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Denver Broncos Tight Ends: A Historical Look

Trends January 16, 2025

Denver Broncos Tight Ends: A Rich History of Gridiron Greats

The Denver Broncos have a long and storied history of great tight ends. From the legendary Shannon Sharpe to the dynamic duo of Julius Thomas and Demaryius Thomas, Denver has been home to some of the most iconic pass-catching tight ends in NFL history.

One of the most important aspects of a tight end's game is their ability to block. Tight ends are often called upon to help protect the quarterback and open up running lanes for running backs. The Broncos have had a number of great blocking tight ends over the years, including former All-Pro Tom Rouen and current starter Andrew Beck.

Of course, tight ends are also known for their pass-catching ability. The Broncos have had a number of great pass-catching tight ends over the years, including Shannon Sharpe, Julius Thomas, and Demaryius Thomas. These players have all been able to make big plays in the passing game and help the Broncos win games.The Broncos' tight ends have played a major role in the team's success over the years. They have helped the Broncos win multiple Super Bowls and have been a key part of the team's offensive success.Here is a table of some of the most notable Denver Broncos tight ends in history:| Name | Years Played | Pro Bowls | All-Pros ||---|---|---|---|| Shannon Sharpe | 1990-1999 | 8 | 4 || Julius Thomas | 2010-2014 | 5 | 2 || Demaryius Thomas | 2010-2018 | 5 | 3 || Tom Rouen | 1979-1989 | 4 | 2 || Andrew Beck | 2019-Present | 0 | 0 |The Denver Broncos have a rich history of great tight ends. These players have helped the Broncos win multiple Super Bowls and have been a key part of the team's offensive success.

Denver Broncos Tight Ends History

The Denver Broncos have a long and storied history of great tight ends. These players have played a major role in the team's success over the years, helping the Broncos win multiple Super Bowls. Some of the most notable Denver Broncos tight ends in history include Shannon Sharpe, Julius Thomas, and Demaryius Thomas.

Here are 7 key aspects of Denver Broncos tight ends history:

Blocking
Receiving
Super Bowls
All-Pros
Pro Bowls
Hall of Famers
Legacy

These aspects highlight the importance of tight ends in the Denver Broncos' success. Tight ends have been a key part of the Broncos' offense for decades, and they have helped the team win multiple championships. The Broncos have had a number of great tight ends over the years, and these players have left a lasting legacy on the team.

For example, Shannon Sharpe is one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. He was a key member of the Broncos' back-to-back Super Bowl wins in the 1990s, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. Julius Thomas was another great tight end for the Broncos. He was a key part of the team's offense during their run to Super Bowl 50, and he was named to the Pro Bowl three times. Demaryius Thomas was another great pass-catching tight end for the Broncos. He was a key part of the team's offense during their Super Bowl 50 victory, and he was named to the Pro Bowl four times.

The Denver Broncos have a rich history of great tight ends. These players have helped the Broncos win multiple Super Bowls and have been a key part of the team's offensive success.

1. Blocking

Blocking is an essential aspect of a tight end's game. Tight ends are often called upon to help protect the quarterback and open up running lanes for running backs. The Denver Broncos have had a number of great blocking tight ends over the years, including former All-Pro Tom Rouen and current starter Andrew Beck.

Blocking is important for tight ends because it helps the team move the ball down the field. When a tight end blocks well, it creates space for the running back to run or the quarterback to pass. This can lead to big plays and scoring opportunities.

The Denver Broncos have had a lot of success over the years because of their great blocking tight ends. These players have helped the Broncos win multiple Super Bowls and have been a key part of the team's offensive success.

2. Receiving

Receiving is another important aspect of a tight end's game. Tight ends are often called upon to catch passes from the quarterback and help move the chains. The Denver Broncos have had a number of great receiving tight ends over the years, including Shannon Sharpe, Julius Thomas, and Demaryius Thomas.

Receiving is important for tight ends because it allows them to contribute to the team's passing game. When a tight end can catch passes, it gives the quarterback another option to throw to and can help the team move the ball down the field. This can lead to big plays and scoring opportunities.

The Denver Broncos have had a lot of success over the years because of their great receiving tight ends. These players have helped the Broncos win multiple Super Bowls and have been a key part of the team's offensive success.

One of the most notable receiving tight ends in Broncos history is Shannon Sharpe. Sharpe was a key member of the Broncos' back-to-back Super Bowl wins in the 1990s. He was a great pass-catcher and was also a very good blocker. Sharpe was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Another great receiving tight end for the Broncos was Julius Thomas. Thomas was a key part of the team's offense during their run to Super Bowl 50. He was a great pass-catcher and was also a very good blocker. Thomas was named to the Pro Bowl three times.

Demaryius Thomas was another great pass-catching tight end for the Broncos. He was a key part of the team's offense during their Super Bowl 50 victory. He was a great pass-catcher and was also a very good blocker. Thomas was named to the Pro Bowl four times.

The Denver Broncos have a rich history of great receiving tight ends. These players have helped the Broncos win multiple Super Bowls and have been a key part of the team's offensive success.

3. Super Bowls

The Denver Broncos have won three Super Bowls, and their tight ends have played a major role in each of those victories.

Super Bowl XXI (1987): Shannon Sharpe caught a touchdown pass in the Broncos' 39-20 victory over the Green Bay Packers.
Super Bowl XXXII (1998): Shannon Sharpe caught a touchdown pass in the Broncos' 31-24 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
Super Bowl 50 (2016): Julius Thomas caught a touchdown pass in the Broncos' 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

The Broncos' tight ends have been a key part of the team's success in the Super Bowl. They have been able to provide the quarterback with a reliable target in the passing game, and they have also been able to block effectively in the running game. The Broncos' tight ends have played a major role in the team's three Super Bowl victories.

4. All-Pros

All-Pros are players who are selected to the Associated Press All-Pro Team, which recognizes the best players at each position in the NFL. Denver Broncos tight ends have a long history of being selected to the All-Pro Team, dating back to the AFL days.

Shannon Sharpe was named an All-Pro eight times, including four times with the Broncos. He was a key member of the Broncos' back-to-back Super Bowl wins in the 1990s.
Julius Thomas was named an All-Pro twice, both times with the Broncos. He was a key part of the Broncos' offense during their run to Super Bowl 50.
Demaryius Thomas was named an All-Pro three times, twice with the Broncos. He was a key part of the Broncos' offense during their Super Bowl 50 victory.

The Broncos' tight ends have been a key part of the team's success over the years. They have been able to provide the quarterback with a reliable target in the passing game, and they have also been able to block effectively in the running game. The Broncos' tight ends have played a major role in the team's three Super Bowl victories.

5. Pro Bowls

The Pro Bowl is an annual all-star game in the National Football League (NFL). It is played between the best players from the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). Denver Broncos tight ends have a long history of being selected to the Pro Bowl, dating back to the AFL days.

There are several reasons why Pro Bowls are an important component of Denver Broncos tight ends history. First, Pro Bowls are a recognition of individual excellence. Tight ends who are selected to the Pro Bowl are considered to be among the best at their position in the NFL. Second, Pro Bowls give Broncos fans a chance to see their favorite players compete against the best in the league. Third, Pro Bowls help to promote the Broncos organization and its players on a national stage.

Some of the most notable Denver Broncos tight ends to be selected to the Pro Bowl include Shannon Sharpe, Julius Thomas, and Demaryius Thomas. Sharpe was a key member of the Broncos' back-to-back Super Bowl wins in the 1990s. He was a great pass-catcher and was also a very good blocker. Thomas was a key part of the Broncos' offense during their run to Super Bowl 50. He was a great pass-catcher and was also a very good blocker. Demaryius Thomas was another great pass-catching tight end for the Broncos. He was a key part of the team's offense during their Super Bowl 50 victory.

The Denver Broncos have a rich history of great tight ends. These players have helped the Broncos win multiple Super Bowls and have been a key part of the team's offensive success. The Broncos' tight ends have been a key part of the team's success over the years, and their selection to the Pro Bowl is a recognition of their individual excellence and their contribution to the team's success.

6. Hall of Famers

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an NFL player. Only the most elite players in NFL history are inducted into the Hall of Fame, and Denver Broncos tight ends have a proud history of being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Shannon Sharpe was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. Sharpe was a key member of the Broncos' back-to-back Super Bowl wins in the 1990s, and he is considered to be one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history.
John Mackey was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992. Mackey was a key member of the Broncos' Super Bowl XII victory in 1977, and he is considered to be one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history.

The induction of Shannon Sharpe and John Mackey into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a testament to the great tradition of tight end play in Denver Broncos history. These players were key members of some of the most successful teams in Broncos history, and they helped to establish the Broncos as one of the most respected franchises in the NFL.

7. Legacy

The legacy of Denver Broncos tight ends is one of excellence and success. Broncos tight ends have played a major role in the team's success over the years, helping the team win multiple Super Bowls and AFC Championships. Broncos tight ends have also been recognized for their individual achievements, with several players being named to the Pro Bowl and Hall of Fame.

Winning Tradition
Broncos tight ends have a long tradition of winning. They have helped the team win multiple Super Bowls and AFC Championships. Broncos tight ends have also been a key part of the team's success in the regular season, helping the team win division titles and earn playoff berths.
Individual Accolades
Broncos tight ends have also been recognized for their individual achievements. Several Broncos tight ends have been named to the Pro Bowl, and two have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This recognition is a testament to the high level of play that Broncos tight ends have consistently displayed.
Versatility
Broncos tight ends have been known for their versatility. They have been able to block effectively in the running game and catch passes in the passing game. This versatility has made them a valuable asset to the team's offense.
Leadership
Broncos tight ends have also been known for their leadership. They have been vocal leaders on the team and have helped to mentor younger players. This leadership has been a key factor in the team's success.

The legacy of Denver Broncos tight ends is one of excellence and success. They have played a major role in the team's success over the years, and they continue to be a key part of the team's offense. Broncos tight ends are a proud group of players who have helped to make the Broncos one of the most successful teams in the NFL.

FAQs on Denver Broncos Tight Ends History

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the history of Denver Broncos tight ends.

Question 1: Who is the most iconic Denver Broncos tight end?

Shannon Sharpe is widely considered the most iconic Denver Broncos tight end. He was a key member of the Broncos' back-to-back Super Bowl wins in the 1990s and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Question 2: Who is the Broncos' all-time leading receiver at tight end?

Shannon Sharpe is the Broncos' all-time leading receiver at tight end with 8,439 receiving yards.

Question 3: How many Pro Bowl selections do Broncos tight ends have?

Broncos tight ends have a combined 15 Pro Bowl selections. Shannon Sharpe has the most Pro Bowl selections with eight.

Question 4: How many Super Bowls have Broncos tight ends won?

Broncos tight ends have won three Super Bowls. Shannon Sharpe won two Super Bowls with the Broncos, and Julius Thomas won one.

Question 5: Who is the most underrated Broncos tight end?

Tom Rouen is often considered the most underrated Broncos tight end. He was a key member of the Broncos' Super Bowl XII victory in 1977 and was named to the Pro Bowl four times.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the history of Denver Broncos tight ends. For more information, please visit the Denver Broncos website.

Thank you for your interest in Denver Broncos tight ends history!

Next: A Look at Notable Denver Broncos Tight Ends

Conclusion

The Denver Broncos have a long and storied history of great tight ends. These players have played a major role in the team's success over the years, helping the Broncos win multiple Super Bowls and AFC Championships. Broncos tight ends have also been recognized for their individual achievements, with several players being named to the Pro Bowl and Hall of Fame.

The future of the Broncos' tight end position is bright. The team has a number of talented young tight ends on the roster, and they are expected to continue the tradition of excellence at the position.