The Denver Broncos - Super Bowl 50 Champions

​Written by John Edward Betancourt

A long time ago, I remember a fellow football fan telling me that when it comes to Super Bowl victories, the only one that truly matters is the first one that your franchise wins. For a long time I truly believed in that. Super Bowl XXXII was a special day in my household and in my life after watching the Denver Broncos lose three other Super Bowls prior to that. 

But as time has gone on, I'm coming to realize that particular way of thinking is just wrong when it comes to Super Bowls. Every single one your boys go to is special, and every single one they win...is magnificent. Because getting to the big show is a monumental task in and of itself, but to win one in dominant fashion...well that's just legendary and less than twenty four hours removed from Super Bowl 50...I'm still basking in the glow of last night's victory for the Denver Broncos and the reality of how monumental and special a win this was for the players, the franchise and the fans is just now starting to sink in.

After all, this was a game that so many expected Denver to lose. Peyton Manning's play this year was so so at best and the running game was nothing to fear for that matter either. Not to mention, despite the defense's accomplishments throughout the season, the team's 12-4 record seemed to make everyone think that Cam Newton and the Panthers would pick the squad to pieces. Yet here we are, the Broncos shocked the Panthers and sent them home in tears while they fly back home to the Mile High City to celebrate with the fans in a ticker tape parade on Tuesday. Their mission is now accomplished. The Denver Broncos are Super Bowl 50 Champions and they are bringing the Lombardi Trophy home for Owner Pat Bowlen. In fact Pat Bowlen is where the extra meaning begins. Because I know I teared up when John shouted "This one's for Pat!" on the podium during the trophy presentation and with good reason, Mr. Bowlen has always understood the glory of the sport and the respect that comes with winning and keeping a franchise classy through its actions and attitude and that's really what made this Super Bowl win so extremely special, the fact that it was about restoring respect for this proud franchise.

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After all, we know the story leading up to last night. Josh McDaniels and his shady affairs, the embarrassment that came with it and the hit the franchise's reputation took...all of it led to John Elway's return. John clearly knew what Pat knew, a Super Bowl Championship was the only way to return the Broncos to the glory and respect they knew four years ago and he would need hungry players to do it quickly and that's why he's made the personnel moves that so many have questioned. After all, this is a team filled with players and coaches that are in essence cast aways. Everyone thought Aqib Talib would cause more trouble. He's turned out to be an incredible corner. DeMarcus Ware was released and thought to be done...he's been nothing but a dominating pass rusher. Coach Kubiak and Philips were forgotten as well with Wade out of football in 2014 and Kubiak spending time as the offensive coordinator in Baltimore after an ugly departure in Houston as the Head Coach.

But most importantly, Elway took the biggest gamble of all on the most important position on the team, quarterback. Peyton Manning had unfinished business in this league and the Colts were quick to part ways with him rather than wait and see when it came to his injuries. They thought he was done. Much of the league thought he was done, in the twilight of his career with a short shelf life. Why is making mention of all these players and coaches important? Because they're Super Bowl Champions now. They were rejected, forgotten and left for dead if you will. They knew they had something left in the tank, they just needed a shot to prove it and Elway gave them that chance and a second chance grants a man great power mentally. They truly believe they can do anything when given that opportunity and that's exactly what they have done. Talib shut down receivers. Ware terrorized quarterbacks. Coach Kubiak and Philips outwitted their counterparts and Peyton...he destroyed records, learned to play his role...and hoisted the Lombardi trophy once again. 

The quest for a Super Bowl in Denver went beyond mere honor and glory and the promise of a ring bigger than a player's eyes. It was about giving great men the opportunity they deserved to earn the one prize they craved and at the same time remind everyone why they have been considered elite. It was about giving the fans the joy they all deserved for standing by this team in the good times and the bad. It was about paying respect to Pat Bowlen and his vision for this team. But most importantly, it was a reminder why we love this game. The Super Bowl is about chasing a dream, of being the best at what you do and it inspires us on so many levels and that's what made this particular victory, all the more special. After all, if a team full of "has beens" can win the biggest game in all of the land through hard work and dedication...imagine what the people they inspired last night will do in the days to come. 

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