On Dec. 13, 2009 — one decade ago today — former Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall set an NFL record with 21 receptions in a single game. That record still stands today.
Marshall’s record-breaking performance came in a losing effort as Denver fell to the Indianapolis Colts 28-16 on the road. The Peyton Manning-led Colts jumped up to a 21-0 lead before former Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton connected with Marshall for two scores to make things interesting.
Denver got within five points (21-16) in the fourth quarter but Manning sealed the game with a third touchdown pass to tight end Dallas Clark with 2:25 remaining, ensuring the Broncos wouldn’t have enough time to catch up.
“I believe it was one of those games where, whenever you accomplish something like that, it definitely feels good,” Marshall said after the loss. “But we have goals, and our only goal is to win games. I’d definitely trade in a couple of those catches for a win.”
Marshall spent the first four years of his career with the Broncos — 2009 ended up being his final season in Denver. Former coach Josh McDaniels benched the receiver in Week 17 for being late to a physical therapy session and then traded Marshall to the Miami Dolphins in April.
Marshall went on to spend time with five more NFL teams before retiring after the 2018 season. The six-time Pro Bowler caught 970 passes for 12,351 yards and 83 touchdowns during his 13-year career.
Marshall’s 327 receptions with Denver rank 10th in franchise history and his 25 touchdown catches rank 13th, just below Emmanuel Sanders (28).
