Billy Van Heusen was the best player to ever wear jersey No. 42 for the Denver Broncos.
After playing college football at Maryland, Van Heusen joined the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 1968. He went on to have a nine-year career in Denver playing as a wide receiver and punter.
Van Heusen was an incredibly versatile player, hauling in 82 receptions for 1,684 yards and 11 touchdowns while also adding 13 carries for 171 yards and one touchdown in his career. He also threw for 71 yards and led the NFL with 3,732 punt yards in 1970.
Van Heusen’s 23,936 career punt yards rank No. 2 in franchise history, only trailing Tom Rouen (28,146 yards). Rouen played in 43 more games than Van Heusen and he had 67 more punts.
Van Heusen’s longest punt of 78 yards ranks second in franchise history behind Chris Norman (83 yards). He was one of the best punters in Denver’s history, and a versatile weapon on offense as well.
Happy 7⃣6⃣th Birthday, Billy Van Heusen! Van Heusen was a Denver Bronco punter and WR from 1968–1976. He scored TDs on passes and on a fake punt rush during his career!
1970 and 1974: Longest NFL punts
1972: Longest NFL rush
1973: Longest NFL reception
1974: 2nd-team All-Pro pic.twitter.com/QyMkASRvDM— Mile High Moments (@MileHighMoments) August 27, 2022
Shout out to Billy Van Heusen, the best player to ever wear jersey No. 42 for the Broncos.
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