Editing Denver Broncos (section)

==History==
{{further|History of the Denver Broncos}}

===Bob Howsam/Gerald Phipps era (1960–1980)===
The Denver Broncos were founded on August 14, 1959, when [[Minor League Baseball|minor league]] baseball owner [[Bob Howsam]] was awarded an [[American Football League]] (AFL) charter franchise.<ref name="ProFootballHOF1" /> The Broncos won the first-ever AFL game over the [[1960 Boston Patriots season|Boston Patriots]] 13–10, on September 9, [[1960 Denver Broncos season|1960]]. Seven years later on August 5, [[1967 AFL season|1967]], they became the first-ever AFL team to defeat an [[National Football League|NFL]] team, with a 13–7 win over the [[1967 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]] in a preseason game.<ref name="ProFootballHOF1" /> However, the Broncos were not successful in the 1960s, winning more than five games only once (7–7, [[1962 Denver Broncos season|1962]]), compiling a {{winpct|39|97|4|record=y}} record during the ten seasons of the AFL.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.conigliofamily.com/Broncos.htm |title=Denver Broncos: American Football League Charter Members |work=Conigliofamily.com |access-date=November 28, 2008 |archive-date=November 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128145221/http://www.conigliofamily.com/Broncos.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

Denver came close to losing its franchise in [[1965 Denver Broncos season|1965]], until a local ownership group took control,<ref name=shftm>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0sFeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=pjEMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6589%2C2586643 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |agency=Associated Press |title=Brothers buy Broncos; won't shift team |date=February 16, 1965 |page=11 |access-date=February 4, 2021 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209093108/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0sFeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=pjEMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6589,2586643 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=brsold65>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=csNNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=gUkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4223%2C3217349 |work=Deseret News |location=(Salt Lake City, Utah) |agency=United Press International |title=Broncos sold, stay at home |date=February 16, 1965 |page=B6 |access-date=February 4, 2021 |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208130649/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=csNNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=gUkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4223,3217349 |url-status=live }}</ref> and rebuilt the team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nflteamhistory.com/nfl_teams/denver_broncos/team_history.html |title=Denver Broncos Team History |work=NFLteamhistory.com |access-date=November 28, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003111245/http://www.nflteamhistory.com/nfl_teams/denver_broncos/team_history.html |archive-date=October 3, 2008 }}</ref> The team's first superstar, "Franchise" [[Floyd Little]], was instrumental in keeping the team in Denver, due to his signing in [[1967 Denver Broncos season|1967]] as well as his [[Pro Bowl]] efforts on and off the field. The Broncos were the only original AFL team that never played in the title game, as well as the only original AFL team never to have a winning season while a member of the AFL during the upstart league's 10-year history.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den |title=Denver Broncos Team Encyclopedia&nbsp;– Pro Football Reference |website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]] |access-date=March 31, 2018 |archive-date=January 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102203957/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1972, the Broncos hired former [[Stanford Cardinal football|Stanford University]] coach [[John Ralston (coach)|John Ralston]] as their [[List of Denver Broncos head coaches|head coach]].<ref name="l128">{{cite web | last=Chass | first=Murray | title=Ralston of Stanford Will Coach Broncos | website=The New York Times | date=January 6, 1972 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/01/06/archives/ralston-of-stanford-will-coach-broncos.html | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref> In [[1973 Denver Broncos season|1973]], he was the [[United Press International|UPI]]'s [[American Football Conference|AFC]] Coach of the Year, after Denver achieved its first winning season at 7–5–2. In five seasons with the Broncos, Ralston guided the team to three winning seasons. Though Ralston finished the [[1976 Denver Broncos season|1976 season]] with a 9–5 record, the team, as was the case in Ralston's previous winning seasons, still missed the playoffs. Following the season, several prominent players publicly voiced their discontent with Ralston, which soon led to his resignation.<ref name="BroncosSportsE-Cyclopedia">{{cite web |url=http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nfl/denver/broncos.html |title=Sports E-Cyclopedia&nbsp;– Denver Broncos |access-date=July 20, 2010 |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021161444/https://sportsecyclopedia.com/nfl/denver/broncos.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:1986 Jeno's Pizza - 47 - Randy Gradishar.jpg|right|thumb|The Broncos defeated the Raiders in the [[1977–78 NFL playoffs|1977–78]] AFC Championship Game to earn their first trip to the Super Bowl.]]
[[Red Miller]], a long-time assistant coach, was hired and along with the [[Orange Crush Defense]] (a nickname originated in 1977, also the brand of [[Orange Crush|the popular orange-flavored soft drink]]) and aging [[List of Denver Broncos starting quarterbacks|quarterback]] [[Craig Morton]], took the Broncos to what was then a record-setting 12–2 regular-season record and their first playoff appearance in [[1977 Denver Broncos season|1977]], and ultimately made their first Super Bowl appearance in [[Super Bowl XII]], in which they were defeated by the [[1977 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] (Morton's former team), 27–10.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/1977.htm|title=1977 Denver Broncos Statistics|publisher=Pro Football Reference|access-date=March 31, 2018|archive-date=May 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509013136/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/1977.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Edgar Kaiser/Pat Bowlen era (1981–2018)===
In [[1981 Denver Broncos season|1981]], Broncos' owner [[Gerald Phipps]], who had purchased the team in May 1961 from the original owner [[Bob Howsam]], sold the team to Canadian financier [[Edgar Kaiser Jr.]], grandson of shipbuilding industrialist [[Henry J. Kaiser]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Paton, James|title=Clock runs out for ex-Broncos owner |url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/oct/02/ex-broncos-owner-denied-chance-buy-back-team|newspaper=Rocky Mountain News|access-date=October 2, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004110729/http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/oct/02/ex-broncos-owner-denied-chance-buy-back-team/ |archive-date=October 4, 2008}}</ref> In [[1984 Denver Broncos season|1984]], the team was purchased by another Canadian, [[Pat Bowlen]], who placed team ownership into a family trust sometime before [[2004 Denver Broncos season|2004]] and remained in day-to-day control until his battle with [[Alzheimer's disease]] forced him to cede the team to [[Joe Ellis]] in [[2014 Denver Broncos season|2014]].<ref name="BowlenSteppingBack">{{cite news|last=Wesseling|first=Chris|title=Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen stepping back|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/denver-broncos-owner-pat-bowlen-stepping-back-0ap2000000367473|publisher=National Football League|date=July 23, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2017|archive-date=April 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405035409/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000367473/article/denver-broncos-owner-pat-bowlen-stepping-back|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BroncosOwner">{{cite news|title=Statements on Owner Pat Bowlen|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/statements-on-owner-pat-bowlen-13272905|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=July 23, 2014|access-date=December 17, 2019|archive-date=December 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217184939/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/statements-on-owner-pat-bowlen-13272905|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Klis, Mike">{{cite news|last=Klis|first=Mike|title=Pat Bowlen resigns control of Denver Broncos, acknowledges he is dealing with Alzheimer's disease|url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_26199148/pat-bowlen-resigns-control-denver-broncos-acknowledges-dealing-alzheimers-disease|newspaper=[[The Denver Post]]|date=July 23, 2014|access-date=July 23, 2014|archive-date=July 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723104759/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_26199148/pat-bowlen-resigns-control-denver-broncos-acknowledges-dealing-alzheimers-disease|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Dan Reeves years (1981–1992)====
[[Dan Reeves]] became the youngest head coach (37) in the [[National Football League|NFL]] when he joined the Broncos in [[1981 Denver Broncos season|1981]] as vice president and [[List of Denver Broncos head coaches|head coach]]. [[List of Denver Broncos starting quarterbacks|Quarterback]] [[John Elway]], who played college football at [[Stanford Cardinal football|Stanford]], arrived in [[1983 Denver Broncos season|1983]] via a trade. Originally drafted by the [[Baltimore Colts]] as the first pick of the [[1983 NFL draft|draft]], Elway proclaimed that he would shun football in favor of [[Major League Baseball|baseball]] (he was drafted by the [[New York Yankees]] to play [[Center fielder|center field]] and was also a pitching prospect), unless he was traded to a selected list of other teams, which included the Broncos.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/elway/timeline.html |title=John Elway Timeline |work=The Sporting News |access-date=November 28, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920140523/http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/elway/timeline.html |archive-date=September 20, 2008 }}</ref> Prior to Elway, the Broncos had over 24 different starting quarterbacks in its 23 seasons to that point.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.football.com/nfl/denverbroncos/index.html|title=Denver Broncos|work=Football.com|access-date=November 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080605052411/http://www.football.com/nfl/denverbroncos/index.html|archive-date=June 5, 2008}}</ref>

[[File:1988 AFC Championship Game - Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos 1988-01-17 (ticket).jpg|thumb|150px|A ticket for the [[1987–88 NFL playoffs|1987–88 AFC Championship Game]] between the Browns and the Broncos.]]
[[File:1986 Jeno's Pizza - 48 - Sammy Winder.jpg|left|thumb|John Elway (''right'') hands the ball for a rushing play against the Packers in 1984.]]
Reeves and Elway guided the Broncos to six post-season appearances, five [[AFC West]] divisional titles, three [[American Football Conference|AFC]] championships and three [[Super Bowl]] appearances (Super Bowl XXI, XXII and XXIV) during their 12-year span together. The Broncos lost [[Super Bowl XXI]] to the [[1986 New York Giants season|New York Giants]], 39–20; [[Super Bowl XXII]] to the [[1987 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]], 42–10; and [[Super Bowl XXIV]] to the [[1989 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]], 55–10; the latter score remains the most lopsided scoring differential in Super Bowl history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl History |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/super-bowl/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The last year of the Reeves-Elway era were marked by feuding, due to Reeves taking on play-calling duties after ousting Elway's favorite offensive coordinator [[Mike Shanahan]] after the [[1991 Denver Broncos season|1991 season]], as well as Reeves drafting quarterback [[Tommy Maddox]] out of [[UCLA Bruins football|UCLA]] instead of going with a [[wide receiver]] to help Elway. Reeves was fired after the [[1992 Denver Broncos season|1992 season]] and replaced by his protégé and friend [[Wade Phillips]], who had been serving as the Broncos' defensive coordinator.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.realclearsports.com/lists/coach_killers/john_elway_dan_reeves.html|title=RealClearSports&nbsp;– Top 10 Coach Killers&nbsp;– John Elway|access-date=March 4, 2014|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517153929/http://www.realclearsports.com/lists/coach_killers/john_elway_dan_reeves.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/413764-mile-high-feud-john-elway-and-mike-shanahan-still-have-a-beef-but-why#articles/413764-mile-high-feud-john-elway-and-mike-shanahan-still-have-a-beef-but-why|title=Mile High Feud: John Elway and Mike Shanahan Still Have a Beef, but Why?|author=Reid Brooks|work=Bleacher Report|access-date=March 4, 2014|archive-date=October 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004205013/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/413764-mile-high-feud-john-elway-and-mike-shanahan-still-have-a-beef-but-why#articles/413764-mile-high-feud-john-elway-and-mike-shanahan-still-have-a-beef-but-why|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="sportsillustrated.cnn.com">{{cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/1998/playoffs/news/1999/01/24/superbowl_feud/ |title=Reeves' comments rekindle feud with Elway, Shanahan|work=CNN/SI | date=January 24, 1999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622064747/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/1998/playoffs/news/1999/01/24/superbowl_feud/|archive-date=June 22, 2011}}</ref> Phillips was fired after a mediocre [[1994 Denver Broncos season|1994 season]], in which management felt he lost control of the team.<ref name="i392">{{cite web | agency=Associated Press| title=BRONCOS BID GOODBYE TO FIRED PHILLIPS | website=Deseret News | date=January 23, 2024 | url=https://www.deseret.com/1994/12/30/19150614/broncos-bid-goodbye-to-fired-phillips/ | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref>

====Mike Shanahan years (1995–2008)====
In [[1995 Denver Broncos season|1995]], [[Mike Shanahan]], who had formerly served under Reeves as the Broncos' offensive coordinator, returned as head coach.<ref name="l030">{{cite web | last=Swanson | first=Ben | title=How Mike Shanahan drew on Broncos history to leave his own lasting impact | website=Denver Broncos | date=October 15, 2021 | url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/how-mike-shanahan-drew-on-broncos-history-to-leave-his-own-lasting-impact | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref> The team went 8–8 in 1995.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1995 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/1995.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Shanahan drafted rookie [[running back]] [[Terrell Davis]]. In [[1996 Denver Broncos season|1996]], the Broncos were the top seed in the AFC with a 13–3 record, dominating most of the teams that year. The fifth-seeded [[1996 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]], however, upset the Broncos 30–27 in the divisional round of the playoffs, ending the Broncos' 1996 run.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1996 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/1996.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos – January 4th, 1997 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199701040den.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

=====Super Bowl XXXII champions (1997)=====
During the [[1997 Denver Broncos season|1997 season]], Elway and Davis helped guide the Broncos to their first Super Bowl victory, a 31–24 win over the defending champion [[1997 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]] in [[Super Bowl XXXII]]. Though Elway completed only 13 of 22 passes, throwing one interception and no touchdowns (he did, however, have a rushing touchdown), Davis rushed for 157 yards and a Super Bowl-record three touchdowns to earn the [[Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award]]—this while overcoming a severe migraine headache that caused him blurred vision.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XXXII – Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos – January 25th, 1998 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199801250den.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="w888">{{cite web | title=Davis Glad MVP Went To Elway | website=CBS News | date=January 31, 1999 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/davis-glad-mvp-went-to-elway/ | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref>

=====Super Bowl XXXIII champions (1998)=====
The Broncos repeated as Super Bowl champions the following season, defeating the [[1998 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]] (led by Elway's longtime head coach [[Dan Reeves]]) in [[Super Bowl XXXIII]], 34–19. Elway was named Super Bowl MVP, completing 18 of 29 passes for 336 yards, with an 80-yard touchdown to wide receiver [[Rod Smith (wide receiver)|Rod Smith]] and one interception.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XXXIII – Denver Broncos vs. Atlanta Falcons – January 31st, 1999 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199901310atl.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>[[File:Jaycutler.JPG|thumb|200px|Broncos' quarterback [[Jay Cutler]] in 2007.]]
John Elway retired following the [[1998 Denver Broncos season|1998 season]], and [[Brian Griese]] started at [[List of Denver Broncos starting quarterbacks|quarterback]] for the next four seasons. After a 6–10 record in [[1999 Denver Broncos season|1999]], mostly due to a season-ending injury to Terrell Davis, the Broncos recovered in [[2000 Denver Broncos season|2000]], earning a Wild Card playoff berth, but losing to the eventual [[Super Bowl XXXV|Super Bowl]] champion [[2000 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1999 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/1999.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2000 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2000.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> After missing the playoffs the following two seasons,<ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2001.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2002.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> former [[Arizona Cardinals]]' quarterback [[Jake Plummer]] replaced Griese in [[2003 Denver Broncos season|2003]], and led the Broncos to two straight 10–6 seasons, earning Wild Card playoff berths both years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2003.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2004.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> However, the Broncos went on the road to face the [[Indianapolis Colts]] in back-to-back seasons and were blown out by more than 20 points in each game, allowing a combined 90 points.<ref name="BroncosSportsE-Cyclopedia"/>

In the years following the back-to-back championships, a league investigation found that the team had circumvented the salary cap in both seasons and the 1996 season by deferring additional money to Elway and Davis outside of the salary cap. In addition, they purposefully avoided waiving certain players before a certain date. Denver claimed the moves did not give them additional competitive advantage. The NFL gave no formal statement, although between two separate punishments stripped the team of their third-round picks in the [[2002 NFL draft|2002]] and [[2005 NFL draft|2005]] drafts and fined them nearly $2&nbsp;million combined.<ref name="e469">{{cite web | title=Revisiting Denver's cap penalties from the 1990s | website=NBC Sports | date=February 14, 2016 | url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/revisiting-denvers-cap-penalties-from-the-1990s | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 16, 2004 |title=Cap zap: Broncos pay with fine, pick |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1883127 |access-date=March 19, 2023 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

Plummer led the Broncos to a 13–3 record in [[2005 Denver Broncos season|2005]] and their first [[AFC West]] division title since 1998.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2005.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> After a first-round [[Bye (sports)|bye]], the Broncos defeated the defending Super Bowl champion [[2005 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]], 27–13, denying New England from becoming the first [[National Football League|NFL]] team ever to win three consecutive Super Bowl championships.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – New England Patriots at Denver Broncos – January 14th, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200601140den.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They were the first team to beat the Patriots in the playoffs during the Tom Brady era. The Broncos' playoff run came to an end the next week, after losing at home to the [[2005 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]] in the AFC Championship game, 34–17.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship – Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos – January 22nd, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200601220den.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The Broncos' defense began the first five games of the [[2006 Denver Broncos season|2006 season]] allowing only one touchdown&nbsp;— an NFL record that still stands. ESPN commentator and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Joe Theismann gave the 2006 defense the name "Bad Blue" on ''[[Monday Night Football]]'' as they played the Ravens. However, the team struggled down the season stretch. Plummer led the team to a 7–2 record, but struggled individually with inconsistent performance and more interceptions than touchdown passes. As a result, he would be replaced by rookie quarterback [[Jay Cutler]]. Cutler went 2–3 as a starter, and the Broncos finished with a 9–7 record, losing the tiebreaker to the [[2006 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]] for the final playoff spot.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2006.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Cutler's first full season as a starter in [[2007 Denver Broncos season|2007]] became the Broncos' first losing season since 1999, with a 7–9 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2007.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The [[2008 Denver Broncos season|2008 season]] ended in a 52–21 loss at the [[2008 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]], giving the Broncos an 8–8 record and their third straight season out of the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2008.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Mike Shanahan]], the longest-tenured and most successful [[List of Denver Broncos head coaches|head coach]] in Broncos' franchise history, was fired after 14 seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 30, 2008 |title=Broncos fire Shanahan after season falls apart |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3800768 |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

====Josh McDaniels years (2009–2010)====
On January 11, 2009, two weeks after Shanahan was fired, the Broncos hired former New England Patriots' offensive coordinator [[Josh McDaniels]] as the team's new head coach.<ref>{{cite news|title=ENTER MCDANIELS|url=https://history.denverbroncos.com/2009/01/enter-mcdaniels/|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=January 11, 2009|access-date=November 22, 2020|archive-date=August 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805134304/https://history.denverbroncos.com/2009/01/enter-mcdaniels/|url-status=live}}</ref> Three months later, the team acquired quarterback [[Kyle Orton]] as part of a trade that sent Jay Cutler to the [[Chicago Bears]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Clayton |first1=John |last2=Werder |first2=Ed |date=April 2, 2009 |title=Broncos send Cutler to Bears for Orton, 3 picks |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4037373 |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

Under McDaniels and Orton, the Broncos jumped out to a surprising 6–0 start in [[2009 Denver Broncos season|2009]]. However, the team lost eight of their next ten games, finishing 8–8 for a second consecutive season and missing the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2009.htm |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The next season ([[2010 Denver Broncos season|2010]]), the Broncos set a new franchise record for losses in a single season, with a 4–12 record.<ref>{{cite news|author=Stapleton, Arnie |title=Broncos lose franchise-record 12th game as Chargers win 33–28 |url=http://www.kdvr.com/news/kdvr-chargers-broncos-10211-txt,0,3858640.story |work=Fox 31 Denver |date=January 3, 2011 |access-date=January 3, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006082419/http://www.kdvr.com/news/kdvr-chargers-broncos-10211-txt,0,3858640.story |archive-date=October 6, 2011 }}</ref> McDaniels was fired before the end of the 2010 season following a combination of the team's poor record and the fallout from a highly publicized [[Steve Scarnecchia|videotaping scandal]].<ref name="u854">{{cite web | last=Legwold | first=Jeff | title=Broncos videotape scandal results in fine, embarrassment | website=The Denver Post | date=November 27, 2010 | url=https://www.denverpost.com/2010/11/27/broncos-videotape-scandal-results-in-fine-embarrassment/ | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref> Running backs coach [[Eric Studesville]] was named interim coach for the final four games of the 2010 season.<ref>{{cite news |author=Klis, Mike |title=McDaniels fired as Broncos coach after controversy, losses pile up |url=http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_16791509 |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=December 6, 2010 |access-date=December 6, 2010 |archive-date=December 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209140140/http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_16791509 |url-status=live }}</ref> He chose to start rookie first-round draft choice [[Tim Tebow]] at quarterback for the final three games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tim Tebow 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TeboTi00/gamelog/2010/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

====John Fox years (2011–2014)====
Following the [[2010 Denver Broncos season|2010 season]], [[Joe Ellis]] was promoted from chief operating officer to team president, while [[John Elway]] returned to the organization as the team's executive vice president of football operations.<ref>{{cite news |author=Klis, Mike |title=Broncos officially announce Elway hire, promote Ellis to president |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_17015369 |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=January 5, 2011 |access-date=January 5, 2011 |archive-date=January 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107073312/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_17015369 |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, the Broncos hired [[John Fox (American football)|John Fox]] as the team's 14th [[List of Denver Broncos head coaches|head coach]]. Fox previously served as the [[Carolina Panthers]]' head coach from 2002 to 2010.<ref>{{cite news|title=JOHN FOX NAMED AS HEAD COACH|url=https://history.denverbroncos.com/2011/01/john-fox-named-as-head-coach/|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=January 13, 2011|access-date=November 22, 2020|archive-date=August 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805050810/https://history.denverbroncos.com/2011/01/john-fox-named-as-head-coach/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following a 1–4 start to the [[2011 Denver Broncos season|2011 season]], [[Tim Tebow]] replaced [[Kyle Orton]] as the Broncos' starting [[List of Denver Broncos starting quarterbacks|quarterback]], and "Tebow Time" was born.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 11, 2011 |title=Tebow time: 1–4 Broncos make switch at QB |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7087660/tim-tebow-replaces-kyle-orton-denver-broncos-starting-quarterback-john-fox-says#:~:text=Orton%2520didn't%2520carry%2520over,Orton%2520and%2520sent%2520in%2520Tebow. |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> Tebow led the Broncos with toughness, determination and miraculous come-from-behind victories which gave the Broncos hope and were the catalyst for better things to come. Tebow led the Broncos to an 8–8 record and garnered the team's first playoff berth and division title since [[2005 Denver Broncos season|2005]]. The Broncos defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round on a memorable 80-yard touchdown pass from Tebow to [[wide receiver]] [[Demaryius Thomas]] on the first play of overtime, setting a record for the fastest overtime in [[National Football League|NFL]] history.<ref>{{cite news|last=Legan|first=Kenny|title=Thomas Shines in Overtime Victory|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/thomas-shines-in-overtime-victory-6775987|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=January 8, 2012|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=October 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020062737/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/thomas-shines-in-overtime-victory-6775987|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the Broncos lost to the [[2011 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] in the Divisional round.<ref name="BroncosPatriots2011">{{cite news |author=Klis, Mike |title=Tom Brady leads Patriots' 45–10 rout of Broncos, Tim Tebow in NFL playoffs |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_19745656 |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=January 14, 2012 |access-date=January 14, 2012 |archive-date=January 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118022114/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_19745656 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2012, the Broncos reached an agreement on a five-year, [[Dollar|$]]96&nbsp;million contract with former longtime [[Indianapolis Colts]]' quarterback [[Peyton Manning]], who had recently missed the entire {{nfly|2011}} season following multiple neck surgeries.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7713078/2012-nfl-free-agency-peyton-manning-denver-broncos-agree-96m-deal-source-says |title=Peyton Manning, Broncos OK deal |publisher=ESPN |date=March 20, 2012 |access-date=March 20, 2012 |archive-date=March 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320154044/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7713078/2012-nfl-free-agency-peyton-manning-denver-broncos-agree-96m-deal-source-says |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-peyton-manning-question-20120320,0,7718384.story?track=rss |title=How will Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos fare next season? |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=March 20, 2012 |access-date=March 20, 2012 |archive-date=March 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320213147/http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-peyton-manning-question-20120320,0,7718384.story |url-status=live }}</ref> This resulted in the Broncos subsequently trading incumbent quarterback Tim Tebow to the [[2012 New York Jets season|New York Jets]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Cimini |first1=Rich |last2=McManus |first2=Jane |date=March 22, 2012 |title=Jets acquire Tim Tebow for draft pick |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/7718133/new-york-jets-acquire-tim-tebow-4th-round-pick |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324074025/http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/7718133/new-york-jets-acquire-tim-tebow-4th-round-pick |archive-date=March 24, 2012 |access-date=March 22, 2012 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The Broncos finished with a 13–3 record and the [[American Football Conference|AFC]]'s No. 1 seed in the [[2012–13 NFL playoffs|2012 playoffs]], but were [[Mile High Miracle|defeated by the Baltimore Ravens]] in the Divisional round.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Caldwell|first1=Gray|last2=Zaas|first2=Stuart|title=Double-OT Heartbreaker Ends Denver's Season|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/double-ot-heartbreaker-ends-denver-s-season-9349539|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=January 12, 2013|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=January 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116064752/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/double-ot-heartbreaker-ends-denver-s-season-9349539|url-status=live}}</ref>

Like in [[2012 Denver Broncos season|2012]], the [[2013 Denver Broncos season|2013 Broncos]] finished with a 13–3 record and the AFC's No. 1 seed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Broncos broke all offensive records and QB Peyton Manning shattered many quarterback records that season as well.<ref name="e573">{{cite web | last=Legwold | first=Jeff | title=The 2013 Broncos, the NFL's only 600-point team | website=ESPN.com | date=September 27, 2023 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38492638/denver-broncos-peyton-manning-nfl-record-606-points-2013-season#:~:text=Quarterback%20Peyton%20Manning%20threw%20for,back%2Dto%2Dback%20games. | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref> In the [[2013–14 NFL playoffs|2013 playoffs]], they defeated the [[2013 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]] in the Divisional round and the [[2013 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] in the AFC Championship.<ref name="z759">{{cite web | title=Manning, Broncos beat Chargers 24–17 | website=WBIR.com | date=January 12, 2014 | url=https://www.wbir.com/article/sports/ncaa/manning-broncos-beat-chargers-24-17/51-95278218 | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref><ref name="d003">{{cite web | title=Denver Broncos defeat New England Patriots 26–16 | website=CNN | date=January 19, 2014 | url=https://www.cnn.com/2014/01/19/us/afc-championship-game/index.html | access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref> However, the Broncos lost to the [[2013 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]] in [[Super Bowl XLVIII]] by a score of 43–8, the Broncos' first [[Super Bowl]] berth since winning back-to-back Super Bowls in [[1997 Denver Broncos season|1997]] and [[1998 Denver Broncos season|1998]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Klis, Mike |title=Broncos, Peyton Manning struggle in Super Bowl loss to the Seahawks |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_25048459/broncos-peyton-manning-super-bowl-blowout-seahawks |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=February 2, 2014 |access-date=February 2, 2014 |archive-date=February 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140211140304/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_25048459/broncos-peyton-manning-super-bowl-blowout-seahawks |url-status=live }}</ref>

Prior to the start of the [[2014 Denver Broncos season|2014 season]], the Broncos announced that [[Pat Bowlen]], the team's owner since [[1984 Denver Broncos season|1984]], relinquished control of the team due to his battle with [[Alzheimer's disease]], resulting in team president Joe Ellis and general manager John Elway assuming control of the team.<ref name="Klis, Mike"/> The Broncos finished the 2014 season with a 12–4 record and the AFC's No. 2 seed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/index.htm |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> However, the Broncos were defeated by the [[2014 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]] in the Divisional round of the [[2014–15 NFL playoffs|2014 playoffs]], marking the third time in four seasons that the Broncos lost in the Divisional round of the playoffs.<ref name="o604">{{cite web | last=Klis | first=Mike | title=Denver Broncos stunned by Indianapolis Colts in home playoff loss | website=The Denver Post | date=January 11, 2015 | url=https://www.denverpost.com/2015/01/11/denver-broncos-stunned-by-indianapolis-colts-in-home-playoff-loss/ | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> Quarterback Peyton Manning had been playing with strained quadriceps for the final month of the 2014 season.<ref>{{cite web |author=Schefter, Adam |title=Peyton was injured for past month |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/12154238/peyton-manning-denver-broncos-played-torn-right-quad-last-month-season |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=January 12, 2015 |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112201223/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/12154238/peyton-manning-denver-broncos-played-torn-right-quad-last-month-season |url-status=live }}</ref>[[File:Gary Kubiak SB Parade Cropped.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Gary Kubiak]] won [[Super Bowl 50]] in his first season as the Broncos head coach.]]

====Gary Kubiak years (2015–2016)====
On January 12, 2015, one day after the divisional playoff loss to the Colts, the Broncos and [[List of Denver Broncos head coaches|head coach]] [[John Fox (American football)|John Fox]] mutually agreed to part ways.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wesseling|first=Chris|title=John Fox, Denver Broncos part ways after four seasons|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/john-fox-denver-broncos-part-ways-after-four-seasons-0ap3000000457308|publisher=National Football League|date=January 12, 2015|access-date=January 12, 2015|archive-date=January 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113005134/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000457308/article/john-fox-denver-broncos-part-ways|url-status=live}}</ref> Fox left the Broncos with a .719 winning percentage in his four seasons as the Broncos' head coach—the highest in franchise history.<ref>{{cite web |author=Holden, Will |title=Chicago Bears officially name John Fox new head coach |url=http://kdvr.com/2015/01/16/chicago-bears-officially-name-john-fox-new-head-coach/ |work=[[KDVR|Fox 31 Denver]] |date=January 16, 2015 |access-date=January 16, 2015 |archive-date=January 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123222403/http://kdvr.com/2015/01/16/chicago-bears-officially-name-john-fox-new-head-coach/ |url-status=live }}</ref> One week later, the Broncos hired [[Gary Kubiak]] as the team's 15th head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2015 |title=Gary Kubiak takes over Broncos |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12191685/denver-broncos-hire-gary-kubiak-new-head-coach |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> Kubiak served as a backup quarterback to executive vice president/general manager John Elway from 1983 to 1991, as well as the Broncos' offensive coordinator from 1995 to 2005.<ref>{{cite web |author=Jhabvala, Nicki |title=Gary Kubiak: Denver Broncos job was "a game-changer" |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_27357330/gary-kubiak-denver-broncos-job-was-game-changer |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=January 20, 2015 |access-date=January 20, 2015 |archive-date=January 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120222648/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_27357330/gary-kubiak-denver-broncos-job-was-game-changer |url-status=live }}</ref>

Shortly after Kubiak became head coach, the Broncos underwent numerous changes to their coaching staff and players, including the hiring of defensive coordinator, defensive mastermind [[Wade Phillips]], under whom the Broncos' defense went from middle of the road to being ranked No. 1 in the NFL. By the [[2015 Denver Broncos season|2015 season]], it would go on to be considered one of the greatest NFL defenses of all time&nbsp;— along with the 1985 Bears, 2000 Ravens and 2002 Buccaneers.<ref name="v687">{{cite web | last=Clayton | first=John | title=Broncos' defense is among best ever | website=ESPN.com | date=February 6, 2016 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14723383/denver-broncos-defense-2015-best-ever-nfl | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> The Broncos finished with a 12–4 record and the AFC's No. 1 seed, despite [[Peyton Manning]] having his worst statistical season since his rookie year with the [[Indianapolis Colts]] in {{nfly|1998}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 26, 2016 |title=Peyton Manning Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MannPe00.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002144105/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MannPe00.htm |archive-date=October 2, 2018 |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Backup quarterback [[Brock Osweiler]] started the last six games of the regular season due to Manning suffering from a foot injury.<ref name="i843">{{cite web | last=Tabish | first=Dillon | title=Osweiler's Clutch Performance Seals Broncos Playoff Berth | website=Flathead Beacon | date=December 29, 2015 | url=https://flatheadbeacon.com/2015/12/29/osweiler-guides-broncos-to-win-playoff-berth/ | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> Manning led the Broncos throughout the [[2015–16 NFL playoffs|playoffs]]. The Broncos defeated the [[2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]] 23–16 in the Divisional Round and the [[2015 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] 20–18 in the AFC Championship.<ref name="o085">{{cite web | title=Denver Broncos top Pittsburgh Steelers 23–16 | website=NFL.com | date=January 17, 2016 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/denver-broncos-top-pittsburgh-steelers-23-16-0ap3000000624643 | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref><ref name="e282">{{cite web | last=Brown | first=Tim | title=Denver Broncos defeat New England Patriots 20–18 in wild finish to AFC Championship Game, advance to Super Bowl: Live updates recap | website=OregonLive | date=January 25, 2016 | url=https://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/2016/01/new_england_patriots_vs_denver_1.html | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> They were victorious against the [[2015 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]] 24–10 in [[Super Bowl 50]] for their third Super Bowl title.<ref>{{cite news |author=Renck, Troy |title=Von Miller, defense carry Broncos to Super Bowl 50 victory |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_29489135/von-miller-defense-carry-broncos-super-bowl-50 |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=February 7, 2016 |access-date=February 7, 2016 |archive-date=February 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208203654/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_29489135/von-miller-defense-carry-broncos-super-bowl-50 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On March 7, 2016, quarterback Peyton Manning retired after 18 NFL seasons during a press conference at the team's [[Dove Valley, Colorado|Dove Valley]] headquarters.<ref>{{cite news|last=Swanson|first=Ben|title=Peyton Manning to retire after Super Bowl finish to 18-year NFL career|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/peyton-manning-to-retire-after-super-bowl-finish-to-18-year-nfl-career-16897919|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=March 5, 2016|access-date=February 11, 2020|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729210234/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/peyton-manning-to-retire-after-super-bowl-finish-to-18-year-nfl-career-16897919|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Renck|first=Troy|title=Peyton Manning retires from football: "I love the game...I will miss it."|url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_29606293/peyton-manning-retires-from-football-i-fought-good-fight|newspaper=The Denver Post|date=March 7, 2016|access-date=September 8, 2016|archive-date=March 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309045655/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_29606293/peyton-manning-retires-from-football-i-fought-good-fight|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Following Manning's retirement, the Broncos scrambled to find the team's next starting quarterback after backup quarterback Brock Osweiler departed on a four-year contract to the [[2016 Houston Texans season|Houston Texans]].<ref name="t831">{{cite web | last=Rosenthal | first=Gregg | title=Brock Osweiler agrees in principle to $72M Texans deal | website=NFL.com | date=March 9, 2016 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/brock-osweiler-agrees-in-principle-to-72m-texans-deal-0ap3000000642792 | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> The Broncos acquired [[Mark Sanchez]] from the [[2016 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] and selected [[Paxton Lynch]] during the [[2016 NFL draft|2016]] draft.<ref name="d940">{{cite web | last=Sessler | first=Marc | title=Mark Sanchez acquired by Broncos in trade with Eagles | website=NFL.com | date=March 11, 2016 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/mark-sanchez-acquired-by-broncos-in-trade-with-eagles-0ap3000000643643 | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref><ref name="z129">{{cite web | title=Denver Broncos trade up to select QB Paxton Lynch | website=NFL.com | date=April 28, 2016 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/denver-broncos-trade-up-to-select-qb-paxton-lynch-0ap3000000657291 | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> Sanchez, Lynch and second-year quarterback [[Trevor Siemian]] competed for the starting quarterback spot during the off-season and preseason. Prior to the [[2016 NFL season|regular season]], Sanchez was released and Siemian was named the starter.<ref name="z198">{{cite magazine | title=Denver Broncos cut QB Mark Sanchez | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=September 3, 2016 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/09/03/denver-broncos-mark-sanchez-released-trevor-siemian-starting-quarterback. | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref><ref name="o365">{{cite web | last=Jhabvala | first=Nicki | title=Trevor Siemian named Broncos' starting quarterback for season opener | website=The Denver Post | date=August 29, 2016 | url=https://www.denverpost.com/2016/08/29/trevor-siemian-broncos-starting-quarterback-season-opener/ | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> The Broncos finished the season 9–7 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2010.<ref name="a520">{{cite web | title=Broncos, Panthers miss playoffs after Super Bowl 50 | website=NFL.com | date=December 25, 2016 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-panthers-miss-playoffs-after-super-bowl-50-0ap3000000763687 | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2016.htm |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

On January 2, 2017, coach Gary Kubiak announced his retirement, citing health as the main reason for retiring.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=January 2, 2017 |title=Broncos coach Gary Kubiak retires from coaching |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-coach-gary-kubiak-retires-from-coaching-0ap3000000768140 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103000851/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000768140/article/broncos-coach-gary-kubiak-retires-from-coaching |archive-date=January 3, 2017 |access-date=January 2, 2017 |work=NFL.com |publisher=National Football League}}</ref>

==== Vance Joseph years (2017–2018)====

The Broncos hired [[Miami Dolphins]] defensive coordinator [[Vance Joseph]] as head coach on January 11, 2017.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mason|first=Andrew|title=Broncos appoint Vance Joseph, 'a leader of men,' as new head coach|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-appoint-vance-joseph-a-leader-of-men-as-new-head-coach-18429631|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=January 11, 2017|access-date=October 16, 2017|archive-date=September 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921170247/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-appoint-vance-joseph-a-leader-of-men-as-new-head-coach-18429631|url-status=live}}</ref> The Broncos finished 5–11 in 2017 as a result of an unimpressive offense led by a quarterback committee of [[Trevor Siemian]], [[Brock Osweiler]], and [[Paxton Lynch]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2017.htm |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In an effort to address poor production from the offense, the Broncos signed quarterback [[Case Keenum]] on March 14, 2018, and traded away Trevor Siemian to the [[Minnesota Vikings]] on March 19, 2018.<ref name="u928">{{cite web | last=Rosenthal | first=Gregg | title=Case Keenum signs two-year deal with Broncos | website=NFL.com | date=March 12, 2018 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/case-keenum-signs-two-year-deal-with-broncos-0ap3000000920793 | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref><ref name="r762">{{cite web | last=Cronin | first=Courtney | title=Source: Vikings finalizing trade to get QB Trevor Siemian from Broncos | website=ESPN.com | date=March 14, 2018 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22765860/minnesota-vikings-working-trade-denver-broncos-qb-trevor-siemian | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref>

On May 1, 2018, the Broncos signed local [[undrafted free agent]] [[running back]] [[Phillip Lindsay]], who became a fan favorite due to his underdog mentality, explosive play style and local roots.<ref name="m704">{{cite web | last=Hauser | first=Jeff | title=Phillip Lindsay signs UDFA deal with Denver Broncos | website=The Ralphie Report | date=April 29, 2018 | url=https://www.ralphiereport.com/2018/4/29/17296722/phillip-lindsay-signs-denver-broncos-free-agent | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> Lindsay became the first undrafted player in NFL history with 100+ scrimmage yards in each of their first two games<ref name="p732">{{cite web | last=Wakeman | first=Travis | title=Broncos RB Phillip Lindsay sets NFL record | website=Broncos Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=September 16, 2018 | url=https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2018/09/16/denver-broncos-phillip-lindsay-running-back-fantasy-football-revelation-nfl-record/ | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> and on December 18, 2018, Lindsay was voted to the [[2019 Pro Bowl]], making him the first undrafted offensive rookie in NFL history to be voted to a Pro Bowl.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nesbitt |first1=Andy |title=Broncos rookie Phillip Lindsay makes pretty cool NFL history by being named to Pro Bowl |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ftw/2018/12/18/broncos-phillip-lindsay-nfl-history-named-pro-bowl/38763589/ |work=USA Today |date=December 19, 2018}}</ref>

After getting off to a strong start, their [[2018 Denver Broncos season|2018 season]] was up and down, eventually finishing with a 6–10 record and placing third in the [[AFC West]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2018.htm |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Coupled with the 5–11 season in [[2017 Denver Broncos season|2017]], the Broncos had back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since [[1971 Denver Broncos season|1971]]–[[1972 Denver Broncos season|1972]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Denver Broncos Team Encyclopedia |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/index.htm |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=December 31, 2018 |archive-date=January 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101090249/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/index.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Shortly after the conclusion of the regular season, head coach Vance Joseph was fired after recording a poor 11–21 record in two seasons.<ref>{{cite news|title=Broncos relieve Head Coach Vance Joseph of his duties|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-relieve-head-coach-vance-joseph-of-his-duties|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=December 31, 2018|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=April 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416105126/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-relieve-head-coach-vance-joseph-of-his-duties|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Vic Fangio years (2019–2021)====

On January 10, 2019, the Broncos hired [[Chicago Bears]] defensive coordinator [[Vic Fangio]] to become the 17th head coach in franchise history.<ref name="FangioBroncos">{{cite news|last=DiLalla|first=Aric|title=Broncos agree to terms with Vic Fangio to become head coach|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-agree-to-terms-with-vic-fangio-to-become-head-coach|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=January 10, 2019|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=January 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111000317/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-agree-to-terms-with-vic-fangio-to-become-head-coach|url-status=live}}</ref> Fangio was chosen over [[Mike Munchak]], the Broncos' offensive line coach. Fangio received a four-year contract with a team option for an additional season.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2813413-vic-fangio-reportedly-hired-as-broncos-head-coach-over-mike-munchak|title=Vic Fangio Hired as Broncos Head Coach over Mike Munchak|last=Daniels|first=Tim|work=Bleacher Report|access-date=September 18, 2019|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202211752/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2813413-vic-fangio-reportedly-hired-as-broncos-head-coach-over-mike-munchak|url-status=live}}</ref>

On February 13, 2019, [[Joe Flacco]] was traded to the Broncos from the Baltimore Ravens.<ref name="y376">{{cite news | last=Maske | first=Mark | title=Ravens agree to trade Joe Flacco to Broncos | newspaper=Washington Post | date=February 13, 2019 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/02/13/ravens-agree-trade-joe-flacco-broncos/ | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref> On October 6, 2019, the Broncos defeated the [[2019 Los Angeles Chargers season|Los Angeles Chargers]] for their 500th win, bringing their win–loss record to 500–432.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tiedtke |first=Graham |date=October 7, 2019 |title=Denver Broncos win 500th game in team history against Chargers |url=https://predominantlyorange.com/2019/10/06/denver-broncos-win-500th-game-history/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220054841/https://predominantlyorange.com/2019/10/06/denver-broncos-win-500th-game-history/ |archive-date=December 20, 2019 |access-date=December 20, 2019 |website=Predominantly Orange |language=en-US}}</ref>

On December 1, 2019, the Broncos started [[Missouri Tigers football|Mizzou]] rookie quarterback [[Drew Lock]] for the first time.<ref name="n161">{{cite web | last=Stapleton | first=Arnie | title=Broncos name Drew Lock starter against Texans | website=Durango Herald | date=December 2, 2019 | url=https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/broncos-name-drew-lock-starter-against-texans/ | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref> He led the Broncos to a 4–1 record to end the [[2019 Denver Broncos season|2019 season]]. The Broncos finished 2nd place in the AFC West Division at 7–9, missing the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year. In five games, Lock finished with 1,020 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drew Lock 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LockDr00/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=July 30, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the [[2020 NFL season]] did not have a preseason or full training camps,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shook |first1=Nick |title=NFLPA tells players there will be no preseason games in 2020 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nflpa-tells-players-there-will-be-no-preseason-games-in-2020 |publisher=National Football League |date=July 21, 2020}}</ref> which likely contributed to an abnormally large amount of injuries that plagued the Broncos and other NFL teams. Star [[linebacker]] [[Von Miller]] suffered a season-ending ankle tendon injury before the regular season started, and starting [[wide receiver]] [[Courtland Sutton]] suffered a season-ending torn [[Anterior cruciate ligament|ACL]] during a week two game.<ref name="p262">{{cite web | last=Sullivan | first=Tyler | title=Von Miller injury: Broncos star placed on injured reserve, reportedly will need ankle surgery | website=CBSSports.com | date=September 14, 2019 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/von-miller-injury-broncos-star-placed-on-injured-reserve-reportedly-expected-to-need-ankle-surgery/ | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref><ref name="j818">{{cite web | last=Legwold | first=Jeff | title=Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton (ACL) out for season, QB Drew Lock out 3–5 weeks | website=ESPN.com | date=September 21, 2020 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29938560/sources-denver-broncos-wr-courtland-sutton-acl-season | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref>

On November 29, 2020, after all three of the Broncos' [[quarterbacks]] were placed in COVID-19 protocol, the Broncos were forced to turn to undrafted wide receiver and former college quarterback [[Kendall Hinton]] as the emergency quarterback.<ref name="g298">{{cite web | title=All Broncos QBs out vs. Saints due to COVID-19 protocols | website=New York Times| date=November 28, 2020 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4230185/2020/11/28/all-4-broncos-qbs-out-vs-saints-due-to-covid-19-protocols/ | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref><ref name="t128">{{cite web | last=Gardner | first=Steve | title=Kendall Hinton: Broncos' practice squad WR set to start at quarterback | website=USA TODAY | date=November 29, 2020 | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/broncos/2020/11/28/kendall-hinton-broncos-practice-squad-wr-start-quarterback/6454041002/ | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref> Hinton completed only one pass for 13 yards in 9 attempts—the fewest pass completions in a single game in franchise history—and was intercepted twice. The Broncos' only scoring play was a 58-yard field goal by [[placekicker]] [[Brandon McManus]] in a 31–3 loss to the [[2020 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]]. In July 2021, the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] announced that Hinton's quarterback wristband would be added to the Hall of Fame as part of a display.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Patra |first1=Kevin |title=Broncos WR Kendall Hinton has QB wristband displayed at Hall of Fame |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-wr-kendall-hinton-qb-wristband-pro-football-hall-of-fame |publisher=National Football League |date=July 9, 2021}}</ref>

The Broncos finished the 2020 season with a record of 5–11, last in the [[AFC West]], and missed the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year.<ref name="h689">{{cite web | last=Newman | first=Kyle | title=Broncos blasted by Josh Allen and Bills, 48–19, to cement Denver's fifth consecutive postseason miss, fourth straight losing season | website=Greeley Tribune | date=December 20, 2020 | url=https://www.greeleytribune.com/2020/12/19/broncos-blasted-by-josh-allen-bills-week-15/ | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref>

Following another season of uninspiring [[quarterback]] performances, the Broncos were the subject of multiple quarterback trade rumors during the 2021 offseason. [[Aaron Rodgers]] and [[Deshaun Watson]] were two names rumored to be of interest for the Broncos, but ultimately the Broncos traded for quarterback [[Teddy Bridgewater]] on April 28, 2021. Bridgewater won the subsequent quarterback competition between himself and Drew Lock during the preseason, and he was named the Broncos' starting quarterback on August 25, 2021.<ref name="h258">{{cite magazine | last=McGavic | first=Matthew | title=Broncos Name Teddy Bridgewater Starting Quarterback | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=August 25, 2021 | url=https://www.si.com/college/louisville/football/bridgewater-named-starter | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref>

The Broncos also made notable improvements in the [[defensive back|defensive secondary]], signing former All-Pro [[cornerback]] [[Kyle Fuller]] and cornerback [[Ronald Darby]], as well as drafting [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|Alabama]] cornerback [[Patrick Surtain II]] with the ninth overall pick in the [[2021 NFL draft]]. [[Running back]] [[Phillip Lindsay]] was replaced by [[North Carolina Tar Heels football|UNC]] rookie running back [[Javonte Williams]], who was drafted in the second round of the [[2021 NFL draft]] by the Broncos.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Payne |first=Scotty |date=April 30, 2021 |title=Denver Broncos select running back Javonte Williams with their 35th overall selection in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft |url=https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/4/30/22413073/denver-broncos-select-javonte-williams-second-round |access-date=July 30, 2024 |website=Mile High Report |language=en}}</ref>

On October 31, 2021, [[Peyton Manning]] (who won two AFC Championships, [[Super Bowl 50]], and an [[National Football League Most Valuable Player Award|NFL MVP]] during his four seasons as a Bronco) was inducted to the Broncos' [[Denver Broncos Ring of Fame|Ring of Fame]] during a game against [[Washington Commanders|Washington]].<ref>{{cite web|last=DeArdo|first=Bryan|title=Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2021: Peyton Manning, Calvin Johnson lead the eight-member class|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-of-2021-peyton-manning-calvin-johnson-lead-the-eight-member-class/|website=CBSSports.com|date=February 6, 2021|access-date=April 26, 2021|archive-date=April 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427093216/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-of-2021-peyton-manning-calvin-johnson-lead-the-eight-member-class/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On November 1, 2021, the Broncos traded franchise legend Von Miller to the [[Los Angeles Rams]] in exchange for a 2nd and 3rd round pick in the [[2022 NFL draft]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shook, Nick |date=November 1, 2021 |title= Broncos trade star LB Von Miller to Rams for two 2022 NFL Draft picks |publisher=National Football League |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-trade-star-lb-von-miller-to-rams |access-date=November 1, 2021}}</ref> At the time of the trade, Miller was the longest-tenured Bronco on the team, and the only remaining non-special teams player from Denver's Super Bowl 50 roster.<ref name="b591">{{cite web | last=Kiszla | first=Mark | title=Kiszla: Why the Broncos need Von Miller, the team's last Super Bowl hero standing, now more than ever | website=The Denver Post | date=April 7, 2020 | url=https://www.denverpost.com/2020/04/06/von-miller-last-super-bowl-50-hero-kiszla/ | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref>

After another mediocre performance in the [[2021 Denver Broncos season|2021 season]] with the Broncos going 7–10, head coach Vic Fangio was dismissed on January 8, 2022, after losing to the [[2021 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Middlehurst-Schwartz |first=Michael |date=January 9, 2022 |title=Denver Broncos coach Vic Fangio fired after three seasons |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/broncos/2022/01/09/denver-broncos-fire-coach-vic-fangio-playoff-drought/9148921002/ |access-date=February 2, 2022 |website=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Walton–Penner era (2022–present)===

====Nathaniel Hackett season (2022)====
The Broncos announced the hiring of [[Green Bay Packers]] offensive coordinator [[Nathaniel Hackett]] as head coach on January 27, 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Legwold |first=Jeff |date=January 27, 2022 |title=Denver Broncos hire Nathaniel Hackett for first stint as head coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33157981/denver-broncos-hire-nathaniel-hackett-new-head-coach-sources-say |access-date=February 2, 2022 |work=ESPN.com |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures, LLC|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

The Broncos then announced on February 1, 2022, that they were now up for sale and that they would be parting ways with the Bowlen family, the former owners of the franchise.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Halloran |first=Ryan |date=February 1, 2022 |title=Broncos up for sale: Team expected to command record-setting price for U.S. sports franchise |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2022/02/01/broncos-for-sale-record-price-expected/ |access-date=February 2, 2022 |website=The Denver Post |language=en-US}}</ref>

Hackett's first hire as head coach was [[Justin Outten]] as offensive coordinator. He was hired on February 2, 2022.<ref name="k405">{{cite web | last=DiLalla | first=Aric | title=Broncos name Justin Outten as offensive coordinator, announce additional coaching hires | website=DenverBroncos.com | date=February 2, 2022 | url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-name-justin-outten-as-offensive-coordinator-announce-additional-coaching | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref>

On March 16, 2022, the Broncos traded [[Drew Lock]], [[Noah Fant]], [[Shelby Harris]], Denver's 2022 first-round pick (No. 9), its 2022 second-round pick (No. 40), its 2023 first- and second-round picks, and its 2022 fifth-round pick for [[Russell Wilson]] and the [[Seattle Seahawks]]' 2022 fourth-round pick.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33520835/russell-wilson-says-denver-broncos-perfect-fit-deal-seattle-seahawks-becomes-official|title=Russell Wilson calls Denver Broncos 'perfect fit' as deal with Seattle Seahawks becomes official|publisher=ESPN|first=Jeff|last=Legwold|date=March 16, 2022|accessdate=March 17, 2022}}</ref>

On June 7, 2022, the Broncos announced that a consortium led by former [[Walmart]] chairman [[S. Robson Walton|Rob Walton]] had entered in an agreement to acquire the Denver Broncos for $4.65&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Broncos and Walton-Penner family enter into a purchase and sale agreement|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-and-walton-penner-family-enter-into-a-purchase-and-sale-agreement|website=DenverBroncos.com|date=June 7, 2022|access-date=June 8, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Halloran |first1=Ryan |title=Broncos enter into purchase agreement with Walton-Penner family for record $4.65 billion sale price |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2022/06/07/broncos-walton-penner-family-purchase-agreement/ |access-date=June 8, 2022 |work=The Denver Post |date=June 7, 2022}}</ref> The NFL approved the bid on August 10, 2022. On that day, the members of Walton's partnership, known as the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group, were introduced to the press. The group includes Rob Walton, his daughter [[Carrie Walton Penner]], son-in-law and current Walmart chairman [[Greg Penner]], Starbucks chairwoman [[Mellody Hobson]], former Secretary of State [[Condoleezza Rice]], and Formula One driver [[Lewis Hamilton]].<ref>{{cite news|title=NFL owners approve Walton-Penner group's purchase the new owners of Denver Broncos franchise|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-owners-approve-walton-penner-family-s-purchase-of-denver-broncos-franchise|publisher=National Football League|date=August 9, 2022|access-date=August 10, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=DiLalla|first=Aric|title='Putting a winning team on the field is our No. 1 priority': Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group unanimously approved, introduced as new Broncos owners as of August 10th 2022|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/putting-a-winning-team-on-the-field-is-our-no-1-priority-walton-penner-family-ow|website=DenverBroncos.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=August 9, 2022|access-date=August 10, 2022}}</ref> Walton delegated most of his authority to Penner, who became CEO and operating head of the franchise as well as the public face of the Walton-Penner Group. Penner is recognized as the team's controlling owner by the NFL, and represents the Broncos at league meetings.<ref name="PennerBroncosCEO">{{cite web|last=DiLalla|first=Aric|title=New Broncos Owner & CEO Greg Penner outlines key requirements for winning organization|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/new-broncos-owner-ceo-greg-penner-outlines-key-requirements-for-winning-organiza|website=DenverBroncos.com|date=August 10, 2022|access-date=August 14, 2022}}</ref><ref>[https://www.denverbroncos.com/team/front-office-roster/greg-penner Greg Penner Broncos bio]</ref>

On December 26, with the Broncos sitting at 4–11 following a 51–14 [[National Football League Christmas games|Christmas Day]] loss to the [[2022 Los Angeles Rams|Los Angeles Rams]], Hackett was fired and replaced by interim head coach [[Jerry Rosburg]].<ref name="u741">{{Cite web |last=Gabriel |first=Parker |date=December 26, 2022 |title=Broncos fire Nathaniel Hackett after 51–14 loss to Los Angeles Rams |url=https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/broncos-fire-nathaniel-hackett-after-51-14-loss-to-los-angeles-rams/article_a4131fbe-8569-11ed-af42-0f9d81e3b44d.html |access-date=July 30, 2024 |website=The Victoria Advocate}}</ref><ref name="q995">{{cite web | last=Newman | first=Kyle | title=Jerry Rosburg introduced as Broncos interim head coach: "I'm very confident I can do this job for the next two weeks." | website=The Denver Post | date=December 28, 2022 | url=https://www.denverpost.com/2022/12/28/broncos-jerry-rosburg-introduced-interim-head-coach/ | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref> Hackett became the fifth head coach to not finish his first season after [[Lou Holtz]] in [[1976 New York Jets season|1976]], [[Pete McCulley]] in [[1978 San Francisco 49ers season|1978]], [[Bobby Petrino]] in [[2007 Atlanta Falcons season|2007]], and [[Urban Meyer]] in [[2021 Jacksonville Jaguars season|2021]].<ref name="p486">{{cite web | last=Kerr | first=Jeff | title=Nathaniel Hackett fired: Broncos coach just fifth since 1970 merger to not finish end of first season | website=CBSSports.com | date=December 26, 2022 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nathaniel-hackett-fired-broncos-coach-just-fifth-since-1970-merger-to-not-finish-end-of-first-season/ | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref>

==== Sean Payton years (2023–present)====
On January 31, 2023, [[Sean Payton]] reported that he had accepted the head coaching job for the Denver Broncos, and he was officially hired as head coach for the [[2023 Denver Broncos season|2023 season]] three days later.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DiLalla |first=Aric |date=February 3, 2023 |title=Broncos name Sean Payton as Head Coach |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-name-sean-payton-as-head-coach |access-date=February 7, 2023 |website=DenverBroncos.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC}}</ref>

The Broncos started the season off 1–5, including a 20–70 loss to the [[2023 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]] in week 3.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 24, 2023 |title=Sean Payton's Broncos fall apart in 'embarassing' 70-20 loss at Miami |url=https://apnews.com/article/broncos-dolphins-penalties-52f51e639d6483640334095c3c2b81f2 |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> However, after a 21–31 loss to the [[2023 New York Jets season|New York Jets]], the team rallied off five straight wins, including victories over the [[2023 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]], [[2023 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]], and [[2023 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]]; their first win against the Chiefs since 2015,<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 29, 2023 |title=Wilson, Simmons lead Denver Broncos to first win over Chiefs since 2015 with a 24-9 thrashing |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/wilson-simmons-lead-denver-broncos-to-first-win-over-chiefs-since-2015-with-a-21-9-thrashing/ |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US}}</ref> to get to 6–5. After a loss to the [[2023 Houston Texans season|Houston Texans]] and a victory over the [[2023 Los Angeles Chargers season|Los Angeles Chargers]], the Broncos won just one of their final four games, including a 23–26 loss to the [[2023 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] at home on Christmas Eve. After the loss, reports surfaced about contract disputes between Russell Wilson and Broncos management over an injury clause, causing Wilson to be benched by the team the final two games of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 30, 2023 |title='Definitely disappointed': Russell Wilson addresses contract disagreement, benching |url=https://www.denver7.com/sports/broncos/definitely-disappointed-russell-wilson-addresses-contract-disagreement-over-injury-guarantee-eventual-benching-by-broncos#google_vignette |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH) |language=en}}</ref> The Broncos finished the 2023 season 8–9, good enough for their best record since the [[2016 Denver Broncos season|2016 season]]. However, the team finished under .500 for the seventh consecutive season, and missed the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2024 |title=Broncos officially eliminated from 2023 NFL playoff contention |url=https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2023/12/31/nfl-news-broncos-eliminated-from-2023-playoff-contention/ |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=Broncos Wire |language=en-US}}</ref>

Following the season, the Broncos released Russell Wilson, taking on $85M in dead-cap money, the largest in NFL history.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 14, 2024 |title=Broncos release Russell Wilson, opt for $53 million cap charge in 2024 |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/broncos-release-russell-wilson-opt-for-53-million-cap-charge-in-2024 |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 4, 2024 |title=Broncos to cut Wilson, take $85M dead money hit |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39654399/broncos-cut-russell-wilson-take-85m-dead-money-hit |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

On March 7, the Broncos released veteran safety [[Justin Simmons (American football)|Justin Simmons]]. Simmons was the longest tenured player on the Broncos following [[Brandon McManus|Brandon McManus']] departure the previous offseason.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 7, 2024 |title=Broncos release star S Simmons after 8 seasons |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39674946/sources-broncos-releasing-all-pro-safety-justin-simmons |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

On April 22, The Broncos unveiled a new set of uniforms known as the "Mile High Collection," which was the teams first uniform change since the [[1997 Denver Broncos season|1997 season]]. A throwback uniform also pays homage to the 1977 Orange Crush uniforms that feature the iconic royal blue "D" helmets.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Broncos unveil new uniforms focused on altitude, peaks of Denver, add in 1977-inspired throwback |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-unveil-new-uniforms-focused-on-altitude-peaks-of-denver-add-in-1977-inspired-throwback |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

In the [[2024 NFL draft|2024 NFL Draft]], the Broncos selected [[Bo Nix]] with the team's first-round pick to succeed Russell Wilson as the teams quarterback.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Broncos select QB Bo Nix with 12th-overall pick in 2024 NFL Draft |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-select-qb-bo-nix-with-12th-overall-pick-in-2024-nfl-draft |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=www.denverbroncos.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Nix was named the starter prior to the [[2024 NFL season]], beating out [[Zach Wilson]] and [[Jarrett Stidham]], and becoming the first Broncos quarterback since [[John Elway]] in [[1983 Denver Broncos season|1983]] to start week 1 of his rookie season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Scott |date=August 21, 2024 |title=Bo Nix makes Broncos history after being named Week 1 starter |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/bo-nix-makes-broncos-history-after-being-named-week-1-starter |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}</ref>

The Broncos started the season 0–2, before winning five of their next six games to get to 5–3. After back-to-back losses against the [[2024 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]] and [[2024 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]], the team won four straight games to improve to 9–5, marking an improvement over their 8-win campaign the previous season. Despite back-to-back losses to the [[2024 Los Angeles Chargers season|Los Angeles Chargers]] and [[2024 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]], the Broncos would defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in week 18 to finish the season with a record of 10–7, their first 10-win season since [[2015 Denver Broncos season|2015]], and the teams first winning season since 2016. With the victory, the Broncos clinched a playoff spot for the first time since winning [[Super Bowl 50]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Post |first=Ryan McFadden {{!}} The Denver |date=January 5, 2025 |title=How it happened: Broncos crush Chiefs, clinch 1st playoff berth since Peyton Manning era |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2025/01/05/broncos-chiefs-live-updates-highlights-nfl-2024-week-18/ |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=The Denver Post |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dragon |first=Tyler |title=Drought over: Broncos earn AFC's final playoff spot in blowout win vs. Chiefs |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/01/05/nfl-playoff-picture-broncos-afc-playoff-bracket/77466765007/ |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref> In the [[2024–25 NFL playoffs|Wild Card Round]] of the NFL playoffs, the Broncos lost to the [[2024 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]] 7–31.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Camenker |first=Joe Rivera and Jacob |title=Bills steamroll Broncos, set NFL playoff matchup with Ravens: Highlights |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/01/12/bills-broncos-live-score-updates-nfl-playoffs-wild-card/77634696007/ |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref>