The Denver Broncos, since their debut in 1960 in the American Football League (AFL), have showcased a variety of uniform styles, sparking continuous debate among fans regarding the best color schemes and logos. Interestingly, the initial Denver Broncos color palette didn’t feature the now-iconic blue and orange. Instead, the team started with a brown and yellow combination, reminiscent of the Wyoming Cowboys – a look that was quickly replaced.
These brown and yellow uniforms were worn during the Broncos’ first two seasons, from 1960 to 1962, a period marked by a 7-20-1 win-loss record.
The Broncos transitioned to their now-signature orange as the primary color in 1962. Donning these new uniforms, the team’s record improved slightly, but remained challenging at 22-60-2 through the 1967 season.
Many fans fondly remember the “Orange Crush” era of the 1970s. This period evokes images of the legendary Mile High Stadium and the thunderous cheers of the crowd, often so intense that TV cameras would shake. For many, this era is synonymous with the Denver Broncos.
The “Orange Crush” uniforms coincided with a significant upturn in the team’s performance, leading to a 251-194-2 record. This era also marked the Broncos’ first Super Bowl appearance in January 1978, although they faced a defeat against the Dallas Cowboys.
For fans who grew up in the 1980s, the “big D” logo on the helmet, featuring a bronco in the center, is the quintessential Broncos image. This era, filled with nostalgia, brings to mind figures like John Elway orchestrating historic comebacks alongside the “3 Amigos” and a formidable defense including Karl Mecklenberg, Tom Jackson, and Dennis Smith, all under the guidance of Coach Dan Reeves.
From 1968 through the 1996 season, while wearing these “D” logo uniforms, the Broncos achieved a 251-194-7 record. This period was filled with franchise success and memorable moments, yet the team struggled to secure a Super Bowl victory, going 0-4 in the championship game.
The decision to modernize the Broncos’ image was initially met with skepticism. However, the results were undeniable. Debuting the new uniforms in September 1997 against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Broncos achieved two Super Bowl wins in the first two years of this updated look, featuring a new and now-current logo.
These uniforms are largely consistent with today’s design, with the re-introduction of the orange jersey in 2012 being a notable addition. From 1997 to 2011, wearing these uniforms, the Broncos recorded a 138-83 record.
From 2012 to the present day, the Broncos have continued with their current uniforms, achieving a 92-62 record. Currently, the team predominantly wears their orange jerseys with the streamlined logo on blue helmets. They also feature blue jerseys for a couple of games annually and throwback to the classic “D” logo helmet for one game each season.
Regardless of the uniform or logo they sport, the hope remains constant for Broncos fans: more victories and a return to postseason contention. Go Broncos!
