Former Denver Broncos quarterbacks John Elway (No. 18) and Peyton Manning (No. 8) both made USA TODAY’s list of the 100 greatest players in NFL history, created in celebration of the league’s 100 years.
Former NFL wide receiver Jerry Rice, a three-time Super Bowl champion who owns more than a dozen league records, is ranked No. 1.
Elway won two Super Bowls during his career, both of them in Denver. Manning also won two Super Bowls, one with the Broncos and one with the Indianapolis Colts. Elway and Manning won six combined NFL MVP awards.
Elway and Manning are the only Broncos who made the list, unless you count late cornerback Will Brown (No. 98) and running back Tony Dorsett (No. 90). Brown started his career in Denver but spent the majority of his career with the Oakland Raiders. Dorsett spent most of his career with the Dallas Cowboys and one season with the Broncos.
Superstar outside linebacker Von Miller and Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey did not make the list. Miller is tied for 30th on the league’s all-time sack list and is one of just ten defensive players in NFL history who have won Super Bowl MVP honors. Bailey was voted to more Pro Bowls (12) than any other cornerback in NFL history.
To view USA TODAY’s complete list of Top 100 players, click here.
