From the Orange Crush defenses of the 1970s to back-to-back Super Bowl titles in the late 1990s and a third in 2015, the Denver Broncos have built a proud Mile High tradition. This ranking of the greatest Denver Broncos players of all time celebrates the franchise icons who delivered three Lombardi Trophies, led by the immortal John Elway. These are the legends, from Hall of Fame quarterbacks to record-setting pass rushers, who defined Broncos football.
1. John Elway (QB · 1983-1998)
The greatest Bronco of all time, Elway holds nearly every franchise passing record and engineered countless fourth-quarter comebacks, including The Drive. He led Denver to five AFC titles and capped his career with back-to-back Super Bowl wins and the Super Bowl XXXIII MVP.
2. Terrell Davis (RB · 1995-2001)
The engine of Denver's championship run, Davis rushed for 2,008 yards and won NFL MVP in 1998. He was named MVP of Super Bowl XXXII and remains one of the most dominant postseason runners in league history before earning Hall of Fame honors.
3. Von Miller (LB · 2011-2021)
The franchise's all-time sack leader, Miller was the MVP of Super Bowl 50 after wrecking the Panthers offense. An eight-time Pro Bowler, his explosive edge rushing made him the defining defensive force of the modern Broncos era.
4. Champ Bailey (CB · 2004-2013)
One of the finest cover corners in NFL history, Bailey earned eight Pro Bowl selections during his decade in Denver. His blanket coverage and ball skills produced a Hall of Fame career and shut down a generation of elite receivers.
5. Shannon Sharpe (TE · 1990-1999, 2002-2003)
A trash-talking, mismatch-creating tight end, Sharpe won two Super Bowls with Denver and helped redefine the position. He became one of just a handful of tight ends to surpass 10,000 receiving yards and reached Canton in 2011.
6. Floyd Little (RB · 1967-1975)
The Franchise, Little gave the early Broncos credibility and led the NFL in rushing in 1971. A five-time Pro Bowler whose loyalty kept the team in Denver, he was a beloved cornerstone enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2010.
7. Steve Atwater (S · 1989-1998)
A hard-hitting safety who patrolled the Mile High secondary, Atwater made eight Pro Bowls and won two Super Bowls. His legendary collisions and leadership anchored the defense, earning him a Hall of Fame bust in 2020.
8. Randy Gradishar (LB · 1974-1983)
The quarterback of the Orange Crush defense, Gradishar won Defensive Player of the Year in 1978 and made seven Pro Bowls. His instinctive, tackle-machine play finally earned long-overdue Hall of Fame recognition in 2024.
9. Peyton Manning (QB · 2012-2015)
In just four seasons in Denver, Manning set the NFL single-season touchdown and yardage records in 2013 and won his fifth MVP. He closed his career by leading the Broncos to victory in Super Bowl 50, adding a legendary chapter to franchise lore.
10. Rod Smith (WR · 1995-2006)
An undrafted free agent who became the franchise's all-time leading receiver, Smith won two Super Bowls and made three Pro Bowls. His reliability and route running produced more than 11,000 receiving yards in a Broncos uniform.
Honorable Mentions
Karl Mecklenburg (Versatile Orange Crush-era linebacker), Tom Jackson (Beloved Orange Crush linebacker), Gary Zimmerman (Hall of Fame left tackle), Dennis Smith (Hard-hitting safety, six Pro Bowls), Demaryius Thomas (Prolific receiver, Super Bowl 50 champ), Louis Wright (Shutdown cornerback, five Pro Bowls), Simon Fletcher (Franchise sack leader before Miller)
Put a Broncos Legend on Your Wall
Own a piece of Denver Broncos history with hand-built plaques made from real licensed cards. Start with the Broncos All-Time Greats plaque, or browse the full Denver Broncos collection. See legends from every team on our Pro Football Hall of Fame page. We ship nationwide.