Gary Kubiak’s influence on the Broncos is etched in stone

Good morning, Broncos Country!

This is the year of Denver Broncos legends retiring.

First, it was John Elway stepping away as the organization’s general manager.

That was followed by Gary Kubiak announcing his retirement from the NFL.

When you recount the story of the Broncos, it’s impossible to do so without Kubiak.

To my recollection, there are three people who played a hand in all three Denver Super Bowls. I could be wrong, and feel free to mention so in the comments:

• Pat Bowlen, even though he was in his battle with Alzheimer’s and was no longer with the franchise
• John Elway
• Kubiak

As a backup quarterback, offensive coordinator, head coach, and senior personnel advisor, Kubiak spent 24 seasons with the Broncos.

On top of the three Super Bowl wins, he was part of six Denver Super Bowls.

As Kubiak said in his statement:

“It’s been the honor of my lifetime to work for 36 seasons as an NFL player and coach. I’ve been on a football field for most of my life, and now I look forward to stepping away from the game and enjoying more time with my family and friends.

“I offer my sincere thanks to the owners and fans of the Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers for giving me opportunities to be a part of this great game and for treating me and my family so well over the years.

“I’ll miss the competition, the planning, game days and being part of a team. But, more than anything, I’ll cherish the friendships I’ve made along the way with players, coaches and staff. I love the game of football and will forever be its biggest fan.”

The next stop for Kubiak, aside from a beach chair with an ice cold drink, is the Broncos’ Ring of Fame.

Coach Kubiak, thank you for everything you brought to Denver and this franchise, and helping to make the Broncos a three-time Super Bowl champion.

Broncos Blast

Each Saturday, I do a segment on Denver radio station ESPN 1600 AM. This week, alongside former Denver Post columnist Jim Armstrong, we discuss the Broncos quarterback situation and pay homage to Kubiak.

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