If you walk into a bar in downtown Denver and mention the name "Paxton Lynch," don't be surprised if the room goes cold. It’s a reaction built on years of hope, heartbreak, and a revolving door at the most important position in sports. Most fans can rattle off the big names like Elway and Manning, but the full list of Denver Broncos quarterbacks is a much longer, weirder journey through NFL history than you probably realize.
We’re talking about a franchise that has swung from the highest of highs—back-to-back Super Bowls—to the absolute absurdity of starting a wide receiver at quarterback during a global pandemic.
The Early Days and the Tripucka Foundation
Before the glitz of the modern NFL, the Broncos were part of the AFL, and honestly, they weren't very good. In 1960, Frank Tripucka became the first man to lead the huddle. He was basically a seasoned vet brought in to give the new team some legitimacy.
You’ve probably seen his number 18 hanging in the rafters (before he graciously let Peyton Manning wear it). Tripucka threw for over 3,000 yards in 1960, which was insane for that era. But the 60s were mostly a blur of guys like Mickey Slaughter and Steve Tensi. It wasn't exactly a "winning tradition" yet.
The Marlin Briscoe Milestone
One name that often gets buried in the list of Denver Broncos quarterbacks is Marlin Briscoe. In 1968, he became the first Black starting quarterback in the modern pro football era. He was electric. He threw 14 touchdowns in just five starts as a rookie. Unfortunately, the team moved him to receiver the next year, and he eventually left to become an All-Pro wideout for the Dolphins. It remains one of the biggest "what-ifs" in Denver history.
The Craig Morton Bridge
Before the "Duke of Denver" arrived, Craig Morton was the guy who actually turned the Broncos into a contender. He led the team to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance in 1977 (Super Bowl XII).
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Morton was tough as nails. He was older, beat up, and playing behind a line that didn't always have his back, but he won 41 games in Denver. He proved that this franchise could actually compete with the big dogs like the Raiders and Cowboys.
The John Elway Era (1983–1998)
We have to talk about the man who defined the city. John Elway didn't even want to be here at first. He famously used a potential baseball career with the Yankees as leverage to get traded from the Baltimore Colts.
For 16 seasons, Elway was the Denver Broncos. His stats are legendary:
- 51,475 passing yards
- 300 touchdowns
- 148 regular-season wins
- Two Super Bowl rings
But it wasn't always easy. He lost three Super Bowls early in his career by massive margins. People called him a "choker" until Mike Shanahan arrived and Terrell Davis started running over defenders. Elway’s "The Drive" against Cleveland in 1987 is still arguably the most famous moment in franchise history. He retired at the absolute peak, winning Super Bowl XXXIII MVP. It was a perfect ending that most quarterbacks only dream of.
The Post-Elway Hangover
Replacing a god is impossible. Brian Griese tried. He was actually quite good in 2000, making the Pro Bowl, but he was constantly living in Elway's shadow. Then came Jake Plummer, affectionately known as "Jake the Snake."
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Honestly, Plummer is underrated. He went 39-15 as a starter in Denver. He was mobile, creative, and a bit of a wildcard. He led the team to the 2005 AFC Championship game, but Mike Shanahan eventually benched him for Jay Cutler. Cutler had an absolute rocket for an arm but the personality of a wet blanket, and he was eventually traded to Chicago in a move that still divides older fans.
The Tim Tebow Phenomenon
You can't write a list of Denver Broncos quarterbacks without mentioning the 2011 season. Tim Tebow couldn't throw a spiral to save his life, yet he kept winning.
It was "Tebow Time." Every game felt like a miracle in the making, culminating in that 80-yard walk-off touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas against the Steelers in the playoffs. It was the highest-rated moment in Denver sports for a decade, even if the actual football was... well, ugly.
The Peyton Manning Renaissance (2012–2015)
When John Elway (now an executive) signed Peyton Manning, the world shifted. Manning’s 2013 season was the greatest statistical year for a quarterback ever.
- 5,477 yards
- 55 touchdowns
He took them to two Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl 50. By that final season, Manning’s arm was basically cooked. He was throwing "ducks," as he called them. But his mind was still miles ahead of everyone else. He navigated the team to a title with the help of a legendary defense (the No Fly Zone).
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The Carousel of Chaos (2016–2023)
After Manning rode off into the sunset, the wheels fell off. Denver tried everything. They drafted Paxton Lynch in the first round (total bust). They tried "safe" vets like Case Keenum, Joe Flacco, and Teddy Bridgewater.
They even had to start Kendall Hinton, a practice squad wide receiver, in 2020 because the entire QB room was disqualified due to COVID-19 protocols. He went 1-for-9 with two interceptions. It was heroic, but it was also a low point for the franchise.
The Russell Wilson Experiment
In 2022, Denver thought they found their savior again. They traded a mountain of picks and players for Russell Wilson. To say it didn't work out is an understatement. Despite a bounce-back statistical year in 2023 under Sean Payton (26 touchdowns to 8 picks), the "vibe" was off. The contract was a massive burden, and the team eventually ate a record-breaking amount of dead cap money just to get him out of the building.
The New Hope: Bo Nix
Now, we’re in the Bo Nix era. Drafted 12th overall in 2024, Nix was hand-picked by Sean Payton to run his complex system. Unlike the flashy but inconsistent guys before him, Nix has shown a high "football IQ" and a quick release. Through his first two seasons, he's already established himself as the most stable presence the team has had since Manning.
Whether he joins the ranks of Elway and Manning or ends up as another name on the long list of post-2015 experiments remains to be seen. But for the first time in a long time, Broncos Country actually has something to look forward to on Sundays.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Historians
If you’re looking to track the performance of these players or understand the franchise's trajectory, keep these factors in mind:
- Consistency Wins: The Broncos have only won Super Bowls with Hall of Fame-caliber QBs or elite defensive support.
- Watch the Turnovers: Historically, Denver's most successful seasons (even under Manning) featured a heavy emphasis on ball security.
- Draft Strategy Matters: The team has struggled to develop "homegrown" talent at QB, with Elway and Manning being acquisitions from other teams. Bo Nix is the first real test of their modern drafting ability.
To get a deeper feel for this history, watch highlights of the 1997 and 1998 seasons. You'll see how a balanced run game turned John Elway from a great player into a champion. Understanding that balance is key to understanding why some quarterbacks on this list failed while others succeeded.