Denver Broncos all-time team and 29-player lineup

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 11: Quarterback John Elway #7 of the Denver Broncos, his uniform partially covered with mud, scrambles during the AFC Championship Game against the Cleveland Browns at Municipal Stadium on January 11, 1987 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Broncos defeated the Browns 23-20. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

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ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 5: Wide receiver Rick Upchurch #80 of the Denver Broncos returns a kick against the Buffal Bills at Rich Stadium on October 5, 1975 in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills defeated the Broncos 38-14. (Photo by Clifton Boutelle/Getty Images /

PR: Rick Upchurch

The Denver Broncos found themselves an absolute playmaker in the fourth round of the 1975 NFL Draft.

Rick Upchurch never had 1,000 yards receiving, but he was one of the most dynamic players the Broncos had in the ’70s and ’80s.

He caught 267 passes for 4,369 yards and 24 touchdowns in his time with the Broncos, averaging over 16 yards per reception, so he was not just a return specialist. He made an impact on the offense, too.

As a returner, though, he was special.

Upchurch racked up over 5,300 return yards throughout his NFL career, and as a rookie in 1975 came close to 2,000 all-purpose yards because of his return ability.

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He had eight punt return touchdowns in his NFL career — most in Denver Broncos history — and averaged over 12 yards per return for his career.

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