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Denver Broncos: Top five running backs in team history

By Cameron Parker

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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SAN DIEGO – SEPTEMBER 14: Running Back Clinton Portis #26 of the Denver Broncos runs against the San Diego Chargers on September 14, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 37-13. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO – SEPTEMBER 14: Running Back Clinton Portis #26 of the Denver Broncos runs against the San Diego Chargers on September 14, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 37-13. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) /

3. Clinton Portis

This is where it gets interesting. Clinton Portis ranks third on Predominantly Orange’s top five running backs in team history. Portis was only in Denver for two seasons, but there are arguments as to why he is placed in the top three of our list.

The Miami Hurricanes have produced a powerful program through the years full of NFL talent and Portis is no exception. In his short time with the Denver Broncos, Portis packed a tremendous amount of yardage on the ground.

In both seasons, Portis achieved the remarkable feat of running for 1,500 or more yards. Even by today’s standards that is still a ton of damage on the ground. In fact, never once in his career did Portis total the number of touchdowns as he did with Denver.

Portis’ first season with Denver earned AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, 2002 All-Rookie Team, and 15 touchdowns. That’s 15 touchdowns rushing! During the second season Portis was close to 1,600 yards missing out by just nine yards. The Broncos back also notched 14 touchdowns on the ground. Tell me that is not impressive.

Everything we mentioned above leads us to potentially the main reason Portis is number three on this list. The Denver Broncos made arguably the greatest trade in its team’s history acquiring Champ Bailey from the Washington Redskins.

Bailey became part of the Mount Rushmore of Broncos defensive backs in his time with Denver and Portis continued to produce in Washington minus three shortened seasons. The Broncos would not have been able to acquire Bailey if not for Portis’ production with Denver. In fact, had Portis stayed with Denver his whole career the former Hurricane might have landed close to the top on the best running backs in team history.

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