Denver Broncos: The best receiving backs in team history

SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 31: Running back Steve Sewell #30 of the Denver Broncos runs in the open field during Super Bowl XXII against the Washington Redskins at the Jack Murphy Stadium on January 31, 1988 in San Diego, California. The Redskins won 42-10. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) /

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DENVER, CO: Gerald Willhite of the Denver Broncos circa 1987 rushes against the Seattle Seahawks at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado (Photo by Owen C. Shaw/Getty Images) /

Gerald Wilhite

There are many similarities between Gerald Wilhite and Sewell.

Both were first-round picks, both played seven seasons with the Broncos and no other team and both are largely forgotten about today, particularly Wilhite. But his efforts as a receiving back for the team were impressive.

Wilhite was chosen in the first round of the 1982 draft out San Jose State. He was a steady back for the team who contributed in many ways, but his 207 career receptions rank second in team history for running backs.

His best season came in 1986 when he caught 64 passes. The following year, he played in just three games after suffering a gruesome injury against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football in which he was pulled down from behind by Joey Browner, long before “horse collar” tackles were penalized.

If not for that injury, Wilhite likely would have more receptions than any Broncos running back ever.

For his career, he caught 207 passes for 1,767 yards and five touchdowns.

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