Denver Broncos · Franchise era 2 of 7
The Orange Crush: the Denver Broncos story
Franchise era
1973—1982
The Orange Crush
Denver Broncos
The story in one sentence
A swarming defense and a roaring home crowd transformed the Broncos, culminating in the franchise's first Super Bowl trip after the 1977 season.
Defense sends Denver to its first Super Bowl
Randy Gradishar, Tom Jackson and Craig Morton gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for elway carries denver west.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1973
What came before
Denver survived years of losing because Little and an intensely loyal fan base made the franchise worth building.
1977-12-24
Divisional Round: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Denver Broncos
1978-01-01
Conference Championship: Oakland Raiders vs Denver Broncos
1978-01-15
Super Bowl: Dallas Cowboys vs Denver Broncos
After 1982
What came next
Elway's arm, movement and late-game nerve repeatedly pulled Denver through the AFC even when the Super Bowl exposed the roster's limits.
The core