Denver Broncos: Recalling the career of Bobby Humphrey

Humphrey makes an instant impact

The Broncos were looking to invigorate their rushing attack in 1989 to give John Elway the help he needed on offense. The team had been to two Super Bowls in the last three seasons and if the team was going to get back, Elway was going to need some help.

Sammy Winder had been the team’s featured back, but he was turning 30 years old. Steve Sewell remained one of the league’s best third-down backs, but it seemed like a good idea to get a new workhorse.

Humphrey became that guy.

As a rookie, Humphrey rushed for 1,151 yards and seven touchdowns. He was sixth in the league in rushing yardage that season. In his nine seasons with the team, Winder crossed the 1,000-yard mark just one time.

The Broncos made it to the Super Bowl that year and though they were embarrassed by the San Francisco 49ers, Humphrey led the team in both rushing and receiving yards in that game. However, he lost a key fumble that killed a drive and changed the momentum of the game.

The Broncos were down 7-3 in the first quarter and actually forced a San Francisco punt and moved the ball to midfield. But Humphrey’s fumble killed the drive and it was literally all downhill from there.

Still, it seemed that the Broncos had found an upgrade at the running back position.

That thought was reinforced the following season when Humphrey was even better. He rushed for 1,202 yards that season on 288 attempts. He finished fifth in the league in rushing and only Earnest Byner was given more carries.

Humphrey was selected to the Pro Bowl after that season and it seemed like the Broncos had a franchise running back for years to come.