Frank Tripucka (40 games started, 13-26-1 as starter)
First on this list is the first starting quarterback for the Broncos. Frank Tripucka might not have the record that screams franchise quarterback, but with the AFL just setting up shop and Denver just starting their time, it honestly could have been worse.
He spent the first few years of his career with the Chicago Cardinals and started six games for the Dallas Texans after a season with the Detroit Lions. His most successful time as a player was with the Broncos.
While the Broncos never made the playoffs during Tripucka’s time with the team, he was the first quarterback in the team’s history. His number would go on to be retired by the team shortly after he called it a career in 1963. 15 years professionally was the number after it was all said and done. But his final few years helped give the Broncos somewhat of a jump start.