2009 Denver Broncos

The Denver Bronco’s 8-8 record left them in 2nd place in the AFC West for the 2008 season, and the third season in a row of failing to make the playoffs left head coach Mike Shanahan out of a job. In addition to the head coach, the team released over 20 players, including quarterback Jay Cutler, cornerback Dre Bly and defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban. Under new head coach Josh McDaniels, the team has added over 30 new players, including quarterback Kyle Orton, wide receiver Jabar Gaffney and safeties Renaldo Hill and Brian Dawkins. Though the team will have some adjustments to make to come together as a whole, the changes have been for the better, and the 2009 season should be an exciting one to watch. Get your Invesco Field tickets right here and help support the newly re-tooled Denver Broncos!

Some Denver Broncos history: Denver has been one of the AFC's most consistent teams since the mid-1970s. From 1977 to 1999 the team reached the playoffs 13 times and the Super Bowl six times. Longtime Broncos quarterback John Elway reached the NFL's all-time top five in career passing yards, quarterback rushing yards, and completions. Former head coach Dan Reeves compiled one of the highest winning percentages (.581) in NFL history during his 12 seasons with the club.

Under head coach Mike Shanahan, the Broncos captured the first Super Bowl championship in the franchise's history by defeating the Green Bay Packers in 1998. The team returned to the Super Bowl in 1999 and defeated the Atlanta Falcons.

The Broncos became charter members of the American Football League (AFL) in 1960. Despite strong defensive units that included cornerback Goose Gonsoulin and tackles Dave Costa and Bud McFadin, Denver's best AFL win-loss record was 7-7 in 1962.

The Broncos joined the NFL when the NFL and AFL merged in 1970. The Broncos steadily improved, then surprised the league in 1977 when they won a franchise-record 12 games behind head coach Red Miller. The team captured its first-ever Western Division title with the AFC's top defense, which was anchored by end Lyle Alzado, linebacker Randy Gradishar, and cornerback Louis Wright. Quarterback Craig Morton piloted a steady offense, and the Broncos advanced to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Dallas Cowboys.

As a rookie, John Elway led the team to a playoff berth in 1983 and to 13 victories in 1984. Reeves guided Denver to three Super Bowls in four years during the late 1980s, yet the Broncos failed to earn an NFL championship.

Denver finished 1997 at 12-4, earning a wild card berth in the AFC playoffs. They bested the Jaguars, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Pittsburgh Steelers to advance to the Super Bowl. In Super Bowl XXXII Denver defeated the Green Bay Packers 31-24. In 1998 the Broncos posted a 14-2 win-loss record during the regular season. Denver defeated the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets to gain its fifth Super Bowl appearance. In Super Bowl XXXIII, the Broncos bested the Atlanta Falcons, 34-19. After the season, Elway retired.