Early Years (1960-1979)
The Denver Broncos were founded in 1959, and the team's first quarterback was Craig Morton, who played for the Broncos from 1965 to 1971.
Morton was a key player in the Broncos' early years, leading the team to their first playoff appearance in 1977.
Other notable quarterbacks from this era include Charley Johnson, who played for the Broncos from 1961 to 1966, and Steve Ramsey, who played from 1968 to 1972.
The Elway Era (1983-1998)
The Broncos' most iconic quarterback is undoubtedly John Elway, who played for the team from 1983 to 1998.
Elway led the Broncos to five Super Bowl appearances, including two championship wins in Super Bowl XXXIII and Super Bowl XXXV.
Other notable quarterbacks from this era include Craig Morton's replacement, Charley Johnson, and Steve Ramsey's successor, Craig Morton.
Post-Elway Era (1999-2008)
After John Elway's retirement, the Broncos went through a series of quarterbacks, including Brian Griese, Jake Plummer, and Jay Cutler.
Brian Griese played for the Broncos from 1998 to 2002, leading the team to a few playoff appearances.
Jake Plummer played from 2003 to 2006, but the team struggled during his tenure, failing to make the playoffs.
Recent Era (2009-Present)
Since 2009, the Broncos have had a mix of veteran and young quarterbacks, including Kyle Orton, Tim Tebow, Peyton Manning, and Russell Wilson.
Kyle Orton played for the Broncos from 2009 to 2011, leading the team to a few victories.
Tim Tebow played from 2010 to 2011, but his time with the team was marked by controversy and underwhelming performances.
Notable Quarterbacks and Their Stats
In this section, we'll take a closer look at the stats and achievements of some of the most notable quarterbacks in Broncos history.
| Quarterback | Games Played | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Elway | 234 | 51,485 | 300 | 226 |
| Craig Morton | 111 | 19,268 | 134 | 135 |
| Brian Griese | 98 | 14,148 | 82 | 77 |
| Tim Tebow | 37 | 2,422 | 17 | 9 |
Practical Information and Tips for Bronco Fans
Whether you're a die-hard Bronco fan or just starting to explore the team's history, here are some practical tips and information to get you started:
- Study the Broncos' quarterback history to understand the team's evolution and progress.
- Watch classic games featuring John Elway, Peyton Manning, and other notable quarterbacks.
- Pay attention to current quarterback performances and stats to stay up-to-date with the team's recent history.