Denver Broncos: 30 greatest players of all time
(1960-62). Frank Tripucka. 25. player. 45. . QB
Frank Tripucka’s career as a quarterback featured a variety of ups and downs.
Despite only playing three seasons with the Broncos starting in 1960, Tripucka held many interesting records for the Broncos.
He led the league in interceptions in 1960, but he also led the league with 3,000 yards passing.
This accolade made him the first quarterback in the AFL or NFL to throw for 3,000 yards. He also was the first person to throw the first ever touchdown in AFL history.
After retiring from the Broncos and football in 1963, his No. 18 jersey would be retired. Tripucka would go on to be inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in 1986.
When the Broncos acquired Peyton Manning via free agency in 2012, Tripucka stated that he would allow for the No. 18 to be un-retired.
At Mile High Stadium the No. 18 Jersey features both Manning and Tripucka next to John Elway’s.
– Cody Roark