Most beloved Bronco ever?

[BowlenBall]

OK, Elway has retired this crown, once and for all time. Who's #2?

[Crushaholic]

A lot of good choices, but Rod Smith exemplified the character and the heart I want to see on this team...

[BroncoBuff]

If you didn't vote Floyd, you were born too late.


Good threads, ExPat, but next time maybe click the "Make Votes Public" box so we can see who votes what.

[spdirty]

Jack Elway

[Orange_Beard]

Td

[Dedhed]

If you didn't vote Floyd, you were born too late.


Good threads, ExPat, but next time maybe click the "Make Votes Public" box so we can see who votes what.

Probably true, as I never saw Floyd play. I went with TD, because without him, the Broncos still don't have a Championship. Although without Floyd you could argue that the Broncos don't exist.

[orinjkrush]

can't believe you didn't add Tommy Jackson. what a frickin great LB. heart, soul and brains of the D for so long. Gotta love him on ESPN. I want my son to grow up to be like Tom Jackson.

[Bronx33]

i VOTE TJ

[BowlenBall]

can't believe you didn't add Tommy Jackson. what a frickin great LB. heart, soul and brains of the D for so long. Gotta love him on ESPN. I want my son to grow up to be like Tom Jackson.

Hmmm... probably should have added Tom Jackson, just on the basis of his quote to John Madden on the sidelines of that Broncos-Raiders game. Anyone remember? Rep to whoever posts it first.....

[Bronx33]

It's Over Old Man!

[Moon§hiner]

Could have sworn it was "it's over fat man" but I'm getting old.

[Meck77]

Personally I'd take Mecklenberg. We could use a guy with his versatility on defense again. Dude could play anywhere.

[Hogan11]

OK, Elway has retired this crown, once and for all time. Who's #2?

Floyd still holds the crown in my house.....Elway is #2.

[lex]

No one brought home the bacon like Terrell - no one!

[BroncoMan4ever]

i gotta go with Rod Smith. I mean in the das of free agency and no-class rejects Rod Smith was the ultimate team guy. Not only that but unlike a few of the other guys he was a Bronco from the beginning until the end which i pray is at least 1 more season away.

I am also a little biased towards Rod, Ed, and TD because i really began to get into the Broncos right around the 95 season when they were all beginning to be the badasses they all became.

I would have chosen TD but with so little time in Denver i can't take him over Rod, and i chose Rod over Eddie because unlike Eddie Rod only played for Denver.

[broncofan]

Hmmm... probably should have added Tom Jackson, just on the basis of his quote to John Madden on the sidelines of that Broncos-Raiders game. Anyone remember? Rep to whoever posts it first.....

"It's over, fat man."

[Dagmar]

Even a new school foreign fan like me knows no Floyd = No franchise.

[lex]

Even a new school foreign fan like me knows no Floyd = No franchise.

You could also say, no TD, no SBs.

[MileHighMagic]

I always loved Easy Ed. He made tough catch after tough catch, took a beating and usually popped right back up. My second favorite player to John.

[Blueflame]

Think I'll go with "all of the above"... love 'em all. :thumbsup:

[Northman]

My top 3 favorites:

John
Steve
Terrell

[Kaylore]

Without Little most of those guys, including Elway, wouldn't have worn a Broncos jersey at all.

[dsmoot]

Really an unfair poll because many here can not remember the older guys. My vote(s) by generations:

Little (60's-mid 70's)
TJ (mid 70's - mid 80's)
Elway (mid 80's - mid 90's)
TD (mid 90's -2K)
Rod (late 90's - present)

My overall favorite - TJ, played with intensity and enthusiasm, maintained a fairly high level of play throughout his career.

[The Moops]

No Franchise, Floyd Little #44, and sure the Broncos may have won those Super Bowls.

In Birmingham or Chicago.

[Hogan11]

Really an unfair poll because many here can not remember the older guys.

This is a pet peeve of mine...one I really can't stand. Just because one wasn't around then or didn't see them play is no reason to ignore the player's accomplishments or impact....you've got 10 yr. old Broncos fans out there who've never seen Elway play, do you really think they're going to say garbage like "I'd say Elway was the greatest Broncos QB of all time, but I can't because I never seen him play, so I have to go with Plummer because he led us to the playoffs"? C'mon.

If one roots for a team in any sport, then one should know and acknowledge the team's history, period.

[broncos love]

All good choices , but had to go with Atwater probaly because the Arkansas connection. I didn't see Derek Russell on the list.

[Swedish Extrovert]

I cannot believe TD is winning by so much... he only played about 4 solid years and a guy like a Rod Smith or an Eddie Mac who have had much longer tenures and contributed, I think, to a much higher level are trailing? Weird.

[lex]

I cannot believe TD is winning by so much... he only played about 4 solid years and a guy like a Rod Smith or an Eddie Mac who have had much longer tenures and contributed, I think, to a much higher level are trailing? Weird.

Super Bowls carry a lot of weight with people especially after being 0-4 in them. TD did a lot of the heavy lifting when it came to SBs. Not saying others didnt help though.

[Popps]

I've been watching long enough to see some of the old-schoolers. But, I don't think anyone was as consistent of a leader for a long as Rod Smith... not to mention he's got more yards from scrimmage than any other Bronco in history.

[Swedish Extrovert]

Super Bowls carry a lot of weight with people especially after being 0-4 in them. TD did a lot of the heavy lifting when it came to SBs. Not saying others didnt help though.

So... in that case Joe Montana IS better than Elway?

[Punisher]

ill go with eddie mac my fav WR

[Broncomutt]

Steve Atwater.

I met and talked with him after a MNF game in DC when I was 16. Only Bronco player I've ever talked to, although I did shake Elway's hand that night.

He stood out in the cold and rain and answered dumbass questions from a geeky teenager. I don't know what kind of person he is in real life, but I always appreciated that.

Oh, and he was a pretty good safety too....:P

[broncocalijohn]

TD got us over the top which puts him ahead of Rod and Steve. Great list. My first beloved bronco was Craig Morton. Dead sick in the hospital to get us that AFC Championship win over the Faiders. 1977 was the start of a great franchise.

[lex]

So... in that case Joe Montana IS better than Elway?

Thats not even what this discussion is about. Nice try though.

[Swedish Extrovert]

Oh, it's my opinion that Elway is the best ever... but if we're talking Superbowls...

I guess TD is in fact the greatest Bronco ever (other than Elway) best on Superbowls... I guess Elway wasn't that great then?

[lex]

Oh, it's my opinion that Elway is the best ever... but if we're talking Superbowls...

I guess TD is in fact the greatest Bronco ever (other than Elway) best on Superbowls... I guess Elway wasn't that great then?

This isnt necessarily about the best or greatest, moreover, its about the one you like the most...the Broncos who has most endeared himself to Broncos fans. That may or may not be the greatest.

[Swedish Extrovert]

Well Terrell did that... even if it was only for 2 years...

I voted for Eddie Mac... in my opinion the greatest Bronco - with Rod Smith a very close second.

[BowlenBall]

Could have sworn it was "it's over fat man" but I'm getting old.

We've got a winner! Close, Bronx33, but no cigar.

"It's over, fat man." That should go on his tombstone. Hell, it should go on BOTH of their tombstones.

[BowlenBall]

All good choices , but had to go with Atwater probaly because the Arkansas connection. I didn't see Derek Russell on the list.

Derek Russell!

Wow, now there's a recovered memory! I was living in Searcy, Arkansas when they drafted him, and I had such high hopes for him. Instead, he just joined the long, long, loooooong list of Broncos receivers who never quite panned out.

[broncos love]

Derek Russell!

Wow, now there's a recovered memory! I was living in Searcy, Arkansas when they drafted him, and I had such high hopes for him. Instead, he just joined the long, long, loooooong list of Broncos receivers who never quite panned out.

Yep, Russell made some clutch catches in his time, but with Elway he made him alot better than he was. Russell was a Michael Young type; I miss the old broncos.

[gunns]

Tough decision. After Elway there were a lot I loved. But I guess I have to go with Little as he was what got me excited to be a Bronco fan.

[Arkie]

Steve Atwater for his 8 Pro Bowls, 2 Rings, 130 tackles a season with only 5 missed games, his fierce hitting, his character, his leadership, and last but not least, his monster game in the Super bowl against Green Bay.

[Spider]

1. Floyd Little
2. L.Wright
3 Haven Moses
4 Randy G
5 J.Elway
6.Sammy Winder
7.T.D.
8.Rod Smith
9 Ed Mac
10 Steve Watson
11.D.Smith
12.S. Atwater
13.Simon FLetcher
14 S.Sharpe
15 Rulon Jones
16.Tom Jackson
17. Bob Swenson
18.Keyworth
19.Nails
.Lepsis
20. H.Griffith
21.T Braxton
22. R. Crockett
23. B. Chavous
24. Coach J.Collier
25. Billy Thompson
26. Riley Odems
27. Norris Weise
28. K.Mecklinburg
29. C.Morton
30. Charlie Johnson

[16-JakE-16]

<<<<<<------- ^5
Hmmm... probably should have added Tom Jackson, just on the basis of his quote to John Madden on the sidelines of that Broncos-Raiders game. Anyone remember? Rep to whoever posts it first.....

[Spider]

Hmmm... probably should have added Tom Jackson, just on the basis of his quote to John Madden on the sidelines of that Broncos-Raiders game. Anyone remember? Rep to whoever posts it first.....

;D I remember he quote , bu more important I remember the game , the quote was good , but the game was even better ......
we bent the steel curtain
We stomped the Snake
Dallas will be a piece of Cake ....... 2 out of 3 aint bad ;D

[BowlenBall]

1. Floyd Little
2. L.Wright - For sure!
3 Haven Moses - YES
4 Randy G
5 J.Elway
6.Sammy Winder - I loved him, but in retrospect, he sucked
7.T.D.
8.Rod Smith
9 Ed Mac
10 Steve Watson - definitely
11.D.Smith - Yes, but not over Atwater
12.S. Atwater
13.Simon FLetcher - Ring of famer, for sure
14 S.Sharpe - Yes, but has dropped due to annoying me as an analyst
15 Rulon Jones - An ass-kicker, for sure
16.Tom Jackson
17. Bob Swenson - Hmmm... just another player
18.Keyworth - ditto
19.Nails - great player, but not very personable
.Lepsis - I still hold a grudge over the 'breaking TD's leg' thing
20. H.Griffith - best Broncos FB ever - but still just a FB
21.T Braxton - too ugly to love (but a good player)
22. R. Crockett - now you're just naming random players....
23. B. Chavous - nice one (but still not in the top 10)
24. Coach J.Collier - Last beloved defensive coordinator?
25. Billy Thompson - Yeah, I liked him quite a bit
26. Riley Odems - ditto
27. Norris Weise - Ummm... no.
28. K.Mecklinburg
29. C.Morton - See Weese, Norris
30. Charlie Johnson - Ehhh.

Lots of good players on your list, but few that anyone would realistically select as their "favorite player ever." Wright, Moses, Watson, Fletcher, Sharpe, and Rulon Jones, maybe. But only maybe. And you could also add these names to the "Ring of Liked, but not Loved":

31. Greg Kragen
32. Gerald Wilhite
33. Steve Sewell
34. Keith Bishop
35. Glyn Milburn (on the basis of that one monster game)
36. Orson Mobley

[Los Broncos]

I loved Eddie Mac, no one was more fun to watch.

[kappys]

Simon Fletcher.

[Spider]

1. Floyd Little
2. L.Wright - For sure!
3 Haven Moses - YES
4 Randy G
5 J.Elway
6.Sammy Winder - I loved him, but in retrospect, he sucked
7.T.D.
8.Rod Smith
9 Ed Mac
10 Steve Watson - definitely
11.D.Smith - Yes, but not over Atwater
12.S. Atwater
13.Simon FLetcher - Ring of famer, for sure
14 S.Sharpe - Yes, but has dropped due to annoying me as an analyst
15 Rulon Jones - An ass-kicker, for sure
16.Tom Jackson
17. Bob Swenson - Hmmm... just another player
18.Keyworth - ditto
19.Nails - great player, but not very personable
.Lepsis - I still hold a grudge over the 'breaking TD's leg' thing
20. H.Griffith - best Broncos FB ever - but still just a FB
21.T Braxton - too ugly to love (but a good player)
22. R. Crockett - now you're just naming random players....
23. B. Chavous - nice one (but still not in the top 10)
24. Coach J.Collier - Last beloved defensive coordinator?
25. Billy Thompson - Yeah, I liked him quite a bit
26. Riley Odems - ditto
27. Norris Weise - Ummm... no.
28. K.Mecklinburg
29. C.Morton - See Weese, Norris
30. Charlie Johnson - Ehhh.

Lots of good players on your list, but few that anyone would realistically select as their "favorite player ever." Wright, Moses, Watson, Fletcher, Sharpe, and Rulon Jones, maybe. But only maybe. And you could also add these names to the "Ring of Liked, but not Loved": Some on my list I met in person , so while they may not be loved on the field , they was all class when I met them

31. Greg Kragen He was good no doubts about it he played in more SB games then anyone Denver and the Bills
32. Gerald Wilhite The flip ..... I could have listed 50 players ....
33. Steve Sewell very solid , I have forgave him for the Fumble in 91 Bills AFC Championship game
34. Keith Bishop very solid addition
reason why I have D Smith over Atwater is for 2 hits ....
1. He ****ed up Raider Dave Casper good ruptured his spleen
2. Monster hit on Thurman Thomas , knocked him into an Alternate universe , I suspect Thomas hasnt forgot ........

[Spider]

oh and About J .Collier , in my opinion and I will add I am very Biased , I dont think there has ever been a D cord in his league to date .... Granted F.A. kind screwed things up in that respect ( building a Defense that lasted 10 years) but man I would love to have Collier back right now

[bpc]

Steve Atwater for his 8 Pro Bowls, 2 Rings, 130 tackles a season with only 5 missed games, his fierce hitting, his character, his leadership, and last but not least, his monster game in the Super bowl against Green Bay.

Thank you, i was just about to point out that while TD got the TD's, Steve Atwater was laying out anything that moved that game... even his own brothers.

The guy had a stellar career and I always wanted to be a safety, so I could play like Steve. Imagine a chubby 5'8", 220lbs kid in middle school always trying to play DB when everybody else was telling me to get down on the line.

I loved Steve so much that when I finally did get put down on the line, I made sure I could have my jersey with number 27 on... only by flipping it around and making it 72.

Atwater was the man.

All-time favorite broncos?

1. Atwater - I don't care what anybody says, John Lynch couldn't hold this guy's jock.
2. Simon Fletcher - They didn't respect you in the 3-4 back in the 80's unless your name was Green or LT. This guy was right up there with both of them for a short period. Absolute travesty he never made it to the pro bowl.
3. DS 49 - While I feel Atwater was a better all-around safety and he sported the jewelry in the end, DS 49 was the hardest hitter I ever saw. His initials should have been FF.
4. John - I know... every bronco should have him first. I rooted for the defene. I appreciated Elway.
5. TD - He was a once in a lifetime back... a shooting star. The NFL needs to put him in the HOF.
6. Sharpe - Before he started running his mouth non-stop, he was so fun to watch week in and week out. Other TE's will surpass him in the stats category before too long but for a 3 or 4 year period, he rivaled the best WR's in the games in terms of production.
7. Rod - If we had a symbol of Broncos Country, it would be this guy. Blue collar, tireless worker... the heart of the team.
8. Champ - The guy is amazing and I'm frustrated that we are wasting his best years by putting un-inspired players around him.
9. Griffith - I don't think Denver will see another like this guy. He was right up there with TD in a class of his own. He owned opposing players.
10. Zimm - The guy was amazing. He'll never be at the top because his time with Denver was brief but man, he was like a rock back there for us.
11. Stink - Same deal as Zimm... just gritty as can be. The sign of toughness. He was the epitomy of why our team was so great... surgery on Monday, back on Sunday. Unfortunately he'll be feeling it later in life but the man will always have my respect.
12. Eddie Mac - Another blue collar guy. Loved watching him on Sundays. He always made the big plays.
13. Al Wilson - I just loved his heart. He was far from perfect but I loved him carrying our badge onto the field. He commanded respect.
14. Cutler - i've only seen a glimpse and he needs more help around him but I can see great things coming from this guy from a talent and poise standpoint. If he doesn't reach that level, it will ultimately be the talent around him.
15. Elvis - I just love this dude. All heart, fire, and tenacity.
16. D-Will *** RIP *** Despite what most people will say on here, I felt he was destine for stardom. It doesn't come overnight but he had the goods to punish people opposite of Champ. He was another guy... he would leave it all on the field. Ultimately people will remember him for dying way too young but i'll remember him as a blossoming star that never got to reach his full potential. He could have been great.

(Sorry guys, I wasn't around to really watch TJ, Floyd or Gradishar)

Least Favorite

1. Dale Carter - He tries to blow out our CB's knee, laughs at him, and then we go out and try to sign him. Probably the most irate i've ever been with Shanahan.
2. Daryl Gardener - Frickin IHOP.
3. Maurice Clarett - Just say the phrase "I gotta get my goose' on" and I will sock somebody in the mouth.
4. Deltha O'Neal - Had some of the best skills at CB i've ever seen but not a drop of consistency. He should have been a hall of famer if he took his job seriously.
5. Travis Henry - This guy is just a scumbag. Can we cut him already?
6. George Foster - 6 starts to his name coming out of Georgia... SIX! WEAK MINDED AS HELL!
7. Griese - Worst big game QB i've ever seen. EVER.
8. Michael Dean Perry - Walking to the damn sidelines cost us 5, a 1st down and possibly the 96' super bowl.
9. Ben Smith - We gave up a 1st rounder for this bastard?
10. Pryce - Talk $hit walking out the door and he never produced in the big time games.

[Spider]

Thank you, i was just about to point out that while TD got the TD's, Steve Atwater was laying out anything that moved that game... even his own brothers.

The guy had a stellar career and I always wanted to be a safety, so I could play like Steve. Imagine a chubby 5'8", 220lbs kid in middle school always trying to play DB when everybody else was telling me to get down on the line.

I loved Steve so much that when I finally did get put down on the line, I made sure I could have my jersey with number 27 on... only by flipping it around and making it 72.

Atwater was the man.

All-time favorite broncos?

1. Atwater
2. Simon Fletcher
3. DS 49
4. John
5. TD
6. Sharpe
7. Rod
8. Champ
9. Griffith
10. Zimm
11. Stink
12. Eddie Mac
13. Al Wilson
14. Cutler
15. Elvis
16. D-Will *** RIP ***

(Sorry guys, I wasn't around to really watch TJ, Floyd or Gradishar)

Least Favorite

1. Dale Carter - He tries to blow out our CB's knee, laughs at him, and then we go out and try to sign him. Probably the most irate i've ever been with Shanahan.
2. Daryl Gardener - Frickin IHOP.
3. Maurice Clarett - Just say the phrase "I gotta get my goose' on" and I will sock somebody in the mouth.
4. Deltha O'Neal - Had some of the best skills at CB i've ever seen but not a drop of consistency. He should have been a hall of famer if he took his job seriously.
5. Travis Henry - This guy is just a scumbag. Can we cut him already?
6. George Foster - 6 starts to his name coming out of Georgia... SIX! WEAK MINDED AS HELL!
7. Griese - Worst big game QB i've ever seen. EVER.
8. Michael Dean Perry - Walking to the damn sidelines cost us 5, a 1st down and possibly the 96' super bowl.
9. Ben Smith - We gave up a 1st rounder for this bastard?
10. Pryce - Talk $hit walking out the door and he never produced in the big time games.

pretty solid list ...

[Doggcow]

I voted Elam. He's nailed so many game winners you can't replace what that guy has done for us.

[Ratboy]

Rod Smith. I also like Steve Atwater because i've always been a fan of Defense Backs.

[Ratboy]

Favorite Bronco of All-Time for me.. Willie Middlebrooks. :)

[BowlenBall]

Favorite Bronco of All-Time for me.. Willie Middlebrooks. :)

Yeah! Remember that time when Willie... um... er.... did he ever actually get on the field for us?

[orange 4 life]

If you didn't vote Floyd, you were born too late.


.....or havent yet learned your history.

amen.

#44 - #7

[backup qb]

Because this is asking who your personal favorite was, I would have to go with Atwater, although TD is very close.

[Natedog24]

What no Jake Plummer??

I kid I kid, voted Eddie Mac but it was a very tough call...