Tag: Cookie Gilchrist

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Great clip of former Broncos fullback Cookie Gilchrist from @Ol_TimeFootball. He only played two seasons in Denver but won an AFL title and a CFL title during his career. pic.twitter.com/Q7aHP2Htt9

— Jon Heath (@ByJonHeath) July 7, 2023

The best Denver Broncos player to ever wear No. 0 was an easy choice because prior to the 2023 season, only one player has worn “zero.” Naming the best player to ever wear No. 1 was also an easy choice.

Now that we’ve reached No. 2, the choice is a little harder. (Pat Surtain will be a very strong candidate for this in the future, but we’re not counting active players.)

In terms of accomplishments with the Broncos, former fullback Cookie Gilchrist might be Denver’s best-ever player to wear No. 2. He wore that number with the team in 1965 and earned first-team All-AFL honors and was named an AFL All-Star after leading the AFL with six rushing touchdowns.

A member of the All-Time AFL Team, Gilchrist spent three years with the Buffalo Bills, two seasons with the Broncos (1965 and 1967) and one year with the Miami Dolphins. He was named AFL MVP in 1962 (with the Bills) and won an AFL championship (also with Buffalo). Gilchrist also spent time in the CFL, winning a Grey Cup with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Another candidate as the Broncos’ best-ever player to wear No. 2 is former punter Mike Horan. He played in Denver from 1986-1992, earning a first-team All-Pro and one Pro Bowl nod during his time with the Broncos. Horan later won Super Bowl XXXIV with the Los Angeles Rams in 1997.

Both Gilchrist and Horan won titles, but neither with Denver. They also both earned all-league and all-star recognition while with the Broncos. Horan spent more time in Denver, but Gilchrist was one of the AFL’s best players and a significant part of the Broncos’ early history.

Which one was the best player to ever wear No. 2 in Denver? You decide! Vote in our poll below.

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