Building the Broncos’ All-Time Offense
The Denver Broncos have featured no shortage of offensive stars throughout their history. Hall of Famers, MVPs, champions, and record holders have all helped shape Denver into one of the NFL’s most successful organizations. With that in mind, assembling an all-time Broncos offense is no easy task.
This team was selected based on a combination of individual accolades, production, longevity, and overall impact on the franchise. Several deserving players narrowly missed the cut, but these 11 stand above the rest. Together, they represent the greatest offensive lineup in franchise history:
Quarterback: John Elway
No player has had a greater impact on the Broncos than John Elway. The Hall of Fame quarterback authored “The Drive” in the 1986 AFC Championship Game, won NFL MVP honors in 1987, and led Denver to five Super Bowl appearances during his 16-year career. From the Helicopter Run in Super Bowl XXXII to earning Super Bowl XXXIII MVP honors in the final game of his career, Elway’s leadership helped deliver back-to-back championships and cemented his place as the greatest player in franchise history.
Running Back: Terrell Davis
At his peak, Terrell Davis was the most dominant running back in football. He earned Offensive Player of the Year honors in 1996 before claiming Super Bowl XXXII MVP honors as the Broncos captured their first championship the following season. Davis then rushed for more than 2,000 yards in 1998, earning a second Offensive Player of the Year award and NFL MVP honors before helping Denver secure another Super Bowl title.
Wide Receiver: Rod Smith
Few undrafted players have built a résumé comparable to Rod Smith’s. During his 12 seasons with the Broncos, Smith earned three Pro Bowl selections and recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards eight times while helping Denver win two Super Bowls. He remains the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions (849), receiving yards (11,389), and receiving touchdowns (68).
Wide Receiver: Demaryius Thomas
Demaryius Thomas emerged as one of the NFL’s premier receivers during the Broncos’ most successful stretch of the 2010s. His five Pro Bowl selections are the most by a wide receiver in franchise history, and he ranks second all-time in both receiving yards (9,055) and receiving touchdowns (60) for Denver. Thomas recorded four consecutive 1,300-yard seasons from 2012 through 2015 and later helped the Broncos win Super Bowl 50.
Tight End: Shannon Sharpe
Before the modern era of pass-catching tight ends, Shannon Sharpe helped redefine the position. During his Broncos tenure, Sharpe earned seven Pro Bowl selections and four First-Team All-Pro honors while establishing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons. He also helped Denver win two Super Bowls and remains the Broncos’ all-time leader among tight ends in receptions (675), receiving yards (8,439), and receiving touchdowns (55).
Flex: Floyd Little
Floyd Little earned the nickname “The Franchise” for good reason. During his nine seasons with the Broncos, he accumulated more than 12,000 all-purpose yards, scored 54 touchdowns, earned five Pro Bowl selections, and received First-Team All-Pro honors in 1969. Long before Denver became perennial contenders, Little’s popularity helped generate the support needed to keep the Broncos in the Mile High City and establish him as the organization’s first true superstar.
Left Tackle: Gary Zimmerman
Gary Zimmerman brought Hall of Fame talent to the Broncos’ offensive line during the 1990s. He earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 1996, became the first offensive lineman inducted into the team’s Ring of Fame, and helped Denver win Super Bowl XXXII in the final game of his career. Few offensive linemen in team history can match his impact or accomplishments.
Left Guard: Mark Schlereth
Mark Schlereth was a cornerstone of the offensive lines that helped the Broncos win back-to-back championships. He earned a Pro Bowl selection and the George Halas Award in 1998 while helping pave the way for one of the NFL’s most dominant rushing attacks. His toughness and leadership made him one of the defining players of the team’s championship era.
Center: Tom Nalen
Tom Nalen served as the anchor of the Broncos’ offensive line for more than a decade. A five-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-Team All-Pro, he played a crucial role in the success of Denver’s famed zone-blocking scheme. During Nalen’s career, six different Broncos running backs recorded 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
Right Guard: Louis Vasquez
Louis Vasquez spent only three seasons with the Broncos, but his impact was undeniable. He earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2013 while helping Denver produce one of the most explosive offenses in NFL history, as the Broncos scored a league-record 606 points and eclipsed 50 points three times. Vasquez later helped Denver win Super Bowl 50, adding a championship to an already impressive résumé.
Right Tackle: Ken Lanier
Ken Lanier was one of the most dependable players of the John Elway era. He started 165 games across 13 seasons with the Broncos and helped Denver reach three Super Bowls during his tenure. His longevity and consistency make him the clear choice at right tackle on this all-time team.
Final Thoughts
This offense spans nearly every era of Broncos football history. From Floyd Little carrying the franchise in its early years to Demaryius Thomas helping bring a third Lombardi Trophy to Denver, each player left a lasting mark on the organization. Featuring multiple Hall of Famers, MVPs, champions, and franchise record holders, this unit would be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
