The Denver Broncos were founded in 1960 as a member of the American Football League (AFL). In 1970 the AFL merged into the National Football League (NFL) and became the American Conference of the NFL. Since that time, the Broncos have been members of the NFL’s American Conference (Western Division).

Located in Denver, Colorado the team has played its home games at INVESCO Field at Mile High since 2001. From 1960 – 2000 Mile High Stadium (known as Bears Stadium until 1968) was home to the Broncos.

The following are some of the notable milestones for the Broncos:

1960: First ever AFL regular season game (September 9: Denver 13 – Boston 10)

1961: First professional football player with 100 receptions – Lionel Taylor

1970’s: Defense nickname “Orange Crush” emerges

1973: First season with a winning record (7-5-2)

1977: First AFC championship (Denver 20 – Oakland 17)

1977: First Super Bowl appearance (Dallas 27 – Denver 10)

1981: Dan Reeves hired as head coach

1983: John Elway arrives in Denver

1986: Second Super Bowl appearance (New York Giants 39 – Denver 20)

1987: Third Super Bowl appearance (Washington 42 – Denver 10)

1989: Fourth Super Bowl appearance (San Francisco 55 – Denver 10)

1995: Mike Shanahan hired as head coach

1995: Terrell Davis arrives in Denver

1997: First Super Bowl victory (Denver 31 – Green Bay 24)

1998: Second Super Bowl victory (Denver 34 – Atlanta 19)

1998: John Elway retires

2004: John Elway inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

2005: First post-Elway playoff victory (Denver 27 – New England 13)