as an annual contender. Elway eventually got his championships.
In Super Bowl XXXII, Denver defeated Green Bay.
One year later, Denver defeated Atlanta.
Elway retired immediately following the 1998 season and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
The Shanahan Era
Mike Shanahan became Denver’s head coach in 1995.
His tenure became one of the most successful coaching periods in Broncos history.
Shanahan coached the Broncos from 1995 through 2008 and led the franchise to:
Two Super Bowl championships
Two AFC championships
Three AFC West titles
Seven playoff appearances
The 1997 and 1998 championship teams combined Shanahan’s offensive system with Elway’s leadership, Terrell Davis’ running and an outstanding defense.
Shanahan’s offense was particularly effective because Denver developed a powerful running game that worked behind an exceptionally strong offensive line.
Broncos Legacy: The Most Outstanding Coach
Mike Shanahan
For the purposes of this Broncos legacy, Mike Shanahan stands as the franchise’s most accomplished head coach based on championship success.
Shanahan’s Broncos won back-to-back Super Bowls in 1997 and 1998.
He also became the coach who finally completed the transformation of the Elway-era Broncos from perennial Super Bowl participants into champions.
His teams combined:
John Elway at quarterback
Terrell Davis at running back
Shannon Sharpe at tight end
Gary Zimmerman on the offensive line
Steve Atwater anchoring the defense
A deep and physical roster throughout the lineup
Shanahan’s tenure also produced the Broncos’ first two Super Bowl championships.
Broncos Legacy: The Most Outstanding Player
John Elway
For the franchise’s overall legacy, John Elway is the defining Broncos player.
Elway was not simply a great quarterback. He became the central figure in the transformation of the Broncos from a respected regional franchise into a national NFL powerhouse.
His Broncos career included:
16 seasons
148 regular-season victories
5 Super Bowl appearances
2 Super Bowl championships
1 Super Bowl MVP
9 Pro Bowl selections
1987 NFL MVP
Pro Football Hall of Fame induction
Most importantly, Elway finished his career by winning consecutive Super Bowls.
The image of Elway raising the Lombardi Trophy after Super Bowl XXXIII became one of the defining moments in Broncos history.
The Broncos’ Enduring Identity
The Denver Broncos’ story is one of transformation.
They began as an AFL expansion franchise that struggled badly during its first decade. The team then developed into a perennial contender, first under the Orange Crush defense, then under John Elway, and finally into a championship organization during the Shanahan years
The franchise’s history includes:
Bob Howsam and the birth of professional football in Denver.
Gerald Phipps and the establishment of a stable Denver franchise.
The Orange Crush defense and the 1977 breakthrough.
John Elway and five Super Bowl appearances.
Mike Shanahan and back-to-back championships.
Terrell Davis and one of the greatest rushing peaks in NFL history.
Peyton Manning and the record-setting 2013 offense.
Von Miller and the dominant defense that delivered Super Bowl 50.
And throughout it all, the Broncos have maintained their connection with the Mile High City.
From Bears Stadium to Mile High Stadium and eventually Empower Field at Mile High, the Broncos’ home has remained one of the defining venues in professional football.
The Denver Broncos’ legacy is therefore much larger than any single player, coach or championship. It is a history built across generations—from the AFL pioneers of 1960 to Hall of Fame stars, championship teams and the modern Broncos era.
I used the stricter interpretation of your Hall of Fame request: the main list excludes players such as Peyton Manning, John Lynch, Willie Brown, DeMarcus Ware, Ty Law, Tony Dorsett and Brian Dawkins because their Hall of Fame credentials were primarily established with other teams.
Artie Fischal
