Ten players wore #79 for the Denver Broncos in franchise history. Five Offensive Guards, three Defensive Ends and two Defensive Tackles. Let's get right to the candidates. Bring on the Beefcake!
John Gonzaga is one of the few guys in NFL history who did not play college football. He played for the San Francisco 49ers from 1956-59, the Dallas Cowboys in 1960 and the Detroit Lions from 1961-65. In 1966, John joined the AFL Denver Broncos, starting 11 games at Right Guard.
Carter Campbell was drafted by the 49ers in the 8th round (191st overall) of the 1970 NFL Draft. He played that year in San Francisco and joined the Broncos in 1971. Campbell started 2 of 14 games and moved on to play for the New York Giants in 1972.
Steve Bryan was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 5th round (120th overall) of the 1987 NFL Draft. He started 3 of 4 games with the Broncos as a replacement player during the 1987 NFL Player Strike. He played one more year in Denver, but with a different number on his back.
Stefan Humphries was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 3rd round (71st overall) of the 1984 NFL Draft. He played in Chicago up until 1987, when he became a Bronco. Stefan started 8 of 8 games at Right Guard for the Broncos in 1987-88.
James Allen "Jumpy" Geathers was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 2nd round (42nd overall) of the 1984 NFL Draft. He spent 6 years with the Saints and ended up in Washington for the 1990 season. Geathers spent 3 seasons as a Redskin before moving on to Atlanta for another 3 year stint. Jumpy came to Denver in 1996 for his final NFL season. He played sparingly in all 16 games that year, tallying 16 Tackles and 5 Sacks for the Broncos.
Dave Widell was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 4th round (94th overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft. He played in Dallas for two years before joining his brother Doug on the Broncos in 1990. Dave played 5 seasons with the Broncos from 1990-94. He played all across the Denver Offensive Line and was the exclusive starter at Left Guard in 1993 and Center in 1994. Widell started 39 of 79 games and Fumbled 2 snaps during his time in Denver. In 1995, Dave became a part of the inaugural roster for the Jacksonville Jaguars. In 1998, his last year, Dave reunited with coach Dan Reeves in Atlanta and was a part of the Falcons' Super Bowl XXXIII loss to his former team.
- Joined Rubin Carter as the only two interior Defensive Linemen in Team history to play every game during his first 3 Pro seasons.
- 2nd - Career interceptions by a Defensive Linemen (2)
- 2008 - Led the Broncos’ Defensive Line in Tackles (57)
- 2009 - Had the 1st blocked extra point by a Bronco in 5 seasons (Week 11) every game during his first 3 Pro seasons.
- 4th-Most Seasons (13)
- 8th-Most Games Played (182)
- 4th-Most Games Started (177) Tied with Tom Jackson
- 3rd-Most Career Sacks (75)
- 2nd-Most Multi-Sack Games (16)
- 4th-Most Consecutive Games With a Sack (6)
- 4-Sacks in one Game (Seattle, 12/21/80) Tied with 4 others
MHR gives a Mile High Salute to Barney Chavous as the Greatest Bronco to wear #79.