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Salute To Service: Ex-Denver Broncos That Served in Military

By Cameron Parker

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 6: A pylon with a Salute to Service ribbon on it rests on the field during a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens at M
BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 6: A pylon with a Salute to Service ribbon on it rests on the field during a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens at M /
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Mike Anderson
Running back Mike Anderson of the Denver Broncos after scoring a touchdown during the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on January 14, 2005. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/NFLPhotoLibrary) /

Mike Anderson, RB – Marines

The Denver Broncos saw a little bit of a hiatus from the “Mile High Salute.” Former Marine Mike Anderson brought the Broncos celebration back and was successful in the Mike Shannahan system. Anderson was drafted in the sixth round of the NFL Draft in 2000. Terrell Davis and Orlandis Gary encountered injuries leaving Anderson as the next “soldier” up. Anderson took the reins and never looked back. He played exceptional football, rushing for 1,487 yards and 15 touchdowns.

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Anderson never reached 1,000 yards again until the 2005 season, but his pounding style took its toll on defenses in 2000. He averaged 92 yards a game and added nearly 200 yards receiving. The 2000 season earned Anderson the Offensive Rookie of the Year and owns the franchise record for rushing yards in a single game (251).

His career is nothing short of amazing. Anderson never played high school football, but decided to join the Marine Corps and play football and serve. His performance caught the eye of a junior college coach. Anderson decided to play for the coach before transferring to the Utah Utes.

Thank you again to all those who served this country.

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