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On This Day in Broncos History: December 17

Tony Dorsett Anyone?

Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

December 17, 1988 - How many of you remember that Hall of Fame running back Tony Dorsett played the final season of his career for the Denver Broncos? After gaining 12,036 rushing yards and scoring 72 rushing touchdowns for the Dallas Cowboys (1977-87), Dorsett was traded to the Broncos in 1988 for a conditional fifth-round draft choice. Dorsett led Denver in rushing yards with 703 and scored 5 rushing touchdowns in 1988.

The final game of his HOF career, along with the final touchdown of that remarkable career came on December 18, 1988. In the second quarter of a game against the New England Patriots, the Broncos had marched from their own 20-yard line to the New England 5-yard line. On 1st and goal from the 5, Dorsett burst through the middle of the line to cover the 5 yards and score a touchdown. His score gave the Broncos a 14-7 lead. Denver went on to win that game 21-10. Dorsett finished that game with 86 yards on 10 rushes.