Victory: Broncos 38, 49ers 9 Finale: One last salute New digs: Owens, Bowlen join ceremony to 'top out' new Broncos stadium Stories: Broncos past and present share memories Chronology: Mile High's last day Souvenirs: Fans make a play for seats Good seats: Workers, kin watch game on big TV in new stadium Voices: Qutoes from Mile High's last day Passion: Family still has first season-ticket seats Tales: 76,000 tickets — 76,000 stories Farewell cry: Tough South Stands fans say goodbye with tears
Video & audio: Broncos, fans remember Mile High Destruction: Video montage of the stadium's demolition Interactive timelines: Game day | Through the years Slideshow: Orange-and-blue memories
Proud reign: A day at Mile High Q&A: What'll happen to Mile High landmarks Gene Amole: When Bill Redd, Bears Stadium ruled Denver's sporting world Dave Krieger: Frigid night of football frozen in time, mind Bernie Lincicome: The burning question: How to say goodbye The stars: Rating the best Broncos team ever
Forums: Reminisce with other Broncos fans Vote: What Mile High moment is your favorite? Thinking back: Readers remember Mile High Stadium
Elway heads the list of top Mile High stars, but he's not the only great one on the team
By Clay LatimerDenver Rocky Mountain News Staff Writer The field at Mile High Stadium is richly grained with the memories of dazzling players. Paring them down to an all-time, all-star Denver Broncos team is like getting blindsided by linebacker Bill Romanowski: It's risky business. Then again, some spots are no-brainers. Our picks for the Mile High Stadium football team for the ages: QUARTERBACK — John Elway. No explanation needed. But don't forget Craig Morton. An erratic player with the Dallas Cowboys and a bust with the New York Giants, Morton found his time and place in Denver, leading the Broncos to the 1977 AFC title over Oakland. RUNNING BACK — Floyd Little, the first No. 1 draft pick signed by the club, was widely regarded as "The Franchise" for much of his nine-year career, rushing 1,641 times for 6,323 yards. When he retired, Little ranked among the NFL's top 10 career rushers. In his final home game, on Dec. 14, 1975, he scored on a 66-yard pass play, and the Broncos beat Philadelphia 25-10. Fans poured from their seats, carrying Little off the field for the final time. And while injuries have diminished his effectiveness the past two seasons, the other running back has to be Terrell Davis, who led the Broncos to back-to-back Super Bowl titles and joined an elite group of runners. On Dec. 27, 1998, during the final game of the regular season, running backs coach Bobby Turner held up seven fingers — the number of yards Davis needed to step into NFL history. With a 15-yard run, Davis became the fourth runner in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season. WIDE RECEIVERS — Lionel Taylor, one of the original Broncos and one of four original Ring of Fame members, may have had the best hands in pro football in the early '60s. He led the American Football League in receiving five times. In the 1977 AFC title game, Haven Moses caught five passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns, then turned a cartwheel on the field. In the locker room afterward, Billy Thompson held the game ball high. "Who led us to the promised land?" "Moses, Moses," his teammates chanted. TIGHT END — By conventional standards, Riley Odoms is the best pure tight end in franchise history. But there's nothing conventional about the Broncos' other top tight end, Shannon Sharpe, including his accomplishments. A hybrid of a wide receiver and a tight end, he was too big for cornerbacks and too fast for linebackers to cover. And no one could match his mouth. Sharpe's the pick. OFFENSIVE LINE — Current Broncos center Tom Nalen continues his remarkable ascension. Guard Keith Bishop set the tone for The Drive in the 1986 championship game, when he said, "We got 'em right where we want em." The Broncos had the ball at their own 2, trailing 20-13 with about 5 minutes remaining. Current guard Mark Schlereth's resolve matches Bishop's. Tackle Gary Zimmerman covered Elway's back side, and tackle Claudie Minor covered Morton's. DEFENSIVE LINE — Start with Rich "Tombstone" Jackson, who terrorized opponents, particularly quarterbacks, from 1967-72. Many considered him the best defensive end in football during his prime, and in 1970 he became the first Broncos player to be named to the All-NFL first team. Tackle Paul Smith posted 11 sacks in both the 1972 and 1973 seasons, and made the Pro Bowl both years. Tackle Rubin Carter (1975-86) and end Barney Chavous (1973-85) rattled opponents and rallied teammates with their impassioned play. LINEBACKERS — The Big Three — Tom Jackson, Randy Gradishar and Karl Mecklenburg — embody the Broncos' rich tradition on defense. For many of the nation's sports fans, Jackson is best known as a football analyst for ESPN, where he works alongside Chris Berman and Co. But in Denver, he'll always be No. 57. Jackson was one of the ringleaders of the famed Orange Crush defense in the Broncos' first Super Bowl season. No one symbolized the team's infectious zeal more than the University of Louisville product, who was voted the team's most inspirational player for six consecutive seasons (1981-86). When he retired in 1986, Jackson had played in a franchise-record 191 games, a mark that stood until Elway came along. Gradishar played in seven Pro Bowls (a club record at that point) and was the team's all-time leader in tackles (1,958). Mecklenburg played linebacker and defensive end for the Broncos from 1983-94. He finished his career with 79 sacks, second only to Simon Fletcher. SECONDARY — Cornerback Louis Wright was a five-time All-Pro and played in 166 games in 12 seasons beginning in 1975. He retired the way he played: without drama. "Dear Mr. Bowlen," read the note he turned in to a Broncos secretary at the start of training camp in 1987. "I have retired from the best organization in the National Football League. Thank you and good luck. Sincerely, Louis Wright." Billy Thompson finished his remarkable career (1969-81) with a franchise-high 61 turnover recoveries, including 40 interceptions. Dennis Smith picked off 30 passes from 1981-94, but he's best remembered for punishing hits and clutch plays. Steve Atwater did it all during his long run with the Broncos, but his physical play set him apart. During a 1990 Monday night game, Atwater met 260-pound Christian Okoye of Kansas City in a fourth-quarter head-on collision that left Okoye in a crumpled heap and made the young safety a nationwide hit. SPECIAL TEAMS — Return man Rick Upchurch was named to four Pro Bowls (1976, 1978, 1979, 1982), returned two punts for TDs in a single game and was one of the most exciting players in club history. Jim Turner is in the Ring of Fame, but the nod at kicker goes to Jason Elam, whose many highlights include a 63-yard field goal two years ago. Tom Rouen is the punter.
The field at Mile High Stadium is richly grained with the memories of dazzling players. Paring them down to an all-time, all-star Denver Broncos team is like getting blindsided by linebacker Bill Romanowski: It's risky business. Then again, some spots are no-brainers. Our picks for the Mile High Stadium football team for the ages: QUARTERBACK — John Elway. No explanation needed. But don't forget Craig Morton. An erratic player with the Dallas Cowboys and a bust with the New York Giants, Morton found his time and place in Denver, leading the Broncos to the 1977 AFC title over Oakland. RUNNING BACK — Floyd Little, the first No. 1 draft pick signed by the club, was widely regarded as "The Franchise" for much of his nine-year career, rushing 1,641 times for 6,323 yards. When he retired, Little ranked among the NFL's top 10 career rushers. In his final home game, on Dec. 14, 1975, he scored on a 66-yard pass play, and the Broncos beat Philadelphia 25-10. Fans poured from their seats, carrying Little off the field for the final time. And while injuries have diminished his effectiveness the past two seasons, the other running back has to be Terrell Davis, who led the Broncos to back-to-back Super Bowl titles and joined an elite group of runners. On Dec. 27, 1998, during the final game of the regular season, running backs coach Bobby Turner held up seven fingers — the number of yards Davis needed to step into NFL history. With a 15-yard run, Davis became the fourth runner in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season. WIDE RECEIVERS — Lionel Taylor, one of the original Broncos and one of four original Ring of Fame members, may have had the best hands in pro football in the early '60s. He led the American Football League in receiving five times. In the 1977 AFC title game, Haven Moses caught five passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns, then turned a cartwheel on the field. In the locker room afterward, Billy Thompson held the game ball high. "Who led us to the promised land?" "Moses, Moses," his teammates chanted. TIGHT END — By conventional standards, Riley Odoms is the best pure tight end in franchise history. But there's nothing conventional about the Broncos' other top tight end, Shannon Sharpe, including his accomplishments. A hybrid of a wide receiver and a tight end, he was too big for cornerbacks and too fast for linebackers to cover. And no one could match his mouth. Sharpe's the pick. OFFENSIVE LINE — Current Broncos center Tom Nalen continues his remarkable ascension. Guard Keith Bishop set the tone for The Drive in the 1986 championship game, when he said, "We got 'em right where we want em." The Broncos had the ball at their own 2, trailing 20-13 with about 5 minutes remaining. Current guard Mark Schlereth's resolve matches Bishop's. Tackle Gary Zimmerman covered Elway's back side, and tackle Claudie Minor covered Morton's. DEFENSIVE LINE — Start with Rich "Tombstone" Jackson, who terrorized opponents, particularly quarterbacks, from 1967-72. Many considered him the best defensive end in football during his prime, and in 1970 he became the first Broncos player to be named to the All-NFL first team. Tackle Paul Smith posted 11 sacks in both the 1972 and 1973 seasons, and made the Pro Bowl both years. Tackle Rubin Carter (1975-86) and end Barney Chavous (1973-85) rattled opponents and rallied teammates with their impassioned play. LINEBACKERS — The Big Three — Tom Jackson, Randy Gradishar and Karl Mecklenburg — embody the Broncos' rich tradition on defense. For many of the nation's sports fans, Jackson is best known as a football analyst for ESPN, where he works alongside Chris Berman and Co. But in Denver, he'll always be No. 57. Jackson was one of the ringleaders of the famed Orange Crush defense in the Broncos' first Super Bowl season. No one symbolized the team's infectious zeal more than the University of Louisville product, who was voted the team's most inspirational player for six consecutive seasons (1981-86). When he retired in 1986, Jackson had played in a franchise-record 191 games, a mark that stood until Elway came along. Gradishar played in seven Pro Bowls (a club record at that point) and was the team's all-time leader in tackles (1,958). Mecklenburg played linebacker and defensive end for the Broncos from 1983-94. He finished his career with 79 sacks, second only to Simon Fletcher. SECONDARY — Cornerback Louis Wright was a five-time All-Pro and played in 166 games in 12 seasons beginning in 1975. He retired the way he played: without drama. "Dear Mr. Bowlen," read the note he turned in to a Broncos secretary at the start of training camp in 1987. "I have retired from the best organization in the National Football League. Thank you and good luck. Sincerely, Louis Wright." Billy Thompson finished his remarkable career (1969-81) with a franchise-high 61 turnover recoveries, including 40 interceptions. Dennis Smith picked off 30 passes from 1981-94, but he's best remembered for punishing hits and clutch plays. Steve Atwater did it all during his long run with the Broncos, but his physical play set him apart. During a 1990 Monday night game, Atwater met 260-pound Christian Okoye of Kansas City in a fourth-quarter head-on collision that left Okoye in a crumpled heap and made the young safety a nationwide hit. SPECIAL TEAMS — Return man Rick Upchurch was named to four Pro Bowls (1976, 1978, 1979, 1982), returned two punts for TDs in a single game and was one of the most exciting players in club history. Jim Turner is in the Ring of Fame, but the nod at kicker goes to Jason Elam, whose many highlights include a 63-yard field goal two years ago. Tom Rouen is the punter.
The field at Mile High Stadium is richly grained with the memories of dazzling players.
Paring them down to an all-time, all-star Denver Broncos team is like getting blindsided by linebacker Bill Romanowski: It's risky business.
Then again, some spots are no-brainers.
Our picks for the Mile High Stadium football team for the ages:
QUARTERBACK — John Elway. No explanation needed.
But don't forget Craig Morton. An erratic player with the Dallas Cowboys and a bust with the New York Giants, Morton found his time and place in Denver, leading the Broncos to the 1977 AFC title over Oakland.
RUNNING BACK — Floyd Little, the first No. 1 draft pick signed by the club, was widely regarded as "The Franchise" for much of his nine-year career, rushing 1,641 times for 6,323 yards. When he retired, Little ranked among the NFL's top 10 career rushers. In his final home game, on Dec. 14, 1975, he scored on a 66-yard pass play, and the Broncos beat Philadelphia 25-10.
Fans poured from their seats, carrying Little off the field for the final time.
And while injuries have diminished his effectiveness the past two seasons, the other running back has to be Terrell Davis, who led the Broncos to back-to-back Super Bowl titles and joined an elite group of runners.
On Dec. 27, 1998, during the final game of the regular season, running backs coach Bobby Turner held up seven fingers — the number of yards Davis needed to step into NFL history. With a 15-yard run, Davis became the fourth runner in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season.
WIDE RECEIVERS — Lionel Taylor, one of the original Broncos and one of four original Ring of Fame members, may have had the best hands in pro football in the early '60s. He led the American Football League in receiving five times.
In the 1977 AFC title game, Haven Moses caught five passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns, then turned a cartwheel on the field. In the locker room afterward, Billy Thompson held the game ball high. "Who led us to the promised land?"
"Moses, Moses," his teammates chanted.
TIGHT END — By conventional standards, Riley Odoms is the best pure tight end in franchise history. But there's nothing conventional about the Broncos' other top tight end, Shannon Sharpe, including his accomplishments. A hybrid of a wide receiver and a tight end, he was too big for cornerbacks and too fast for linebackers to cover. And no one could match his mouth. Sharpe's the pick.
OFFENSIVE LINE — Current Broncos center Tom Nalen continues his remarkable ascension. Guard Keith Bishop set the tone for The Drive in the 1986 championship game, when he said, "We got 'em right where we want em." The Broncos had the ball at their own 2, trailing 20-13 with about 5 minutes remaining. Current guard Mark Schlereth's resolve matches Bishop's. Tackle Gary Zimmerman covered Elway's back side, and tackle Claudie Minor covered Morton's.
DEFENSIVE LINE — Start with Rich "Tombstone" Jackson, who terrorized opponents, particularly quarterbacks, from 1967-72. Many considered him the best defensive end in football during his prime, and in 1970 he became the first Broncos player to be named to the All-NFL first team.
Tackle Paul Smith posted 11 sacks in both the 1972 and 1973 seasons, and made the Pro Bowl both years. Tackle Rubin Carter (1975-86) and end Barney Chavous (1973-85) rattled opponents and rallied teammates with their impassioned play.
LINEBACKERS — The Big Three — Tom Jackson, Randy Gradishar and Karl Mecklenburg — embody the Broncos' rich tradition on defense.
For many of the nation's sports fans, Jackson is best known as a football analyst for ESPN, where he works alongside Chris Berman and Co. But in Denver, he'll always be No. 57. Jackson was one of the ringleaders of the famed Orange Crush defense in the Broncos' first Super Bowl season. No one symbolized the team's infectious zeal more than the University of Louisville product, who was voted the team's most inspirational player for six consecutive seasons (1981-86).
When he retired in 1986, Jackson had played in a franchise-record 191 games, a mark that stood until Elway came along.
Gradishar played in seven Pro Bowls (a club record at that point) and was the team's all-time leader in tackles (1,958). Mecklenburg played linebacker and defensive end for the Broncos from 1983-94. He finished his career with 79 sacks, second only to Simon Fletcher.
SECONDARY — Cornerback Louis Wright was a five-time All-Pro and played in 166 games in 12 seasons beginning in 1975. He retired the way he played: without drama. "Dear Mr. Bowlen," read the note he turned in to a Broncos secretary at the start of training camp in 1987. "I have retired from the best organization in the National Football League. Thank you and good luck. Sincerely, Louis Wright."
Billy Thompson finished his remarkable career (1969-81) with a franchise-high 61 turnover recoveries, including 40 interceptions.
Dennis Smith picked off 30 passes from 1981-94, but he's best remembered for punishing hits and clutch plays.
Steve Atwater did it all during his long run with the Broncos, but his physical play set him apart. During a 1990 Monday night game, Atwater met 260-pound Christian Okoye of Kansas City in a fourth-quarter head-on collision that left Okoye in a crumpled heap and made the young safety a nationwide hit.
SPECIAL TEAMS — Return man Rick Upchurch was named to four Pro Bowls (1976, 1978, 1979, 1982), returned two punts for TDs in a single game and was one of the most exciting players in club history. Jim Turner is in the Ring of Fame, but the nod at kicker goes to Jason Elam, whose many highlights include a 63-yard field goal two years ago. Tom Rouen is the punter.
