Unlike some franchises with a plethora of retired jerseys, the Denver Broncos have a relatively short list. This exclusivity underscores the exceptional caliber of the players honored.
The most iconic number, undoubtedly, is John Elway's 7. The Hall of Fame quarterback, synonymous with the Broncos' rise to prominence, is a cornerstone of the franchise's history.
Floyd Little, a running back with unmatched speed and agility, also has his 44 retired. His impact on the team and the community solidified his legendary status.
An interesting case is number 18. Originally retired for Frank Tripucka, the Broncos made a unique decision to allow Peyton Manning to wear it during his tenure. This move, while controversial for some, acknowledged Manning's extraordinary career and contributions to the team. Though not officially retired for Manning, the number holds a special place in Broncos lore.
While these three numbers are the only officially retired jerseys, the Broncos have a rich history of talented players whose numbers could potentially be honored in the future.
Here are the honored players and their numbers that are not issued in Denver anymore:
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Jersey Number 7
John Elway
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Jersey Number 18
Frank Tripuka
*Number 18 was released from 2012 to 2015 by the organization and Tripuka family for Paeyton Manning to wear.
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Jersey Number 44
Floyd Little
If you love football jersey designs and evolution, wait until you check out the
History of American Football Jersey.
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Football Jersey Frequently Asked Questions
-Who is the most famous player that wore the jersey number 26 in NFL history? As you can see from our post above, there is plenty to choose from, but we will narrow it down to two great DBs, Herb Adderly of the Packers and Rod Woodson, best known for his time as a Steeler, both wore the number 26. You can learn more about this legend in our post about him here:
Herb Adderly and
Rod Woodson.
-What are American football jerseys made of? Modern jerseys are made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or a blend of different materials such as spandex. For more, check out our in-depth study of
The Makeup and Materials of Football Jerseys.
-What are some of the most unique football jerseys in history? Gridiron jerseys with logos on the front were once a fad. Check out this story titled
Football Jerseys with Emblems.
-Whose college football jersey was the first to be retired? Red Grange's Number 77 Ilinois Illini jersey was the first college uni shelved in 1925. There were a couple more about the same time, and we chatted with a college football expert historian to help divulge
College Football and its First Retired Jerseys.
