Eleven players have worn the #43 for the Denver Broncos in team history. Three Defensive Backs, three Safeties, three Cornerbacks and a Running Back. In my mind there is a clear-cut winner here, but don't worry, you will have your chance to vote. Here are the candidates for the Greatest Bronco to wear #43...
Frank Bernardi was drafted by the Chicago Cardinals in the 4th round (38th overall) of the 1955 NFL Draft. He appeared in six games at Left Cornerback for the Broncos in 1960 without compiling any stats.
John Nocera was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 16th round (182nd overall) of the 1957 NFL Draft. He appeared in 9 games for the Broncos in 1963 and didn't compile any stats.
Bob Richardson appeared in 9 games for the Broncos in 1966 and didn't compile any stats.
Pete Jaquess was drafted by the Houston Oilers in the 20th round (158th overall) of the 1964 AFL Draft. He played two seasons with the Oilers and went to the Pro Bowl in his rookie year. Jaquess spent a year and a half with the Miami Dolphins before joining the Broncos in 1967. He started 13 of 36 games in Denver from 1967-70, intercepting 5 passes and recovering one Fumble. Pete also returned 6 Punts for 18 yards and one kickoff for no yards.
Lonnie Hepburn was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 13th round (333rd overall) of the 1971 NFL Draft. He started 4 of the 14 games for the Broncos in 1974, but didn't produce any stats.
Derrick Clark started 4 out of 16 games at Running Back for the Broncos in 1994, his only professional season. He ran fir 168 yards and 3 touchdowns on 56 carries and caught 9 passes for 47 yards. Clark also returned 3 kickoffs for a 11.3 average.
Roderick Rogers was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted Free Agent in 2007. He spent the first 14 games of the season on the Broncos' practice squad before a promotion to the 53-man roster for the final two games of the season. Rogers also began the 2008 season on the Broncos' practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on November 4. The Broncos waived Roderick on November 25 after his first career start against the Oakland Raiders. In all, Rogers played in 5 games with 1 start for the Broncos and made 7 Tackles. He spent the next two years on the Practice Squads of the Minnesota Vikings and the New England Patriots and is currently a Free Agent.
Herana-Daze Jones signed with the Denver Broncos on December 3, 2008. He was waived a week later when the team re-signed Tight End Jeb Putzier. He was then re-signed by the Broncos 6 days after that when Running Back Cory Boyd was waived. Herana-Daze (pronounced like 'Hernandez') appeared in 2 games and was released for good on June 18, 2009.
That brings us down to one logical choice.
The Greatest Bronco to wear #43 is..
Steve Foley DB 1976-86