Steve Tensi Dies at 81; Former Broncos, Chargers QB Played in NFL, AFL

Former Denver Broncos quarterback Steve Tensi has died, the team announced Monday. He was 81.

Tensi was drafted by the AFL's San Diego Chargers and NFL's Indianapolis Colts before opting to sign with the Chargers, where he spent his first two seasons.

He spent four seasons with the Broncos between 1967 and 1970, starting 32 of 41 games for the franchise, after being acquired in a trade from the Chargers.

The Florida State product spent five of his six seasons playing in the AFL before the league merged with the NFL in 1970.

During the 1970 campaign, Tensi threw for 539 yards and three touchdowns against eight interceptions in seven games, two of which were starts, for the Broncos. He retired after the season due to injuries.

One of Tensi's best seasons came in 1969 when he threw for 1,990 yards and 14 touchdowns against 12 interceptions in 13 games, 12 of which were starts.

Tensi finished his career having thrown for 5,558 yards and 43 touchdowns against 46 interceptions in 56 games (34 starts).

Prior to his professional career, Tensi helped lead the Florida State Seminoles to a 9-1-1 record during his senior season. He was also named the Gator Bowl MVP that year after tossing five touchdowns, which is an FSU bowl game record.

He was inducted into the Florida State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1981 and joined the Gator Bowl Hall of Fame in 1995.

After retiring from football, he embarked on a coaching career that included stints as the quarterbacks coach of Wichita State and wide receivers coach for the World Football League's Chicago Fire.