The Greatest Broncos Of All Time....By The Numbers - #3

by John Bena on Jun 10, 2008 8:30 AM MDT in Broncos Greats...By The Numbers Comment 29 comments

The Candidates -

Paul Ernster K 2005-06
Scott Bentley K 1997, 2000
Rich Karlis K 1982-88
Bobby Howfield K 1968-70
Billy Joe FB 1963-64

The Greatest Bronco To Ever Wear #3 -

via cache.viewimages.com

Rich Karlis, K - 1982-88

Was there ever any doubt? Sure, the list of Broncos to wear #3 isn't that awe-inspiring, but could anyone but Rich karlis get the nod? Just based on the fact that the guy was a barefoot kicker makes him a great in my book, then top it off with the OT field goal against the Browns, in Cleveland, kicking in sub-zero temperatures on green-colored dirt, and he is as close to a sure thing as anyone on this list!

While Karlis will always be remembered for that kick, that even to this day Browns fans will tell you was wide-right, the rest of his career wasn't all that bad either. Playing for 3 teams over a nine-year career, Karlis made 172 field goals and 283 extra point attempts for 799 points and also holds Super Bowl records for most field goals attempts with six, and other records including most consecutive field goals made as a rookie with thirteen in 1982.

In Super Bowl XXI, Karlis had the dubious distinction of tying the record for longest field goal made(48 yards), while setting the record for shortest FG miss(23 yards). Over all, Karlis was 3/6 that day, another indication of just how tough SB 21 was.

Perhaps the greatest story about Karlis comes from his short stay with the Minnesota Vikings.

Karlis's wife had apparently spoken badly about the Viking's O-lineman, who she felt were becoming a bad influence on her husband. When word got back to the "slobs" they vowed to get even. Get even they did, when one day before practice they captured Karlis, tied his hands and feet, stuck a gag in his mouth and blind-folded him. After tossing a rope over the cross-bar, they strung Karlis up by his feet, placing a sign on his jersey that read, ""Wife talked about offensive line." Let that be a lesson to all you kickers out there.

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Dang. It sounds like his wife has a mouth like mine does.

Let’s hope I don’t find myself in a similar situation! Rich Karlis is really the only viable candidate out there.

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08
The Quest ~ TSG 5/19/08

by Tim Lynch on Jun 10, 2008 8:45 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm still

not convinced he made that kick either.

by hercules rockefeller on Jun 10, 2008 9:59 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

An ode for Billy Joe

Based on the selection that wore #3, Karlis is a slam dunk. His record speaks for itself, and the Cleveland game was huge.

I would like to make mention of Billy Joe. Drafted by Denver in the AFL, he was also drafted by the NFL Redskins in 1963. I don’t know why he chose Denver, but he was the leading rusher for the Broncos his rookie year: 642 yds for a 4.2 avg. In 64 he shared the calls with Charlie Mitchell who got most of the carries but with a lower average per carry. In 1965 Billie Joe was traded to Buffalo where he made the AFL Pro Bowl his first year there. In Denver, we got Cookie Gilchrist in exchange. I don’t know the details, but perhaps First Fan or somebody else might remember.

Billy Joe would be my 2nd choice for the greatest Bronco to wear #3.

"If Denver beats us, I'll walk back to Detroit"

Alex Karras

by Denver Diehard on Jun 10, 2008 10:31 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow! Great memory Diehard!

I remember having such a hard time signing any draft picks at all, but then to land one like Billy Joe was a real prize. As stated before elsewhere on the Report, Cookie was a beast but he had some personality issues and never really fit in with the Bronco character. I think Buffalo got the better of that deal. I would also put in a pitch for a third place # 3 to go to Bobby Howfield. He had the distinction of playing in that era when we were at our absolute worse.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. - Emerson

by firstfan on Jun 10, 2008 11:06 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I remember Bobby Howfield

He wasn’t that great as I recall; So I went to the record books and discovered that Howfield only converted about 50% of his field goal attempts in Denver. That was his 3 year average between 1968-70. Thank the football gods for Jim Turner. Turner replaced Howfield in 1971 for Denver. I wonder how that trade happened? Denver got Turner from the Jets and the Jets got Howfield from Denver.

Bobby Howfield went on to the Jets where he played 4 more years averaging 67% of his attempts. Apparently the air must have been thinner in NY. On the bright side we got Turner who lasted nine years with a 65% conversion rate over the span of his career in Denver. (Of course Howfield never faked a field goal and scored a TD against the Raiders. Turner being my favorite Bronco Kicker – OK, so I’m biased)

I agree FF. I’ll take Bobby Howfield as the third best #3, even though he kicked like ”#2”. lol…....

"If Denver beats us, I'll walk back to Detroit"

Alex Karras

by Denver Diehard on Jun 11, 2008 3:17 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously?!

He did WHAT with his bare feet ? That must hurt like hell!!

And i agree – anyone who can kick a football anywhere near 50 yards is a gimme!

Note: I have so high feelings for Kubiak…

Remember: New England won 18 last year; Oakland's won 19 in a half-decade
/The great Dane - formerly known as Claaaaas!

by Claus Vestergaard on Jun 10, 2008 11:11 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

It might be interesting to see who Guru selects as the greatest Bronco to wear the #8.

I could give a very strong case for Gary Kubiak…sure he was a backup his entire career, but name one other player/coach to stay with one team for 25 years?

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08
The Quest ~ TSG 5/19/08

by Tim Lynch on Jun 10, 2008 11:41 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

And...

...as great as Elway was, I always felt comfortable with Kubiak if we had to bring him in. Not many back-ups make you feel secure (especially behind a star for a starter).

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Jun 10, 2008 1:12 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

True that!

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08
The Quest ~ TSG 5/19/08

by Tim Lynch on Jun 10, 2008 2:04 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

to prove your point

I cringe at the thought of Ramsey coming any game for the Broncos. They last good back up the Broncos have had was Kubiak

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jun 10, 2008 2:05 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lucky for the Kube, there isn't much competition that wore #8. "What?" Tommy Maddox?

"If Denver beats us, I'll walk back to Detroit"

Alex Karras

by Denver Diehard on Jun 11, 2008 3:25 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

I still do not like him. Maybe he did or didnt make that kick in Cleveland, but the zebras said it was good and thats all I need. But that clown missed a 23 yard FG in the SUper Bowl!! I will NEVER forgive him. I always will remember that guy hitting the uprights in consecutive weeks in 1984. Taking the Broncos from a possible 13-1 to 11-3 and losing Home field to Miami. I definately would put Billy Joe over him. I am probably bitter, but I never liked him. I will always remember him kicking XP’s was always a nail biter. When Elway led the drive the Broncos were down 20-19 (and Karlis was shaky on kicking that day) my dad said if this guy misses he better just stay in Cleveland.

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jun 10, 2008 11:50 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

The guy I will never forgive is David Treadwell. Missing three field goals in the AFC Championship

game in 91? We lost to the Buffalo Bills 10-7 in that game…that guy is on my permanent poop(no bad words) list.

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08
The Quest ~ TSG 5/19/08

by Tim Lynch on Jun 10, 2008 12:13 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

much better!

fader nation is a conquered nation

by mdierk on Jun 10, 2008 12:14 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't like Treadwell either

He never had a good lift to the ball when it left the ground. I’ll bet he had more kicks blocked than any other kicker in team history.

What are we gonna do when his number comes up? Old Tread-on-me wore #9, and he’s the only player to have worn it in Denver history.

"If Denver beats us, I'll walk back to Detroit"

Alex Karras

by Denver Diehard on Jun 10, 2008 1:09 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

No disputing

But Elway played horrible in that game. Plus it comes down to the coaching in that game. Forever will I think Dan Reeves held Elway back. If he would have unleashed him and let him throw before friggin 3rd down they could have won. But I do agree treadwell was awfull. Its too bad kubiak could not have won that game. Who would ever have thought that Kubiak in that game outplayed TWO hall of fame QB’s. But to me choking in the Super Bowl is far worse than in the AFC title game in Buffalo on a blustery January day

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jun 10, 2008 2:03 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Elway still got us into FG range three times and Treadwell missed it three times.

No other Bronco wore #9? Crap. How about we nominate the #9 jersey to represent THE FANS!

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08
The Quest ~ TSG 5/19/08

by Tim Lynch on Jun 10, 2008 2:05 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I say give it to nobody.

Plus remember in late 1989 when the Chargers beat the Broncos on the last day of the season in OT and Treadwell missed some kicks in that game. But still Karlis is #1 in my most hated kickers book. I mean a 23 yard FG. And a 24 yard fg. Instead of being up 10-9 at the worst it should have been 16-9.
Granted Elway drove Denver into FG range but Reeves went conservative. We could go back and forth on this

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jun 10, 2008 2:12 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have to say...

Karlis got swore at in my house more often than he got cheered that’s for sure. After the SB XXI fiasco I didn’t care if he kicked barefoot or in high heels I couldn’t see him leaving fast enough. Then ol’ #9 came along with his perfect splits through the uprights and retirement home leg strength. His trajectory was so low I worried for the long snapper’s health. #9 was a horse’s hindquarters, at least Karlis was a good guy and could put the ball in the endzone on occasion.

Elway is in, Zimm is in but don't forget: Floyd Little, Randy Gradishar, Steve Atwater & Terrel Davis

by BlueNOrangeNIdaho on Jun 10, 2008 2:07 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

High Heels!! That is a good one!!

Thanks for the belly laugh BlueNOrangeNIdaho.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. - Emerson

by firstfan on Jun 10, 2008 4:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's hoping

that in ten years we are adding Eddie Royal to this list for serious consideration. :)

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Jun 10, 2008 9:07 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Amen brother!

Although is #3 going to end up being his number? I thought it was temporary. ;)

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08
The Quest ~ TSG 5/19/08

by Tim Lynch on Jun 10, 2008 10:45 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

He was supposed to just wear it for that

photo shoot, but I have seen a LOT of pictures of him wearing it. I suppose they might ahve jsut taken a ton of photos that day. :)

Are WRs eligble to wear #3?

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Jun 10, 2008 11:28 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dont think so

I know that they added 10-19 just a couple years ago, in addition to the 80s, but I’m pretty sure that 1-9 are reserved for Kickers and Quarterbacks.

by hai17 on Jun 11, 2008 12:48 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's my thought too

Until Terrell Davis makes it into the Hall of Fame, I refuse to acknowledge the existence of such a place other than the Ring of Fame at Mile High!

Davis to the Hall!

by Jon Tollerud on Jun 11, 2008 1:19 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good call guys

Numbers 1 to 19 are worn by quarterbacks, kickers, and punters. Since 20046, Wide receivers are also allowed to wear numbers between 10 and 19 if they so choose, even if there’s an 80-89 number available.
Numbers 20 to 49 are worn by running backs, tight ends (when an 80-89 number is unavailable), cornerbacks and safeties.

Numbers 50 to 59 are worn by linebackers and offensive linemen.

Numbers 60 to 79 are worn by members of both the offensive line (the tackles, guards and centers) and defensive line (the defensive ends, defensive tackles and nose guard).

Numbers 80 to 89 are worn by wide receivers and tight ends.

Numbers 90 to 99 are worn by linebackers and defensive linemen.

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Jun 11, 2008 5:29 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

College?

I don’t see a lot of college football (Danish TV), but I’ve seen some number ones – NCAA rules?

Remember: New England won 18 last year; Oakland's won 19 in a half-decade
/The great Dane - formerly known as Claaaaas!

by Claus Vestergaard on Jun 11, 2008 7:25 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

NCAA rules

if he plays football he can wear #1-#99

Until Terrell Davis makes it into the Hall of Fame, I refuse to acknowledge the existence of such a place other than the Ring of Fame at Mile High!

Davis to the Hall!

by Jon Tollerud on Jun 11, 2008 9:27 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shoot, we may be able to add Fast Eddie after ONE year!!

A couple returns for TDs, and a couple TD receptions . . . whom does he have to beat out for consideration? This guy will put the hearts of opponents in their throats for a few years. I haven’t seen quicks like that since Rick Upchurch.

If he keeps #3, that is how fast he will become its G.O.A.T. for the Broncos, IMO.

by AZDynamics on Jun 12, 2008 9:23 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs