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Denver Broncos: Chris Harris and the best cornerbacks in team history

By Travis Wakeman

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 03: Cornerback Chris Harris Jr. #25 of the Denver Broncos looks on before a game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Browns 24-19. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 03: Cornerback Chris Harris Jr. #25 of the Denver Broncos looks on before a game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Browns 24-19. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH – DECEMBER 30: Tight end Randy Grossman #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tries to catch a pass against linebacker Randy Gradishar #53 and defensive back Billy Thompson #36 of the Denver Broncos during a playoff game at Three Rivers Stadium on December 30, 1978, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH – DECEMBER 30: Tight end Randy Grossman #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tries to catch a pass against linebacker Randy Gradishar #53 and defensive back Billy Thompson #36 of the Denver Broncos during a playoff game at Three Rivers Stadium on December 30, 1978, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

Billy Thompson

Many fans would probably like to see the inclusion of a player such as Tyrone Braxton or Ray Crockett on this list, but Thompson’s accolades far outweigh those of Crockett and Braxton spent much of his career at safety.

Thompson played for 13 seasons, all of which in Denver. A third-round pick in 1969, Thompson finished his career with 40 interceptions. Only two players in the history of the team have more (Goose Gonsoulin, Steve Foley).

If you look around, many lists of the team’s best cornerbacks ever will include the likes of Crockett and Braxton with Thompson being omitted, but that could be because many people never saw him play. He retired following the 1981 season, so it’s been nearly 40 years since he played.

But when he did play, he was great. He made the Pro Bowl following his final season in 1981 and was a member of Pro Bowl rosters following the 1977 and 1978 seasons.

He also holds the NFL record for most fumble returns for a touchdown with four, but it was his coverage ability that made him a star and earned him a place on the team’s Ring of Fame.

Thompson is absolutely one of the best cornerbacks in team history.

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