Denver Broncos · Franchise era 3 of 7
Elway carries Denver west: the Denver Broncos story
Franchise era
1983—1992
Elway carries Denver west
Denver Broncos
The story in one sentence
Elway's arm, movement and late-game nerve repeatedly pulled Denver through the AFC even when the Super Bowl exposed the roster's limits.
Three AFC championships establish the standard
John Elway, Karl Mecklenburg and Steve Atwater gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for at last, back-to-back titles.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1983
What came before
A swarming defense and a roaring home crowd transformed the Broncos, culminating in the franchise's first Super Bowl trip after the 1977 season.
May 2, 1983
The trade that brought John Elway to Denver
Denver surrendered a recent top-five lineman, a quarterback and another first to acquire the most coveted prospect of his generation.
05Franchise-altering standoffMay 2, 1983DEN⇄BALElway to DenverBaltimore drafted John Elway first despite his refusal to play for the Colts, then traded him to Denver one week later.4 assets · 2 outcomes＋
The original receipt
Denver Broncos received
- • John Elway
Baltimore Colts received
- • Chris Hinton
- • Mark Herrmann
- • Denver's 1984 first
Elway became the defining player in Broncos history, reached five Super Bowls and finished with consecutive championships.
Open full trade tree →1987-01-11
Conference Championship: Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns
1987-01-25
Super Bowl: Denver Broncos vs New York Giants
1988-01-17
Conference Championship: Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos
After 1992
What came next
Mike Shanahan's run game and Davis's postseason dominance gave Elway the balance needed to win consecutive Super Bowls.
The core