Denver Broncos: Top five running backs in team history

4. Sammy Winder

Fourth on our list is Sammy Winder who was a long-tenured member of John Elway’s offenses before Terrell Davis. Winder ranks third on the all-time rushing yards list. His 5,427 yards on the ground were spread out over the course of his Denver Broncos career, but placing third on the list is impressive and the total amount of touchdowns is very hard to ignore. Winder with the Broncos racked up 48 touchdowns both receiving and rushing.

Winder is one of the forgotten players of the ’80s stretching into 1990. John Elway’s offenses over the course of his tenure had the Three Amigos (Mark Jackson, Vance Johnson, Ricky Nattiel). Elway and his offenses were an aerial assault, but with Winder, it gave the Broncos a player reliable enough to trust behind him. The Broncos were a very good offense that fell short of Super Bowl wins but Winder played a huge role in those teams. Winder was in two Pro Bowls and three Super Bowl appearances.

Despite being forgotten Winder was a huge contributor during those years with Elway. His stats certainly do not measure up to other backs who came later, but his soft hands and dual-threat talent made him that reliable player out of a backfield for Elway. Winder has more than earned his place with the Denver Broncos greats.