Home › Trends12

The Ultimate Broncos Kickers History Guide: From Past To Present

Trends January 13, 2025

The Denver Broncos have a storied history of great kickers, dating back to the early days of the franchise.

Some of the most notable names in Broncos kicking history include Jason Elam, Matt Prater, and Brandon McManus. Elam was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection, and he holds the Broncos' franchise records for most field goals made and most points scored. Prater was a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro selection, and he holds the NFL record for the longest field goal ever made (64 yards). McManus has been a consistent performer for the Broncos since joining the team in 2014, and he has made over 80% of his field goal attempts.

| Kicker | Years Active | Notable Accomplishments |

|---|---|---|

| Jason Elam | 1993-2008 | Four-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro selection, Broncos franchise records for most field goals made and most points scored |

| Matt Prater | 2007-2018 | Two-time Pro Bowler, one-time All-Pro selection, NFL record for the longest field goal ever made (64 yards) |

| Brandon McManus | 2014-present | Consistent performer, has made over 80% of his field goal attempts |

The Broncos' kickers are a talented and dedicated group of players who have played a major role in the team's success. They are a key part of the Broncos' offense, and they are always ready to step up and make a big play when needed.

Broncos Kickers History

The Denver Broncos have a long and storied history of great kickers, dating back to the early days of the franchise. Some of the most notable names in Broncos kicking history include Jason Elam, Matt Prater, and Brandon McManus.

Accuracy
Consistency
Power
Clutch
Experience
Leadership
Records

These are just a few of the key aspects that have contributed to the success of the Broncos' kickers over the years. Accuracy and consistency are essential for any kicker, but power and clutch ability can be just as important in big games. Experience and leadership are also valuable assets, and kickers who can set records and make a name for themselves can become legends in Broncos history.

1. Accuracy

Accuracy is one of the most important aspects of kicking in football. A kicker who can consistently put the ball through the uprights is a valuable asset to any team. The Broncos have had a long history of accurate kickers, including Jason Elam, Matt Prater, and Brandon McManus.

Distance control: Accurate kickers can control the distance of their kicks, which is important for field goals and extra points. They can also place the ball in specific spots on the field, which can be helpful for kickoffs and punts.
Wind conditions: Accurate kickers can adjust their kicks to account for wind conditions. This is important in Denver, where the wind can be a factor at Mile High Stadium.
Pressure situations: Accurate kickers can perform under pressure. This is important in big games, when the outcome of the game can come down to a single kick.

The Broncos' accurate kickers have played a major role in the team's success over the years. They have helped the Broncos win multiple Super Bowls, and they have consistently been one of the most reliable units in the NFL.

2. Consistency

Consistency is one of the most important aspects of kicking in football. A kicker who can consistently put the ball through the uprights is a valuable asset to any team. The Broncos have had a long history of consistent kickers, including Jason Elam, Matt Prater, and Brandon McManus.

Reliable in all conditions: Consistent kickers can perform in all conditions, including wind, rain, and snow. This is important for the Broncos, who play in a variety of weather conditions at Mile High Stadium.
Mental toughness: Consistent kickers have mental toughness. They are able to bounce back from missed kicks and stay focused on the next one. This is important in the NFL, where kickers are often under a lot of pressure.
Preparation: Consistent kickers are well-prepared. They spend a lot of time practicing their craft and studying their opponents. This preparation helps them to be more consistent on game day.
Teamwork: Consistent kickers work well with their teammates. They are able to communicate effectively with the holder and long snapper, and they are always willing to help out in any way they can. This teamwork is essential for the Broncos' kicking game to be successful.

The Broncos' consistent kickers have played a major role in the team's success over the years. They have helped the Broncos win multiple Super Bowls, and they have consistently been one of the most reliable units in the NFL.

3. Power

Power is an important aspect of kicking in football. A kicker with a strong leg can kick the ball farther and with more accuracy. This can be a major advantage for a team, especially on field goals and extra points. The Broncos have had a long history of powerful kickers, including Jason Elam, Matt Prater, and Brandon McManus.

A strong leg can help a kicker to make field goals from longer distances. This can be a major advantage in close games, when a team needs to kick a field goal to win or tie the game. A strong leg can also help a kicker to make field goals in difficult conditions, such as when the wind is blowing or the field is wet.Power is also important for kickoffs. A kicker with a strong leg can kick the ball deep into the end zone, which can give his team good field position. This can make it difficult for the opposing team to score points.

4. Clutch

In sports, the term "clutch" is used to describe an athlete who performs well in pressure situations. Clutch athletes are able to rise to the occasion and make big plays when their team needs them most. Broncos kickers have a long history of being clutch performers, dating back to the early days of the franchise.

One of the most famous examples of a clutch Broncos kicker is Jason Elam. Elam was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection, and he holds the Broncos' franchise records for most field goals made and most points scored. Elam was known for his ability to make big kicks in pressure situations, and he helped the Broncos win multiple Super Bowls.

Another example of a clutch Broncos kicker is Matt Prater. Prater was a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro selection, and he holds the NFL record for the longest field goal ever made (64 yards). Prater was also known for his ability to make big kicks in pressure situations, and he helped the Broncos win Super Bowl 50.

The Broncos' current kicker, Brandon McManus, is also a clutch performer. McManus has been with the Broncos since 2014, and he has made over 80% of his field goal attempts. McManus has made several big kicks for the Broncos, including a game-winning field goal in the 2015 AFC Divisional Round.

The ability to perform in the clutch is a valuable asset for any kicker. The Broncos have been fortunate to have a long history of clutch kickers, and this has been a major factor in the team's success.

5. Experience

Experience is one of the most important factors in the success of any kicker. The more experience a kicker has, the more comfortable they will be in pressure situations and the more likely they are to make big kicks when their team needs them most.

Game experience: Kickers who have played in a lot of games have a better understanding of how to handle the pressure and make the right decisions in key situations. They are also more likely to be able to adjust to different conditions, such as wind and weather.
Practice experience: Kickers who spend a lot of time practicing are more likely to be consistent and accurate. They are also more likely to be able to make kicks from different distances and angles.
Mental experience: Kickers who have a strong mental game are more likely to be able to bounce back from missed kicks and stay focused on the next one. They are also more likely to be able to handle the pressure of kicking in big games.

The Broncos have a long history of experienced kickers. Jason Elam, Matt Prater, and Brandon McManus have all been with the team for multiple seasons, and they have all played a major role in the team's success. These kickers have a wealth of experience to draw on, and they are always ready to step up and make big kicks when their team needs them most.

6. Leadership

Leadership is an essential quality for any successful team, and the Denver Broncos have a long history of great leaders at the kicker position. From Jason Elam to Matt Prater to Brandon McManus, the Broncos have been fortunate to have kickers who are not only talented on the field, but who also provide leadership and guidance to their teammates.

Setting the example: Great leaders set the example for their teammates by working hard, being prepared, and always putting the team first. Broncos kickers have a long history of doing just that. Jason Elam was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection, and he was known for his dedication to his craft and his willingness to do whatever it took to help the team win. Matt Prater was a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro selection, and he was known for his strong work ethic and his ability to make big kicks when the team needed them most. Brandon McManus has been with the Broncos since 2014, and he has quickly become one of the most respected kickers in the NFL. He is known for his consistency and his ability to make big kicks in pressure situations.
Mentoring younger players: Great leaders are always willing to mentor and help develop younger players. Broncos kickers have a long history of doing just that. Jason Elam mentored Matt Prater, and Prater has mentored Brandon McManus. This continuity has helped the Broncos maintain a high level of consistency at the kicker position.
Providing emotional support: Great leaders are able to provide emotional support to their teammates, especially during difficult times. Broncos kickers have a long history of doing just that. Jason Elam was a great source of support for his teammates during the team's Super Bowl runs in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Matt Prater was a great source of support for his teammates during the team's Super Bowl run in 2015. Brandon McManus has been a great source of support for his teammates during the team's recent playoff runs.
Being a positive role model: Great leaders are positive role models for their teammates, both on and off the field. Broncos kickers have a long history of being positive role models. Jason Elam was known for his professionalism and his dedication to his community. Matt Prater was known for his hard work and his determination to overcome adversity. Brandon McManus is known for his humility and his willingness to help others.

The leadership of the Broncos' kickers has been a major factor in the team's success over the years. These kickers have not only been great players on the field, but they have also been great leaders in the locker room and in the community.

7. Records

Records are an important part of any sport, and football is no exception. The Broncos have a long and storied history of great kickers, and many of them have set records that still stand today.

One of the most famous Broncos kickers is Jason Elam. Elam was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection, and he holds the Broncos' franchise records for most field goals made and most points scored. Elam was a key member of the Broncos' Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII championship teams.

Another great Broncos kicker is Matt Prater. Prater was a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro selection, and he holds the NFL record for the longest field goal ever made (64 yards). Prater was a key member of the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 championship team.

The Broncos' current kicker, Brandon McManus, is also a record-setting kicker. McManus has been with the Broncos since 2014, and he has already set the franchise record for most consecutive field goals made (23). McManus is a key member of the Broncos' offense, and he is one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL.

The Broncos' kickers have played a major role in the team's success over the years. They have helped the Broncos win multiple Super Bowls, and they have consistently been one of the most reliable units in the NFL. The Broncos' kickers are a source of pride for the team and its fans, and they are a big reason why the Broncos are one of the most successful teams in the NFL.

FAQs about Broncos Kickers History

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Denver Broncos kickers:

Question 1: Who is the greatest Broncos kicker of all time?

Jason Elam is widely considered to be the greatest Broncos kicker of all time. He was a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro selection, and holds the Broncos' franchise records for most field goals made and most points scored.

Question 2: What is the longest field goal ever made by a Broncos kicker?

Matt Prater holds the Broncos' franchise record for the longest field goal ever made, at 64 yards. He made the kick in 2013 against the Tennessee Titans.

Question 3: Who was the Broncos' kicker during their Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII championship seasons?

Jason Elam was the Broncos' kicker during their Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII championship seasons.

Question 4: Who is the Broncos' current kicker?

Brandon McManus is the Broncos' current kicker. He has been with the team since 2014 and has set the franchise record for most consecutive field goals made (23).

Question 5: What is the Broncos' all-time record for most consecutive field goals made?

Brandon McManus holds the Broncos' all-time record for most consecutive field goals made, with 23.

These are just a few of the many frequently asked questions about the Denver Broncos kickers. For more information, please visit the Broncos' official website.

Summary: The Broncos have a long and storied history of great kickers, who have played a major role in the team's success. From Jason Elam to Matt Prater to Brandon McManus, the Broncos have always had a reliable kicker to count on.

Transition to the next article section: The Broncos' kickers are just one part of the team's rich history. To learn more about the Broncos, please visit the team's website.

Conclusion

The Denver Broncos have a long and storied history of great kickers. From Jason Elam to Matt Prater to Brandon McManus, the Broncos have always had a reliable kicker to count on. These kickers have played a major role in the team's success, helping the Broncos win multiple Super Bowls and become one of the most successful teams in the NFL.

The Broncos' kickers are a source of pride for the team and its fans. They are a big reason why the Broncos are one of the most successful teams in the NFL. As the Broncos continue to build on their legacy, their kickers will continue to play a major role in the team's success.