Denver Broncos Origin Story: Bears Stadium, First Playoff Win & Training Camp Countdown | Bourbon, Broncos & No B.S.

The Broncos didn't become Broncos overnight. Before the Orange Crush, before John Elway, before back-to-back titles, there was a nearly-broke minor league baseball owner, a used-uniform franchise, and 13 seasons of losing before Denver's first winning record. In this off-season edition, Kevin and Adam rewind all the way to the beginning — Broncos then versus Broncos now — one week out from training camp.

From Bob Howsam buying the team on the cheap in 1959 and the Broncos playing their first games at Bears Stadium, to the naming contest that gave Denver its identity, to John Ralston delivering that elusive first winning season in 1973, this is the franchise history most fans have never heard. The guys break down the 34-21 Christmas Eve playoff breakthrough over the Steelers in 1977, the legend of Barrel Man (Tim McKernan and his $10 bet), Shannon Sharpe calling in the National Guard, C.J. Anderson's overtime dagger against the undefeated Patriots, and the Mile High Magic that keeps showing up when it matters most. Plus a look ahead to training camp, the rookies reporting July 22nd, and why this could finally be a Super Bowl 61 year for Broncos Country.

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Key Topics

• How Bob Howsam founded the Broncos on August 14, 1959, and why they played at a baseball stadium (Bears Stadium)
• The 1960 naming contest — and what Denver's team could have been called
• Denver's first-ever win: beating the Boston Patriots in the AFL's inaugural game, September 9, 1960
• 13 losing seasons and the long road to the first winning record (1973) under coach John Ralston
• The 1977 Orange Crush breakthrough: first playoff win, 34-21 over the Steelers on Christmas Eve
• The legend of Barrel Man — Tim McKernan, the $10 bet, and his 1999 Hall of Fans induction
• Classic Broncos moments: Shannon Sharpe's "National Guard" call and C.J. Anderson's 2015 overtime win vs. the undefeated Patriots
• Mile High Magic, favorite fan memories, and a look ahead to training camp and a Super Bowl 61 run