Denver Broncos Greats... By The Numbers: #34

by KaptainKirk on Apr 22, 2011 10:30 AM MDT in Denver Broncos Greats...By The Numbers

Ten players wore the #34 jersey in Denver Broncos history. Five Running Backs, four Defensive Backs and one Linebacker. Here are the ten candidates.

Kyle McCarthy S 2010-Present

Joshua Bell CB 2008

Cedric Cobbs RB 2006

Reuben Droughns RB 2002-04

Raymont Harris RB 2000

Tyrone Braxton DB 1987-93, ‘95-99

Nathan Poole RB 1982-83, ‘85, ‘87

Gus Hollomon DB 1968-69

Don Stone FB 1961-64

Hardy Brown LB 1960

Hardy Brown is what you call a throwback player. I don't mean that in a bad way either. A throwback to the old times. An authentic "Old School" guy. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the 12th round (104th overall) of the 1947 NFL Draft. Hardy is one of only two men that have played in the AFL, NFL and the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). In his NFL days, Brown played for the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, and the Denver Broncos. Hardy played Middle Linebacker for the Broncos in 1960, but there isn't a listing for any personal stats for that year. He made the Pro Bowl in 1952 as a member of the San Francisco 49ers.

Don Stone was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 21st round (249th overall) of the 1959 NFL Draft. He played 4 years as a Bronco from 1961-64, appearing in 48 games at Halfback. Don ran for 1,273 yards and 10 touchdowns on 329 carries, a 3.9 average. He caught 84 passes for 813 yards and 7 more touchdowns. In 1961, Stone made the Pro Bowl with 505 yards rushing, 344 yards receiving, 8 touchdowns and he he returned 9 kickoffs for a 23.9 average. That was the only year don was used as a returner. In case you're wondering how a Running Back could make it to the Pro Bowl on 505 yards rushing, consider this--that year, Don was ranked 6th in the League in rushing yards and he 36.1 per game average was good for 6th too. The Broncos had a total of 1,104 yards rushing and the schedule was only 14 games back then.

Gus Hollomon was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 4th round (111th overall) of the 1968 NFL Draft. He played for the Broncos for 2 years and 3 years with the New York Jets in his career. Gus started 9 of 27 games in 1968-69 as the Punter and backup Safety for Denver. He punted 47 times with a 39.7 average and had one blocked. Defensively, Hollomon made 2 interceptions and Recovered 3 Fumbles.

Nathan Poole was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 10th round (250th overall) of the 1979 NFL Draft. He played two seasons with the Bengals before coming to Denver in 1982. Nate played 4 years as a Bronco; 1982, 1983, 1985 and 1987. He started 10 of 30 games at Fullback, with 420 yards and 5 touchdowns on 120 carries and 21 catches for 193 yards. Poole had 1 kick return for no yards in 1982.

Raymont Harris was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 4th round (114th overall) of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played there 4 seasons, spent one year as a Green Bay Packer and played 1 game with the Patriots before a 3 game stint with the Broncos in 2000. Harris had 22 yards rushing and 19 yards receiving in those 3 games.

Cedric Cobbs was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 4th round (128th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played 3 games in 2004 for the Patriots and earned a Super Bowl Ring (SB XXXIX) with them. Cobbs was acquired by the Broncos in 2006, via free agency. He played in 2 games in Denver, gaining 9 yards on 3 carries. He was released on May 1, 2007 but re-signed in August. Cedric didn't make it past the first round of cuts six days later. He is currently a running back for the Arkansas Twisters of the af2 (arenafootball2) and looking to sign a Free Agent contract with an NFL team.

Joshua Bell was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He was released on August 30. Bell was signed to the Broncos practice squad on September 24, 2008 and promoted to the active roster on October 27 after an injury to Champ Bailey. Josh made 5 starts in 9 games, with 34 tackles and 4 passes defensed. He was waived/injured and placed on Injured Reserve on September 4, 2009. The next day, Denver reached an injury settlement with Bell and released him.

Kyle McCarthy joined the Broncos as a college free agent on April 30, 2010. He spent the first 5 weeks on the Practice Squad before being promoted to the active roster on Oct. 16, 2010. McCarthy made his NFL debut against the New York Jets in Week 6, seeing action on Special Teams. Kyle made his mark across the pond in London during Week 8 against San Francisco. McCarthy made his first 2 career Tackles, on Special Teams. In Week 10 against Kansas City, McCarthy made his pro debut on defense and recorded his first 2 tackles (1 solo) in the NFL. He was placed on season-ending Injured Reserve with a knee injury on Dec. 13th.

Reuben Droughns was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 3rd round (81st overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played on the Lions for one year in 2001 after spending the 2000 season on Injured Reserve. Reuben played on the Broncos for 3 seasons. He was supposed to play fullback, but became the next 1,000-yard rusher in Denver's Running Back factory, surpassing 1,200 yards in 2004. Even after that performance, Droughns wasn't guaranteed the starter's job in 2005, so he requested a trade. His wish was granted on March 30, 2005. The Broncos traded Reuben to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Defensive Linemen Ebenezer Ekuban and Michael Myers. Droughns had another 1,200 yard rushing season in 2005 for the Browns.

One could make a case for Don Stone or Reuben Droughns for this accolade, but I think many will agree with the choice I made.

The Greatest Bronco player to wear #34 is...

DB Tyrone Braxton

Tyrone Braxton was drafted by the Broncos in the 12th round (334th overall) of the 1987 NFL Draft. He played 12 of his 13 year career for the Denver Broncos with a one year stint with the Miami Dolphins in 1994. To Broncos fans, "Chicken" was the scrawny strong safety who symbolized perseverance, moving from unheralded 12th-round draft pick out of North Dakota State to two-time Super Bowl champion.

Tyrone was listed as 5'11", 185 and had average speed. Many would say he was too short, too light and too slow...until the game began. In fact, his teammates used to make fun of him because he had chicken legs, but Tyrone Braxton was all player, all the time.

During his years with the Broncos, Denver won two world championships, two other AFC championships, and the Broncos lost an AFC title game at Buffalo in 1991.

He made key plays in both of the Broncos Super Bowl victories when he made a 1st quarter interception against the Packers in Super Bowl XXXII while recovering a fumble in the 4th quarter of Super Bowl XXXIII against Atlanta.

NFL Accomplishments

Played in 5 Super Bowls with the Broncos
2 Super Bowl Rings (SB XXXII, SB XXXIII)
1 Pro Bowl (1996)
Led NFL with 9 interceptions (1996)
Made 90+ Tackles twice (1991-92)
Made 100+ Tackles twice (1989, 1993)

Team Status

MOST INTERCEPTIONS

Career 34 (4th)
Season 9 (3rd) Tie

MOST YARDS ON INTERCEPTION RETURNS

Career 614 (4th)
Season 128 (8th) Tie
Game 72 (8th)

HIGHEST INTERCEPTION RETURN AVERAGE

Career (min. 10 returns)
18.06

MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITH INTERCEPTION

4 (2nd) 1996 (gms. 12-15)

MOST INTERCEPTIONS RETURNED FOR TOUCHDOWN

Career 4 (1st)

LONGEST SCORING INTERCEPTION RETURN

69 (6th)

LONGEST NON-SCORING INTERCEPTION RETURN

72 (2nd)

All total, Tyrone started 132 of 165 games at Safety and Cornerback, with 820 Tackles, 3.5 Sacks, 34 interceptions, 4 pick-sixes, 8 Forced Fumbles and 1 Fumble Recovery. He also returned one Kickoff 34 yards.

Braxton is currently an assistant coach at Arvada High School under head coach Kevin Clark, another former Denver Bronco.

MHR gives a Mile High Salute to Tyrone "Chicken" Braxton.

Go Broncos!

Poll

Who was the Greatest Bronco to wear #34?

Reuben Droughns

2 votes

Tyrone Braxton

165 votes

Don Stone

3 votes

170 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I like

the four INT’s returned for a TD.
That’s a nice stat.

Opinions are like......, Well anyway, this is mine.

by Sean in Pa. on Apr 22, 2011 10:41 AM MDT reply actions

'S funny . . .

I didn’t like him when he was playing. But sometimes methinks we just don’t know what we’re looking at. Looking back, I have to agree: Braxton is the greatest #34, and could have won the distinction in several of the other numbers . . .

BILLY THOMPSON GOT SHAFTED!!

by AZDynamics on Apr 22, 2011 10:43 AM MDT reply actions

Especially 13 and 17

"It's all over fat man!"
-Tom Jackson

by Calikula on Apr 22, 2011 4:39 PM MDT up reply actions

When I saw we were at #34

Braxton was the first one that came to mind. It’s funny how some numbers are just shoe in’s. Some of them end up with some pretty good debate. Thanks for doing this, it really helps with the history of the team.

by papasteven on Apr 22, 2011 11:30 AM MDT reply actions

Thanks

This will be the last for a bit, but when things slow down I will pick it back up.

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
Follow me on Twitter @MHR_KaptainKirk

by KaptainKirk on Apr 22, 2011 1:27 PM MDT up reply actions

Braxton was a solid player

He didn’t stand out at the time, but he was a great contributer in very quiet ways to our defense. He definitely stepped it up in the superbowls.

"Bombs dropping down overhead. Underground. It's instilled to want to live." -EV

by sadaraine on Apr 22, 2011 11:39 AM MDT reply actions

I agree

I always liked Braxton

For the love of the animals. 24
ps3 handle KINGbaboon

by Earthtiger24 on Apr 22, 2011 12:10 PM MDT up reply actions

Cutler's rookie year, my friend got us Budweiser box seats

We were heading to our seats and Braxton walked by… He heard me say his name after he walked by and he looked back and smiled and waved.

I always appreciated his play. I saw him screw up a few times too, but every player will and does sometimes. Easily the greatest #34, and from all sources, a great guy too. I wonder how many of the old Broncos still hang out, like, I could see Tyrone, Rod Smith and Atwater hanging out at Alfred Williams house, and Al Wilson, and J. Mobley swing by…

Anyway, great series Kirk, now that tax season is over I can take the time to voice my appreciation more often. Thanks!

A pessimist sees the difficulties in every opportunity.
An optimist sees the opportunities in every difficulty.
- Winston Churchill

First (and only, in our lifetimes) team to three consecutive SB wins!!!! ( =

by PearlJamBroncoGFunk on Apr 22, 2011 12:32 PM MDT reply actions

Thanks Gary

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
Follow me on Twitter @MHR_KaptainKirk

by KaptainKirk on Apr 22, 2011 1:28 PM MDT up reply actions

Only 3 to vote on?

I wanted to vote 4 my boy McCarthy Go IRISH!!!!!!!! LOL

No save ammunition all bullets in gun now- Bruce Campbell
Stand up straight a man looks more confident when he is erect- Taj

by Taylor K on Apr 22, 2011 12:46 PM MDT reply actions

Tyrone Braxton!

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Apr 22, 2011 1:09 PM MDT reply actions

Braxton

Damn fine football player. He was always making big plays.

What I am truly interested in is whether God had any choice in the creation of the world.
Albert Einstein

by bradley on Apr 22, 2011 1:19 PM MDT reply actions

In fact

my first Broncos jersey, before the replicas came out, was an orange #34. It didn’t have any Broncos logo on it, but to me it was my Tyrone Braxton jersey! Gosh dang it, I was only 5 at the time!

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

by the new Bradfather on Apr 22, 2011 1:32 PM MDT reply actions

God he was cool

Always loved me some braxton. what a good Football name too

Bleed(ing out) the Orange and Blue

by WhyBroncosWhy? on Apr 22, 2011 1:40 PM MDT reply actions

Mr. Braxton...no contest!

I even named my dog after him over 20 years ago. And he played for the Fighting Sioux at NDSU…what’s not to love!

Great series KK. Thanks

The QB position is set!

by broncofaninIL on Apr 22, 2011 1:54 PM MDT reply actions

Thank you

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
Follow me on Twitter @MHR_KaptainKirk

by KaptainKirk on Apr 22, 2011 2:47 PM MDT up reply actions

NDSU are the Bison

UND were the Fighting Sioux… Huge in-state rivalry. Them’s fightin’ words for a NDSU alum ;)

by BroncoTalon on Apr 22, 2011 2:54 PM MDT up reply actions

Thanks BronocTalon....

You’re right, them’s fightin’ words! And to think my niece just finished her degree in pre med in Grand Forks and I just came from a week long visit there. Definitely my bad:).

The QB position is set!

by broncofaninIL on Apr 22, 2011 3:01 PM MDT up reply actions

*BroncoTalon

The QB position is set!

by broncofaninIL on Apr 22, 2011 3:02 PM MDT up reply actions

I knew that

because my alma mater, Southern Utah, plays in the same football conference as NDSU! If I’m not mistaken, that’s also where Bryce Paup played and Phil Hansen. Anyway, they are a I-AA college football power!

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

by the new Bradfather on Apr 22, 2011 7:34 PM MDT up reply actions

Braxton was awesome

Highly underrated in the annals of Bronco history, remember when he played corner with Atwater and Dennis Smith as safety, of course I was 7 when that happened but I for sure remember.

by Jarom Moore on Apr 22, 2011 2:57 PM MDT reply actions

Great choice and thanks for the articles

he was underrated by and large, overshadowed by the other big names on D but he was one of those DB guys who had ice in his veins and a short memory and a great deal of confidence. He would get beat yet not lose his aggressiveness because of it, and man…. he knew how to make the dramatic interception. He reminded me of Steve Foley, got by with his high football IQ and out-achieved guys who were perhaps more gifted physically.

"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."

by rubincarterrocks on Apr 22, 2011 4:11 PM MDT reply actions

Met Tyrone outside of stadium at the end

of the Fan Fair back in 05 I believe. Drove all the way from CA to go and running him down for a pic outside was one of my highlights…

Me: Tyrone, let me get a pic real quick with ya!
Tyrone: Damn, make it quick, I’m running late.

Ha, pic is pure gold, I’m smiling ear to ear and Tyrone has a pissed face, ha

by knoepke84 on Apr 22, 2011 5:48 PM MDT reply actions

Awesome!

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
Follow me on Twitter @MHR_KaptainKirk

by KaptainKirk on Apr 22, 2011 9:15 PM MDT up reply actions