KNOW YOUR 1980s DENVER BRONCOS This week, #49, Dennis Smith. The Broncos selected Dennis as their first round pick (15th overall) in the 1981 draft, and he went on to become one of the greatest safeties in team history. Dennis became a starter in his second year and remained an anchor in the Broncos’ secondary [...]
KNOW YOUR 1980s DENVER BRONCOS This week, #53, Randy Gradishar. Drafted in the first round (14th overall) in 1974 by the Broncos, Randy rewarded the team’s high pick by becoming one of the greatest players in franchise history. Randy became a starting linebacker during his first season with the team and by his second year [...]
KNOW YOUR 1980s DENVER BRONCOS This week, #76, Ken Lanier. Ken was a critical member of the Broncos’ revolutionary offensive line of the 1980s. He was drafted in the 5th round of the 1981 draft and spent all but one of his fourteen years with the team. He generally played right tackle. Like Keith Bishop [...]
KNOW YOUR 1980s DENVER BRONCOS This week, the third in a series of team-leading runners, #26, Bobby Humphrey. Looking to replace the retiring Tony Dorsett and the aging Sammy Winder, the Broncos selected Bobby in the 1989 Supplemental Draft. He had two terrific seasons for the Broncos, gaining over 1100 yards both years, making one [...]
KNOW YOUR 1980s DENVER BRONCOS This week, the second in a series of team rushing leaders, #33, Tony Dorsett. As the 1980s Broncos evolved into a perennial contender under the coaching of Dan Reeves, it was clear that they would need a top-tier running back to enable Reeves to not change his lumbering offensive system [...]
KNOW YOUR 1980s DENVER BRONCOS This week, #23, Sammy Winder. Sammy was not the flashiest of the Broncos’ running backs in the 1980s, but his steady work and dependable reputation makes him the quintessential example. He joined the Broncos in 1982 after being drafted in the fifth round, and went on to play his entire [...]
Yet another triumphant return of KNOW YOUR 1980s DENVER BRONCOS. This week, #73, Simon Fletcher. Simon joined the Broncos in 1985 after being drafted in the second round. He played for the Broncos for the duration of his 11-year NFL career. Simon was an unusually-built linebacker, even for his time, being relatively tall, lanky, and [...]
