The Denver Broncos are no longer the belle of the ball.
According to the annual Harris Poll, the Broncos are no longer America’s favorite team. Instead, the Dallas Cowboys have retaken their spot atop the list, a spot they have inhabited for 10 of the last 15 years.
The Harris Pole is a survey of 2,368 U.S. adults who identify themselves as someone who follows professional football, and according to their answers, the Broncos are now the country’s fourth most popular team behind the Patriots, Packers and Cowboys.
And while it’s disappointing to see the Broncos fall from the top spot, it’s not surprising. Again, that No. 1 position has been held by the Dallas Cowboys for 10 of the last 15 years, and they’ve never lower further than four. Likewise, the Packers and Patriots have been mainstays in the top five for the last decade.
Here’s how the 2015 Harris Poll ranked the 32 NFL franchises:
1. Cowboys
2-T. Packers
2-T. Patriots
4. Broncos
5. Steelers
6. Seahawks
7. Bears
8. Giants
9. 49ers
10. Saints
11. Cardinals
12. Falcons
13. Redskins
14. Eagles
15. Raiders
16. Panthers
17-T. Dolphins
17-T. Colts
19. Bills
20. Lions
21-T. Jets
21-T. Ravens
23. Vikings
24. Texans
25. Bengals
26. Chiefs
27. Browns
28. Buccaneers
29. Titans
30-T. Chargers
30-T. Rams
32. Jaguars
Other than where the Broncos ranked, my first takeaway would be no wonder the Chargers and Rams want to move their franchise to Los Angeles; nobody likes them!
In general, though, No. 4 isn’t that bad. Sure, first is always preferable, but the Broncos are clearly one of the NFL’s elite franchises, and that’s something we should be proud of.
(At least we beat the Seahawks!)
