Tim Tebow and the Most Popular Players in Broncos History

Look, we all know that lists like this are subjective, but I'll take a chance and give my opinion anyway.

The Broncos may not be doing well now, but they have a rich history. They deserve to be remembered and even honored for their achievements.

Meanwhile, the idea that popularity equals greatness is a tough call. Some players are well liked even though they didn't spend the majority of their careers in one place.

Plus, there are players who fans often like even though there are others who were better.

But to me, it's hard to like a player who isn't very good.

So, without further ado, I give you the 10 most popular players in team history.

Honorable Mention: Tim Tebow

Now, I'm not saying that when all is said and done, that Tebow will be one of the 10 best Broncos, or even one of the most popular.

But for now, he seems to be the flavor of the month. Plus, I couldn't call this slideshow "Tim Tebow and..." if it didn't contain Tebow, right?

Tebow is one of the most popular players in NFL history who has yet to accomplish anything in the NFL.

He had a great career at Florida and fans have been clamoring for him; now they just might get their chance to see him take over as the starter.

He's a playmaker and he makes things happen. Will he ever be a true starting QB in the league? I guess we'll find out.

Much has been documented about his awkward throwing motion, but he can run and the Broncos might as well find out what they have.

11. Tom Nalen

Nalen anchored the line that protected Elway and opened holes for Davis.

The former seventh-round draft pick won two Super Bowls with the Broncos and played in five Pro Bowls.

To show you that it wasn't just Davis, six different backs rushed for more than 1,000 yards behind Nalen and the Denver line.

He played his entire career with the Broncos.

10. Karl Mecklenburg

He was the captain and an All-Pro linebacker who had three Super Bowl appearances and played in six Pro Bowls.

Mecklenburg was considered the NFL's most versatile player as he played all seven defensive front positions, often in the same game.

He played with Denver for 12 seasons, recorded 100 or more tackles in five consecutive seasons and finished with the second-most sacks in team history.

Not bad for a 12th round pick.

9. Steve Atwater

Atwater hit like thunder and put fear into the hearts of opposing receivers and backs—just ask Christian Okoye.

He played in 14 playoff games, including three Super Bowls. He shined brightest in the Broncos' victory over Brett Favre​'s Packers in Super Bowl XXXII.

Atwater was a free safety who played like a linebacker

8. Tom Jackson

Jackson was a linebacker who played 14 seasons with Denver and was known for his leadership. TJ, as he was known, was voted Denver's Most Inspirational Player six times by his teammates.

He ranks third all time in games played as a Bronco.

Today, Jackson represents the orange and blue as an ESPN analyst.

7. Rod Smith

Smith was the leader of Broncos teams and he played hurt.

At the time of his retirement, he held the franchise records for catches (849), receiving yards (11,389), touchdown receptions (68) and total TDs (71).

Smith got more out of his talent than perhaps any other Bronco, save for Karl Mecklenburg​. Smith was intelligent, disciplined, a great route runner and a tenacious downfield blocker.

6. Floyd Little

Little is a Hall of Fame back who was classy and provided light during an otherwise dismal era for the Broncos.

He was known as "The Franchise" as the first-ever pick for Denver and was a captain even in his first year.

Little led the league in rushing from 1968 to 1973. When he retired, he ranked seventh in rushing yardage.

His was the first number to ever be retired by the Broncos.

5. Gary Zimmerman

Zimmerman was the second Bronco to be elected to the Hall of Fame. He played only five seasons in Denver, yet I put him on this list because he protected Elway's blind side.

Yes, he played seven of his 12 seasons as a Viking, but he was one of the toughest guys to ever play in Denver.

He was more athletic as a Viking, but he showed his true grit with Denver. He played with a dislocated shoulder in Super Bowl XXXII.

He never said much but he let his play on the field speak volumes.

4. Randy Gradishar

My choice as the best Broncos defensive player of all time and the best goal-line stuffer I ever saw. The heart and soul of The Orange Crush.

Photo credit

3. Shannon Sharpe

He helped revolutionize the role of the pass-catching tight end. He was a leader and a guy who was funny and kept the team loose.

He was a trash talker on the field and played 12 seasons with the Broncos. He won three Super Bowls.

Sharpe finished his career as the NFL’s all-time leader in receptions (815), receiving yards (10,060) and receiving touchdowns (62) by a tight end.

2. Terrell Davis

Seven consecutive 100-yard postseason games, two Super Bowl rings and a 2,000-yard season. The missing piece to the Broncos' championship puzzle.

T.D. topped off his touchdowns with the famous "Mile High Salute."

He is the Broncos all-time leading rusher and was the 1998 NFL MVP.

Only two backs had more yards than Davis during their first four years.

1. John Elway

John Elway is Mr. Colorado, so there is no debating that he is the best and most popular Bronco of all time.

He played his entire career with Denver and had the most wins of any QB at the time of his retirement.

Of course, he ended his career after winning consecutive Super Bowls.  

Elway is currently the Executive Vice President of the Broncos.