The Denver Broncos have had their share of success over the past 25 seasons. In that time, they added a third Super Bowl to their trophy case and reached the playoffs 10 times – most recently this past season as a surprise team led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix.
Based on that success, the Broncos have also had several star players wear the Orange and Blue over the past 25 years. At BetColorado, we’ve identified 24 of the best to create the Broncos Quarter-Century Team. We used Pro Football Reference’s Approximate Value stat to select the top player(s) at each position who played in the Mile High City from 2000 to 2024.
Position | Player | Years With Team | Approximate Value During Years |
QB | Peyton Manning | 2012-2015 | 52 |
RB | Mike Anderson | 2000-2005 | 37 |
WR | Rod Smith | 2000-2006 | 83 |
WR | Demaryius Thomas | 2010-2018 | 76 |
TE | Tony Scheffler | 2006-2009 | 17 |
OT | Ryan Clady | 2008-2014 | 70 |
G | Ben Hamilton | 2002-2009 | 60 |
C | Tom Nalen | 2000-2007 | 78 |
G | Dan Neil | 2000-2004 | 42 |
OT | Matt Lepsis | 2000-2007 | 70 |
Unlike the end of the 20th century, when John Elway was the franchise quarterback for 16 seasons, the Broncos have not had stability under center. That’s how Manning, who only played in 58 games over four seasons, ended up being the team’s QB.
That’s not to diminish his accomplishments in Denver across Colorado sports betting. He did guide them to a Super Bowl championship in his final year, and he threw for 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns in another. However, when most think of the Hall of Famer, they’ll think of him playing for the NFL’s other horse-themed team.
There are no such worries about the receivers on this team, as Smith and Thomas were among the best wide outs in the league during their times. Smith was a bridge between generations, helping Elway win a pair of Super Bowls in the late 1990s and then becoming a three-time Pro Bowler after 2000. Thomas, who unfortunately passed away in 2021 after his career ended, was Manning’s top threat and made the Pro Bowl five times with Denver.
Can Bo Nix be the next great Denver quarterback? bet365 Colorado gives him a longshot’s chance to win the Most Valuable Player award next season, with odds currently at +6600.
Position | Player | Years With Team | Approximate Value During Years |
DE | Elvis Dumervil | 2006-2012 | 47 |
DT | Trevor Pryce | 2000-2005 | 50 |
DT | Derek Wolfe | 2012-2019 | 54 |
DE | Shelby Harris | 2017-2021 | 29 |
LB | Von Miller | 2011-2021 | 120 |
LB | Al Wilson | 2000-2006 | 72 |
LB | DJ Williams | 2004-2012 | 54 |
CB | Champ Bailey | 2004-2013 | 104 |
S | Justin Simmons | 2016-2023 | 65 |
S | John Lynch | 2004-2007 | 32 |
CB | Chris Harris Jr. | 2011-2019 | 74 |
Looking for Broncos’ mainstays? They’re on the defense. During his time in Denver, Miller was a Defensive Rookie of the Year, a Super Bowl MVP and a three-time first-time All-Pro selection. He also registered 110.5 sacks during his 9.5 seasons as a Bronco.
Similarly, Bailey was three-time first-team All-Pro after being traded by Washington in 2004. He also led the NFL with 10 interceptions in 2006 and was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2019.
The next time a Broncos quarter-century team is selected, it’ll likely include Patrick Surtain II. The cornerback won the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year award and his made two All-Pro first teams in his four years as a Bronco. At bet365, his odds to win the DPOY award for a second straight season are +2500.
Position | Player | Years With Team | Approximate Value During Years |
K | Jason Elam | 2000-2007 | 30 |
P | Britton Colquitt | 2010-2015 | 14 |
Elam kicked in Denver for 15 seasons, and while he was on the two Super Bowl teams in the 1990s, he still played well in the latter half of his time with the Broncos. He converted 31 of his 36 field goal attempts in 2001, and in 2006, he went 27 for 29 on field goals. From 2000 to 2007, he succeeded on 82.6% of his field goals and missed only two of the 315 extra-point attempts.
USA Today photo by Ron Chenoy.
Author
Steve is an accomplished, award-winning reporter with more than 20 years of experience covering gaming, sports, politics and business. He has written for the Associated Press, Reuters, The Louisville Courier Journal, The Center Square and numerous other publications. Based in Louisville, Ky., Steve has covered the expansion of sports betting in the U.S. and other gaming matters.
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