This week, Brock Osweiler found himself on the cover of Sports Illustrated. After knocking the New England Patriots from the ranks of the NFL’s unbeaten teams, the quarterback with two career starts was a national story thanks to his come-from-behind victory over Tom Brady and Company.
The honor puts Osweiler in elite company. Since it’s inception in 1954, SI has only turned its attention toward Denver on 28 occasions. The list of players who have graced the magazine’s cover while wearing the orange and blue is a who’s who of Broncos history.
Who made that list? Here’s a gallery of all 28 covers, highlighting each time a Bronco (or two) graced the front of a normal, weekly edition of Sports Illustrated.
Dec. 7, 2015 – Brock Osweiler
After knocking off the previously undefeated Patriots, the quarterback with two career starts was the talk of the NFL.
Jan. 27, 2014 – Peyton Manning
The Broncos QB graced the cover of SI’s preview of Super Bowl XLVIII.
Jan. 20, 2014 – Wes Welker
Leading up to the AFC title game against the Patriots, the Broncos wideout was front and center.
Jan. 13, 2014 – Knowshon Moreno
An illustrated version of the running back’s famous pregame tears made for a great cover.
Dec. 23, 2013 – Peyton Manning
The quarterback is the only Colorado athlete to ever win Sports Illustrated’s highest honor.
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[adrotate group=”1″]Aug. 12, 2013 – Eric Decker, Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welker
The quartet would help the Broncos post the greatest offensive season in NFL history.
September 17, 2012 – Peyton Manning
After a dazzling debut as a Bronco, the future Hall of Fame QB was back on top.
Dec. 19, 2011 – Tim Tebow
Tebow Mania was at its peak in December of 2011.
Oct. 12, 2009 – Dan Graham
During Josh McDaniels’ first season, the Broncos hot start earned them national attention.
Jan. 23, 2006 – Jake Plummer
Leading into the AFC Championship Game against the Steelers, the Snake was all the rage.
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[adrotate group=”1″]Oct. 5, 2003 – Jake Plummer
During his first season as a Bronco, it was clear that Plummer was going to make the Broncos a contender again.
Oct. 11, 1999 – Terrell Davis
After an 0-4 start and TD’s injury, Michael Silver overhead this infamous headline while lurking around the team at a postgame gathering.
Feb. 8, 1999 – John Elway
The all-time great rides off into the sunset as the Super Bowl MVP.
Feb. 1, 1999 – Shannon Sharpe
The future Hall-of-Fame tight end was the cover subject leading into Super Bowl XXXIII.
Nov. 30, 1998 – John Elway
As the Broncos attempted to go undefeated, SI got on the bandwagon.
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[adrotate group=”1″]Sept. 28, 1998 – Terrell Davis
Early in his 2,000-yard season, TD’s story became national news.
Feb. 2, 1998 – John Elway
After finally winning the Super Bowl, Elway was the easy choice for the SI cover.
Dec. 30, 1996 – John Elway
Even before winning two Super Bowls, Rick Reilly sang the praises of the Broncos QB in this double issue.
Aug. 2, 1993 – John Elway and Dan Reeves
During his first training camp after a regime change, Elway ripped his former head coach; the fiery Reeves fired back.
Jan. 22, 1990 – John Elway
The Broncos were hopeful leading into Super Bowl XXIV; they wound up losing 55-10.
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[adrotate group=”1″]Aug. 1, 1988 – Tony Dorsett
The former Cowboys running back was traded to Denver prior to the 1988 season, a move the Broncos hoped would get them over the hump; it didn’t.
Jan. 25, 1988 – John Elway
After beating Cleveland in the AFC title game (again), the Broncos were headed back to the Super Bowl for the second-straight year.
Sept. 21, 1987 – John Elway
During Elway’s only MVP season, he landed on the cover of Sports Illustrated early in the year.
Jan. 19, 1987 – Rich Karlis and Gary Kubiak
While the game was famous for “The Drive,” it was the game-winning kick that was the signature image of the 1986 AFC Championship Game.
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[adrotate group=”1″]Oct. 13, 1986 – John Elway
Early in the season, SI knew that the Broncos and their young QB were contenders.
Oct. 8, 1984 – Sammy Winder
During a season that would end with a 13-3 record, the Broncos running back earned some surprising national attention.
Aug. 15, 1983 – John Elway
During his rookie training camp, there was no bigger story than the No. 1 overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft.
Oct. 11, 1977 – Rubin Carter
As Bronco Mania got rolling, the team’s Orange Crush defense landed on the cover of SI.