Former Broncos WR Mike Haffner dies at age 82

“We’re saddened to hear of the passing of former Broncos WR Mike Haffner (1968-70),” the team said in a statement Thursday.

Mike Haffner, who played wide receiver for the Denver Broncos from 1968-1970, has died at age 82, the team announced on Thursday evening.

“We’re saddened to hear of the passing of former Broncos WR Mike Haffner (1968-70),” the team wrote on their Twitter/X page. “Following his career, ‘Haff’ returned to Denver as a local television sportscaster for KMGH-7.”

Haffner died in Las Vegas after battling an illness for several years, according to a report from Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette.

After spending one season in the Atlantic Coast Football League with the Hartford Charter Oaks, Haffner joined the Broncos in 1968. He spent three seasons in Denver, hauling in 59 receptions for 991 yards and seven touchdowns.

Haffner had a career year in 1969, totaling 35 receptions for 563 yards and five touchdowns in nine games.

Haffner spent the final year of his pro football career with the Cincinnati Bengals in 1971, playing in three games that season.

After hanging up his cleats, “Haff” quickly transitioned to commenting for NFL games on NBC. He later joined KMGH-7 (Denver7) and co-hosted the John Elway show in 1988.