Denver Broncos: Top five running backs in team history

7 Sep 1998: Running back Terrell Davis #30 of the Denver Broncos in action during the game against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr /Allsport
7 Sep 1998: Running back Terrell Davis #30 of the Denver Broncos in action during the game against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr /Allsport
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7 Sep 1998: Running back Terrell Davis #30 of the Denver Broncos in action during the game against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr /Allsport
7 Sep 1998: Running back Terrell Davis #30 of the Denver Broncos in action during the game against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr /Allsport

1. Terrell Davis

There is no surprise about who is number one on our list of the best running back in Denver Broncos team history. Terrell Davis ran for more yards than any running back and has more receiving yards than any back. Davis epitomized what it means to be a three-down running back. The Broncos had a player that could take the pressure off of John Elway or any quarterback under center.

Davis also has one of the most dominant postseason performances NFL has ever seen. He is regarded as a top playoff running back of all-time. In one of the most memorable moments with Denver, Davis dealt with migraines in their first Super Bowl win against Green Bay. Shanahan decided to take him out briefly, but Davis showed toughness to come back and fight through it.

He would win Super Bowl 32 MVP for his performance racking up 157 yards with three touchdowns. Interestingly and not surprising, Davis turned in a 100-yard performance in every single postseason game he played in after Jacksonville in 1996.

Number 30 needs no introduction to be ranked the top back in Denver Broncos’ history. The “Mile High Salute” celebration from Davis is also one that became iconic and later brought back with other running backs on the Broncos. Despite his short time in the NFL, it was how much production, Davis packed in a bunch of yardage under 10 seasons.

It is one of the best cases along with his postseason performance that put him over the top to be inducted into Canton.

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