Last year, the NFL helped get us through the pandemic.

On those cold, fall and winter Sundays, football was there just like it had been every year since 1920, even if teams were forced to play in stadiums devoid of fans. Or, in some cases, with a shrunken capacity and piped-in crowd noise.

Luckily, while playing in a “bubble” made for more pickup-style basketball in the NBA, the NFL stayed true to form in terms of physicality, profound athleticism and fun.

Of course though, fans greatly affect the game in the NFL. Especially in stadiums like Empower Field at Mile High Stadium.

There, the Broncos NFL-record holding fans have sold out every game Denver’s ever played in the National Football League, going back to 1970. (No word yet on if 2020 will count against that record or not.)

Broncomaniacs make Mile High a nightmare for visiting fans when they’re in full throat, while stomping on the metal flooring which was designed to create “Rocky Mountain thunder” and noise. That likely why Denver had the third-best home winning percentage among all NFL teams during the 16-game era (1978-2020).

The good news is, according to multiple reports, the NFL is planning on having all 32 teams host full-capacity stadiums. One catch is that, for now, the Broncos are one of only two teams who hasn’t met all the requirements to enjoy a full Mile High, just yet. But, they are on track to do so by the season kickoff.

And two weeks later, this:

Nature is healing.

It will be magnificent to see full stadiums this season again, with 75,000-plus fans, face-painted and screaming for their favorite teams. The roar of the crowds make the game more exciting, whether they’re erupting for an 80-yard bomb or booing the hometown quarterback for subpar play.

And, it seems to be no coincidence the Broncos released their season ticket prices for the season. Mike Klis was the first to report it:

The good news is, there are still some relatively affordable $60.50 tickets, with the most expensive running $207 per ticket. And there’s little doubt Mile High won’t be packed full every game this year, after so many loyal season-ticket holders couldn’t attend games, or far fewer contests, last season.

2021 is set to be an exciting one for the Broncos, who are looking to get back into the postseason for the first time since 2015. Vic Fangio’s defense — thanks to a great offseason by general manager George Paton — is primed to be one of the best in the league. Offensively, Drew Lock is battling Teddy Bridgewater for the starting QB spot for a talented, young group on that side of the ball.

And while 2020 was a solid football season, 2021 is shaping up to be a return to normalcy in the sports world. At least, in the NFL.