Broncos History 1960–1980
The Denver Broncos' inaugural period from 1960 to 1980 marked the franchise's foundational era, characterized by struggles, gradual improvement, and the emergence of organizational stability that would define the team's later success. The franchise began play in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL), competing in an era when professional football in Denver was far from guaranteed success. During these two decades, the Broncos experienced significant fluctuations in performance, transitioning from a poorly equipped expansion team with limited resources to a competitive organization capable of postseason appearances. The period established Denver as a viable professional sports market and created the infrastructure that would eventually support multiple Super Bowl championships. Key developments included the hiring of influential coaches, the acquisition of standout players, and the construction of crucial facilities that solidified the franchise's commitment to the community.
History
The Denver Broncos were established in 1960 as one of eight founding members of the American Football League, a competitor to the established National Football League that sought to challenge its monopoly on professional football.[1] The franchise's early years were tumultuous, marked by inadequate facilities, limited financial resources, and an inability to attract established NFL talent. The team played its first seasons in the Denver Bears baseball stadium, sharing space with minor league operations. Early coaches struggled to build competitive rosters, and the Broncos compiled dismal records throughout the 1960–1967 period. The team's first head coach, Frank Filchock, managed the franchise for three seasons before being replaced, but his tenure was marked by perpetual losing records and organizational instability. The AFL's establishment as a legitimate league gradually improved Denver's ability to recruit players, though the Broncos remained among the conference's weaker franchises during the 1960s.
The franchise experienced a significant transformation beginning in 1968 when Lou Saban assumed the head coaching position. Saban brought professional discipline and systematic organizational improvements that immediately elevated the team's competitive level. Under Saban's leadership, the Broncos began posting winning records and developed a reputation for defensive strength. The 1968 season marked a turning point, as the team finished with a respectable record and demonstrated capability against quality opponents. Saban's tenure introduced modern coaching methodology and player development systems that contrasted sharply with the chaotic earlier period. The coach's defensive schemes emphasized pressure and coverage techniques that would become hallmarks of Denver football for decades. During this period, the Broncos also began accumulating talent through the draft, selecting players who would form the core of competitive teams. The improvement under Saban attracted better players and increased fan interest, transforming the Broncos from a league laughingstock into a respectable organization.
The 1970s represented an era of relative stability and increasing competitiveness for the franchise. Following Saban's departure, coaches including Jerry Smith and Dan Reeves continued building upon the organizational foundations established in the late 1960s. The Broncos achieved their first major breakthrough with postseason appearances in 1977 and 1978, years that demonstrated the organization's accumulated talent and coaching improvements.[2] The 1977 season culminated in an AFC West division title and a playoff appearance, marking a watershed moment in franchise history. Quarterback Craig Morton provided leadership during this period, though inconsistency limited his long-term impact. The defensive unit developed a reputation for intensity and tactical sophistication, attracting fans who appreciated the team's combative approach. By the end of the 1970s, the Broncos had established themselves as legitimate playoff contenders rather than perennial doormats. The franchise's revenue increased substantially as fan attendance improved and media interest expanded. The organizational infrastructure developed during this period proved essential for the subsequent decade's achievements.
Notable People
The Broncos' history from 1960 to 1980 featured several players who shaped the franchise's development and established foundations for future success. Craig Morton, the quarterback who led the team during the late 1970s, became the face of the franchise during its emergence as a competitive force. Morton brought leadership and tactical awareness to a previously unstable position, though his career trajectory eventually declined as younger talent emerged. The defensive unit featured standout players including Randy Gradishar, a linebacker whose intensity and intelligence exemplified the defensive culture developing under coaching innovations. Gradishar's presence elevated the entire defensive structure and attracted other quality players seeking to join a defensive-oriented organization.
Lou Saban, though serving only briefly as head coach, fundamentally altered the franchise's trajectory through his systematic approach to team building and player development. Saban's coaching methods introduced modern professional standards that contrasted sharply with the franchise's disorganized earlier period. His successor, Dan Reeves, continued improving the organization through meticulous planning and a commitment to long-term player development over short-term success. Reeves' tenure beginning in 1981 would extend beyond this historical period, but his initial hiring reflected the franchise's determination to build sustainable excellence. Players such as running back Otis Armstrong provided explosive offensive capability during the 1970s, though injuries limited his career impact.[3] Wide receiver Haven Moses emerged as a reliable target and locker room leader who contributed to the franchise's developing culture of professionalism and dedicated effort.
Culture and Community Impact
The Denver Broncos' existence proved crucial to the city's cultural development and civic identity during the 1960s and 1970s. In a city where professional sports had limited historical presence, the Broncos provided a focal point for community engagement and shared enthusiasm. The team's gradual improvement from laughingstock to legitimate competitor paralleled Denver's broader development as a major metropolitan area. Local newspapers provided extensive coverage that extended the team's influence throughout Colorado and the surrounding region. The Broncos became integrated into Denver's identity in ways that transcended simple sports entertainment, becoming symbols of the city's aspirations and perseverance.
Early attendance struggles reflected the team's poor performance, with sparse crowds in inadequate facilities during the 1960s. However, as the team improved and relocated to better stadiums, attendance climbed substantially. The franchise's 1977 and 1978 playoff appearances generated unprecedented excitement and demonstrated the community's capacity to support professional sports when competitive success materialized. Radio broadcasts extended the team's reach into rural Colorado, creating a distributed fan base that spanned the entire state. The Broncos became subjects of discussion in schools, workplaces, and community gatherings, weaving themselves into the social fabric of Colorado culture. Local businesses capitalized on the team's improving fortunes through merchandise, memorabilia, and sports bars that proliferated as fan interest intensified. The franchise's presence encouraged youth participation in football and athletic development throughout Colorado. By 1980, the Broncos had become indispensable elements of Denver's civic identity, representing the city's emergence as a major league metropolis.[4]