Broncos Greats... By The Numbers: #49
by Jezru on May 21, 2011 9:30 AM MDT
in Denver Broncos Greats...By The Numbers
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PrintOf all the "Broncos Greats" that we have done, choosing the greatest Bronco to wear #49 is by far one of the easiest. There are just five players in Denver Broncos history that have worn #49 and but only one lasted more than one year. See if you can guess who’s going to receive the honor today.
Dennis Smith S 1981-94
Alvin Mitchell S/WR 1970
Neal Sweeney FL 1967
Glenn Glass DB 1966
A ferocious hitter, Smith was voted to play in six Pro Bowls (following the 1985- 86, 1989- 91 and '93 seasons), was named All- NFL four times (1985- 86, '89 and '93), was named All- AFC four times (1984- 86, '98) and played on three Broncos Super Bowl teams (XXI, XXII, XXIV).
He was also named the club's Most Inspirational Player in 1992. Smith ranks fourth all- time in games played by a Bronco (184), fifth in games started (170) and sixth in both career interceptions (30) and interception return yards (431).
He is one of just three players in the history of the Broncos franchise to play at least 14 seasons with the club, behind John Elway (16) and tied with Tom Jackson. Smith's career totals include 1,171 tackles (794) and 14 sacks. He posted a career- high five sacks in 1983, a career- high five interceptions in '91 and a career- high 120 tackles in '92.
Perhaps my greatest memories of Smith are in regards to the way he passed the torch to another hard-hitting safety - Steve Atwater. That type of leadership has been a huge void for the Broncos and remembering players like Smith remind us all just how great the Broncos Greats truly are.
Something tells me the tradition of the tough no-nonsense hard-hitting Safety may be returning to Denver. Let’s hope Mr. Elway shows this video of Smith to our newly drafted Safeties (caution for language).
Okay, that wasn’t Smith. However, the description is dead-on. Make no mistake, Dennis Smith was the Honey Badger of the Denver Defense for many great years.
Now let’s take a look at the other guys who wore #49.
Matt Dominguez appeared in 12 games in 2001 and had three catches for 26 yards.
Alvin Mitchell played in 2 games for the Broncos and started in one of them. He notched zero stats.
Neal Sweeny played in 10 games and had six catches for 136 yards.
Glenn Glass played in six games but had nothing to show for it.
Okay now seriously, here’s a video of Dennis Smith for your viewing pleasure.
A Mile High Salute to Dennis Smith, the Greatest Bronco to wear #49!
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This is a total no brainer
Smith was awesome. If you want to discuss the best Bronco safety of all time, it’s a real close one between Goose Gonsoulin, Billy Thompson, Smith and Steve Atwater.
Religious wars are fought to determine who has the best imaginary friend.
by bradley on May 21, 2011 9:51 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs
my FAVORITE bronco of all time
As a life-long Bronco fan and Trojan who attended USC at the same time as #49, I remember my excitement when Smith was drafted by Denver. He did not disappoint. Wherever you are, Dennis, God Bless!
Real safety play
Man what a duo we had in Dennis Smith and Steve Atwater. There were no recievers comfortable running crossing routes against these two. By far he is the best to wear #49. Probably one of my favorite Broncos of all time. He was a nasty player, and I think was underated because he played next to Atwater.
Always my favorite.
He lived in my neighborhood when I was a kid. When I was 12, me and my friends would play football in the street in front of his house (pre-teen stalkers!). When he came out (usually headed somewhere with his wife), our play got more intense—skinny little rug-rats trying to show off for the man!
by wyrob on May 21, 2011 10:49 AM MDT reply actions 2 recs
Now THAT'S a childhood memory
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 May 21, 2011 10:56 AM MDT up reply actions
I know one of the skills he had...
…was playing piano, but his hands were so beat up by pro-football that he had trouble playing. I wonder if he’s healed enough that he can play now.
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
I remember that game, one of the first...
of what would be many heartbreaking losses for the Browns. Oh and all those great old Broncos, Grandishar over there, "encouraging the ref’s to make the correct call. I think I saw Steve Foley back there and Tom Jackson. Then there was Morton at QB. That was, I believe, Ron Eggloff in motion. Rich Upchurch with that catch. Some lesser knowns too, wasn’t that DeBerg holding for the fieldgoal and old Fred Steinfort kicking it through?
Good times.
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
yep, and even a glimse
of dave logan in the other uniform, arguing the call. i wish the NFL would sell these kind of games in their entirety. i’d even want the commercials included…
I'm not sugarcoating this.
Oh yeah, that would be sweet.
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on May 22, 2011 1:30 PM MDT up reply actions
Easy Call
But richly deserved nonetheless! Thanks for the footage too. As a Bronco fan based in Northern Ireland, I only came into the fold in 1984/85, so seeing the likes of Craig Morton at QB and Randy Gradishar at LB is a blast! Fortunately though, I did get to enjoy a lot of Dennis Smith and when we paired him with Atwater, it was murder! One of, if not, the best safety tandem in the history of the league. Could always be relied on for leadership and usually a turnover or big hit to set the tone for the defense. Thanks!
Agreed MHMan.
Smith and Atwater had to be one of the top five tandems ever.
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on May 22, 2011 1:32 PM MDT up reply actions
One of the best!
Dennis was one of the best hitters in the league, wish we had him now. Maybe with our new pick-ups we’ll be able to make new memory’s. We’ll have to wait and see. Dennis we miss you, where ever you are.
DENNIS
I’ll never forget the day he brushed off several pushy guys behind The South Stands to sign the card a 4 1/2’ kid was trying to give his Mom for her birthday.
Class act all the way.
"It's the first time that I've probably ever seen a 260 pound back run into a free safety and go flat on his back, I mean it was exciting." ~John Elway
by jibbons on May 21, 2011 8:05 PM MDT via mobile reply actions
Absolutely classy.
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on May 22, 2011 1:33 PM MDT up reply actions
Easy call but now we're getting into the linebacker numbers!
I shot Bigfoot yesterday. I ate him and dumped the remains in the lake before I could prove it. Just take my word for it. Seriously. - Doug Stanhope
I never submitted the whole system of my opinions to the creed of any party of men whatever in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in anything else where I was capable of thinking for myself. - Thomas Jefferson
Dennis Smith was a great player
but he was a prick when people asked him for autographs at training camp. I remember him riding his bike from the practice field to the dorms at Greeley when two young kids tried to get him to stop and sign their stuff and he yelled, “get the hell out of the way!”
The only Bronco I ever met who was a bigger a-hole was Shannan Sharpe.
we could sure you a prick or two like that on our team today!
Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. DA
by Whidbey Bronco on May 22, 2011 12:46 PM MDT up reply actions
If you jump in front of Dennis Smith while he's on a bike,,
you should count yourself lucky to only get yelled at.
Shoot jump in front of anybody on a bike…
"It's the first time that I've probably ever seen a 260 pound back run into a free safety and go flat on his back, I mean it was exciting." ~John Elway
by jibbons on May 22, 2011 1:20 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
The kids were like 5 years old and they didn't really jump out in front of him,
Smith was in a bad mood or it was his time of the month. The funny thing was that Steve Atwater saw it happen and made a special trip over to those two kids and took some pictures with them and their parents.
Maybe one of the Linemen Cut-Blocked him
Lol
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
Dennis Smith obviously!
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 May 22, 2011 4:07 PM MDT reply actions
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