Next up in the free agent preview series is DB Jonathan Wilhite. Coming out of Auburn, Wilhite was taken in the 4th round of the 2008 draft by the New England Patriots. For most of the 2008 season he would play behind, of all people, Deltha O'Neil before assuming the starting role for the last quarter of the season. He would play sporadically over the next couple seasons until the "Turk" knocked on his door at the end of Patriots training camp in 2011. Less than a week later he was a Denver Bronco.

Jonathan is not the first Wilhite to wear the orange and blue. However, there is no relation between him and back-flipping sensation/legend RB Gerald Willhite (note the extra "L" in his name).

Jonathan Wilhite

#29 / Defensive Back / Denver Broncos

Height: 5-11

Weight: 185

Born: Feb 23, 1984

College: Auburn

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With all due respect to Tony Dorsett and Willie Brown, it's hard to believe that just ten years ago the Denver Broncos did not have a single enshrinee in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

John Elway was the first in 2004 (what a glorious day that was!). Gary Zimmerman joined him in 2008. Then in back to back years, 2010 and 2011, Floyd Little and Shannon Sharpe got the nod. However, when Pro Football Hall of Fame President/Executive Director Steve Perry announced the 2012 enshrinees this last Saturday, representatives from the orange and blue were conspicuously absent.

It turns out that 2012 will be the first year in awhile that a deserving member of the Denver Broncos didn't make the Hall of Fame.

However, there is still hope for 2013. Now is the time for Broncos Country to come together for a common cause and get more Denver Broncos into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Stick with me after the jump to find out what you can do.

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Fox Sports just released rankings of every Super Bowl ever played. The factors they used to come to their conclusions were: Competitiveness of the game, overall quality of play and historical significance.

While I was a little surprised at how highly ranked Super Bowls XXI, XXII and XXIV, the Super Bowl that I think Fox Sports missed the mark on entirely was Super Bowl XII. Fox Sports gave it the lowest grade in terms of historical significance and I take issue with that. It was the Denver Broncos first Super Bowl ever. Denver's mere appearance fractured the otherwise dominant regimes of the Raiders and Steelers. It was historically significant because even though there was a league-wide perception that we had no business being there, we belonged by virtue of what we accomplished on the field (even though the Cowboys beat Denver pretty soundly). To get an idea of how historically significant Super Bowl XXII was, just take a look at the number of books on that 1977 season there are available to buy. Far more than any other Broncos Super Bowl year -- and we lost! Go figure.

All that aside, I was pleased with the placement of Super Bowl XXXII. I remember there being a modicum of outrage around here after NFL Network's America's Game ranked Denver's first ever Championship at nine. Readers of this blog will be happy to know that Fox Sports has taken steps to rectify this injustice and has placed us near where this Super Bowl should probably be.Though, I won't take any issue with anyone ranking it atop the heap... That's just how I roll.

Without further ado, click here for the rankings. What do you think? Good, bad or ugly?

With Reebok's apparel agreement with the NFL due to expire one week from today, I thought I'd take a look ahead at what the new Nike contract means for the Denver Broncos. If you haven't already heard, the Broncos are returning to their predominantly orange roots for the 2012 season. The blue uniforms in which the Broncos achieved Super Bowl success will be replaced with what we currently know as our "orange alternate" jersey...

...or will they? Stick with me after the jump...

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With Denver sending six players players to represent the Mile High City, Broncos fans should be especially excited about this year's annual Pro Bowl in Hawaii. Champ Bailey, Elvis Dumervil, Von Miller, Ryan Clady, Brian Dawkins, and Willis McGahee should provide plenty of action to captivate even the most casual orange and blue enthusiast.

Come on Jezru! Nobody actually watches the Pro Bowl!

Au contraire! Most people would probably be surprised to find out that last years Pro Bowl was the most watched AFC vs. NFC match-up since 2000. Believe it or not there is more interest in the Pro Bowl than at any other time in the NFL's recent history.

There's clearly a market for an NFL All Star Game. That said, why is it so incredibly painful to watch? Simply put, it's awful because the players are only there for the Hawaiian vacation, the game check and the camaraderie with other elites. They do not care about the game. Who can blame them? They just played anywhere from 20-23 brutally taxing games, most with only one week off (assuming they didn't have the "luxury" of being ruled out due to injury.)

So how do we fix the problem of the Pro Bowl? Stick with me after the jump.

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With the Denver Broncos first playoff game since 2005 looming large tomorrow, let's take a moment to look back at the Broncos' very first playoff appearance. Sure, the six years that have gone by since Denver was last in the playoff seems like a long time, but it's not our longest drought by far. In their first seventeen year of existence, the Broncos never once tasted the playoffs. In 1977, that all changed.

On December 24, 1977 the Pittsburgh Steelers - the Terry Bradshaw & Steel Curtain Steelers - came to Mile High in Denver's first experience with the playoffs and success.

Stick with me after the jump for a look at this historic matchup.

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There will be no Denver Broncos donning the yellow jacket in Canton this year. The announcement of the 2012 Hall-of-Fame finalists was just released and Denver will have no representation in this years class. Over the last couple years the Broncos have had a good run, getting Floyd Little and Shannon Sharpe inducted, but this year there's no such luck.

Steve Atwater, Karl Mecklenburg and Terrell Davis had made the list of Semi-Finalists on November 22nd, but were conspicuously absent this morning when the list was whittled down to 17 finalists.

Jump with me to see who the 17 finalists are.

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Ladies and gentlemen, there's a lot more riding on tomorrow's action than we all realize. If the Broncos fail to clinch the playoffs, it will be the last time the Broncos take the field in their predominantly blue and orange uniforms.

On a lark, I thought I'd see how the Broncos did in their last games before a major uniform shift (ignoring, of course the throwback games in which some of these uniforms have been revived). I've also omitted the many minor variations and have limited my focus to the most substantial uniform changes. While the change to orange isn't a complete uniform redesign, but rather a switch to what is our current alternate uniform, the change is still substantial enough to merit consideration with the uniforms pictured below.

Jump with me, will you?

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With all the hubbub of the holiday season, some of you may have lost sight of what's really important... which Denver Broncos will receive Pro Bowl honors this year!!!

As Ian pointed out from his December 21 article, the Broncos have eight players that have a genuine shot to play in the January 29th tilt at Aloha Stadium in Hawaii.

We told you earlier about Tim Tebow placing third in the AFC's fan votes for the 2012 Pro Bowl, well add seven more Denver Broncos to the list:

• Von Miller placed second amongst AFC outside linebackers.
• Britton Colquitt placed second amongst AFC punters.
• Brian Dawkins placed third amongst AFC strong safeties.
• Elvis Dumervil placed third amongst AFC defensive ends.
• Champ Bailey placed fourth amongst AFC cornerbacks.
• Matt Prater placed fourth amongst AFC kickers.
• Willis McGahee placed fifth amongst AFC running backs

Tonight on NFL Network at 5:00 MST, the rosters will be announced. Who do you want to represent the Orange and Blue in Hawaii this year?

Go Broncos!

Recently the wife of a good friend reached out to me on Facebook to ask me:

Hi Jess...
Hey I'm thinking about ordering the ESPN 30 for 30 dvds for [my husband]. Are they worth it or more like something you watch one time and are done with?
Maybe I should just update his jersey wardrobe??

Thanks!

It goes without saying that my buddy has been a huge Broncos fan since birth. Answering her question was a no brainer. While the ESPN DVDs would have been nice, I knew - as many of you do - that a Broncos jersey is always a better gift than almost anything short of a Lexus or vacation home in the Bahamas.

Most often when we find ourselves surrounded by unwanted towels or a pair of brown socks that your grandfather's girlfriend divided among you and your nephews (ahem...), we wonder if there was something we could have done to thwart such awful gift giving. If only there was a guide that could be printed off and surreptitiously left in a conspicuous place... (like on top of your uncle's dentures... in the silverware drawer... or taped to your child's forehead - I would advise against using duct tape). You're in luck!

Broncos fans, this is that guide!

So, what do you get for the Denver Broncos Fan that has everything?

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Can't get enough Tim Tebow? You're in luck. ESPN's SportsCenter is dedicating an entire hour today to the Denver Broncos quarterback. The good news? It will be showtime shortly. Be sure to tune in today at 12 p.m. MT for the Tebow-stravaganza.

According to this article from ESPN, this is what to expect:

• Highlights of Tebow's comebacks
• Josina Anderson reports live from the Broncos facility
• Jerry Rice will break down Tebow's development as a passer
• Steve Young will discuss Tebow;s future and how the Broncos should handle him
• An Ed Werder feature: "Winning the Tebow Way"
• The debate over Tebow with Skip Bayless
• The top-ten Tebow moments, which will include his Florida days
• An examination on Tebow's impact on fantasy football

Dear Denver Broncos Season Ticket Holder,

The Broncos are competing, along with several other AFC teams, for a Postseason appearance. Due to the competitiveness of the American Conference of the National Football League, the teams qualifying for Postseason play may not be determined until the final NFL regular season game on Sunday, January 1, 2012.

To prepare for the logistics of potentially hosting two playoff games, the Broncos have been required by the National Football League to send postseason ticket information to 2011 season ticket account holders. The combination of the NFL Playoff format, the number of playoff contending teams, and the limited time to print and distribute tickets necessitates the NFL and the Broncos to establish a deadline of Friday, December 23rd to remit your payment.

You have been invoiced for both potential home playoff games. Should a game not be hosted in Denver, the ticket balance will be credited to your 2012 season ticket package.

A printed invoice was mailed to the address on your account on December 5.

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The speculation as to who would take over as Captain in light of Kyle Orton's recent release has ended.  RB Willis McGahee has been named captain.  McGahee was elected on the basis of the vote taken before the season started and he received the second-most votes. There will surely be speculation as to what McGahee being voted captain over Tebow means, but in light of the process used it makes sense. McGahee has 707 total yards (rushing and receiving) and 4 touchdowns so far this season.

In other news, Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting that former Broncos QB Kyle Orton was awarded off of waivers to the Kansas City Chiefs.  Other teams who submitted claims were Dallas and Chicago. 

Denver will see Orton and the Chiefs in the final game of the regular season on January 1st, 2012 at Mile High. 

Go Broncos!

Moments after word broke that Kyle Orton had been released by the Denver Broncos, the Pro Football Hall of Fame released its list of 26 modern era semifinalists for Hall of Fame consideration. Steve Atwater, Terrell Davis and Karl Mecklenburg made it into the next round.  In January, this list will be whittled down to 15 and the final vote will take place on Saturday, February 4th - the day before the Super Bowl.

There were five Broncos on the initial list of 103 that was released on September 29, 2011.  Unfortunately, Coach Dan Reeves and Rod Smith did not make the cut this year and will have to wait for future consideration.

Hop, skip, JUMP!

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Courtesy of The Denver Broncos 1964 Media Guide

With the recent departure of Brandon Lloyd there were many Broncos fans that were upset that we let him get away for what now looks to be a 5th round pick. With the option currently roosting in the Mile High City, this trade may not have been such a bad idea.  Praise be to the Broncos getting some value for something they otherwise wouldn't have.  Who knows who we'll draft with this pick... It could be a future Hall-of-Famer... or it could be a bust.  Either way, I think as of now we can definitively say that this move was by no means, "The Worst Trade in Denver Broncos History."

No, that honor goes to a time when the Broncos were in their infancy.  We need to go waaaaaay back to 1963.  Follow me after the jump for the details on the trade that cost the Broncos a future Hall-of-Fame quarterback.

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Psssssst.... In case you missed it, the Broncos won in an amazing comeback last Sunday. It's because of this win that this week there was an explosion of quality pro-Bronco/pro-Tebow creativity on the internet and elsewhere.  While tribute and fun videos are plentiful, the quality and sensationalism of the ones produced this week is something that should be noted. 

As a fun way to celebrate our amazing win this last Sunday, I'm corralling the most recent internet offerings and a few classics together in one post.   I'm sure I missed a couple.  Please share them in the comments if you've got some.  Join me after the jump for the internet's most awesome Bronco offerings from this week and all time.

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Ordinarily, someone from the Denver Broncos gets nominated for weekly accolades much sooner than week eight, but let's face it... it's been a rough year so far.  The dam has apparently broken and two Broncos have been nominated their play in Week 7.

Von Miller

Von Miller is getting a little love with a nomination in the Rookie of the Week category.  Right now he leads all NFL rookies in sacks with six.  Congrats to Von for getting nominated this week.  Click here to vote for Von Miller!

Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow has been nominated in the Never Say Never Moment of the Week category.  After looking like a raw QB suffering through his forth start for most of the game, Tebow came alive in the closing minutes to engineer two touchdown drives and a two-point conversion that sent the Broncos into overtime an on to victory.  Click here to vote for Tim Tebow!

A Mile High Salute to Von Miller and Tim Tebow for their performance in Week 7!

Go Broncos!

This morning I got a call from my friend who is in Denver for the Chargers game with his father.  As is common with breaking NFL landscape altering news of this sort, I was still asleep when he called.  This morning's wake-up call was to inform me that Al Davis passed had away at the age of 82.

Say what you want about the man (we all have), but the fact remains that he was great for football. Follow me after the jump for a look at Al Davis.

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via i562.photobucket.com

As most of us know, the current Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the Denver Broncos is John Elway.   When Elway took the position, there was much discussion about his days as co-owner of the Colorado Crush Arena Football team.  This was where he got his experience running a football team. 

In 2003, the Colorado Crush began play in Denver's Pepsi Center as an expansion franchise.  As with most expansion franchises expectations were pretty low and they were in no way exceeded in how the team played on the field... er turf.. er arena rubbery-plastic playing surface.  Narrowly beating the Indiana and Tampa Bay franchises, the Crush would go 2-14 in Elway's Arena League "rookie" year as an executive.  Despite the Crush's abysmal record, Elway would go on to win the Arena League's Executive of the Year honor.

In 2004, the Crush would jettison Coach Bob Beers and replace him with Mike Dailey. This would prove a wise decision.  The Crush would go to the deep into the playoffs and post an impressive 11-5 record.

In 2005, the Elway would win his third professional football championship when the Crush defeated the Georgia Force in Arena Bowl XIX in Las Vegas.  Though their regular season record wouldn't be as good as it was in 2004, it was enough to make the post season and beyond.  As Champions the Crush finished the regular season 10-6.

Due to the 2008 financial crisis the Arena League suspended operations for the 2009 season and not all teams resumed play in 2010. The Colorado Crush was one of them. Winning two division titles and three wild card berths from 2004-2008, the Crush were a dominant team on the arena football landscape for all but one year of their existence - their first. 

So looking back at this impressive track record in Elway's trial run as executive level leader, what can we learn about how he's going to look to run the Broncos?  Stick with me after the jump for a look at the Broncos within the context of Elway's arena league experience.

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Earlier today, the Pro Football Hall of Fame released a video in it's "Two Minutes of Pro Football History" series. In it, the Hall discusses the first ever 100 catch receiver in pro football - Denver Broncos WR Lionel Taylor.  I have cut and pasted Tim Lynch's 2008 article, "Forgotten Broncos -- Lionel Taylor" below so that those who don't know this Ring of Famer can better acquaint themselves.

If you're interested in hearing about Taylor's superb performance in the 1962 AFL All-Star Game (played in 1963), click here.

Taylor is only available for induction to the Hall of Fame as a Senior Committee consideration. Here's hoping he gets his due someday soon.

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Though the Packers came into existence in 1919 as the semi-pro Indian/Acme Packers, they didn't join the entity that would later become the NFL until 1921. It would be fifty years before the Broncos and the Packers would face off for the first time.  On September 26, 1971 Green Bay would complete only five passes (from three different quarterbacks) that day at Milwaukee County Stadium, but that was more than enough to beat Denver, 13-34.   

This Sunday's match-up falls just six days shy of this game's fortieth anniversary. Denver was coming off of an embarrassing five win season just the year before - see any similarity?  Also worth noting, two different quarterbacks would play, Steve Ramsey and Don Horn.  Could we see something like that this weekend?

Follow me after the jump to find out more about notable games in this series.  

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Despite the week ruining Bronco loss in Nashville this last weekend, there were a few bright spots with regard to how our rookies played.  Dozens of MHR articles have already been written as to how and why we lost.  This is not one of those articles.  Follow me after the jump for a little positivity (and maybe a hint of negativity) in this week's installment of the Rookie Roundup.

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Seeing former Denver Bronco Dominic Hixon's spectacular catch for the Giants in Monday Night Football last night was yet another reminder of how, for some inexplicable reason, the Broncos have mishandled draft picks over the last decade.  That's why as a public service, I've begun to track the performance of the 2011 Denver Broncos rookies.  It's through these weekly talent evaluations that we'll hopefully be able to predict who'll be with the Broncos for the long haul... and who'll be destined for another line of work.  

So, how did the rookies fare against the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday?  Follow me after the fold and let's find out.

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Monday Night Football?  Ladies and gentlemen, the 2011 football season has finally come to Denver!   As fans we owe it to the Broncos and the state of Colorado to look our best.  I'm not talking tuxedos or fancy dresses.  No, I'm talking about your jersey selection and how your jersey is worn.  We've all seen jersey faux pas in our day to day lives and I'm here to give you a few tips so that you don't end up the laughing stock of your stadium section or living room. 

Follow me after the jump for tried and true guidelines guaranteed to make you look your best.

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