DENVER (KDVR) — It was a historic day on and off the field for the Broncos on Sunday, with a big win, scoring 33 points in the fourth quarter.
The team also honored its Super Bowl 50 championship team and posthumously inducted Demaryius Thomas into the Ring of Fame.
Mark Jackson and Kenny Anunike were at Empower Field to celebrate. Anunike was a member of the Super Bowl 50 team and Jackson was the recipient of John Elway’s touchdown pass to end the legendary “The Drive” in 1987.
Returning to Empower Field, Anunike felt like he never left.
“The chemistry and camaraderie,” Anonike said. “We felt like we were back in the locker room, and it had been 10 years.”
He was honored to return to the city to honor Thomas, a friend he faced long before they came to Denver as collegiate opponents in college. Administrative Coordination Committee.
“Demaryius was my brother, man,” Anoniki said.
They spent time together volunteering at the Denver Boys & Girls Club. Thomas’ death at the age of 33 was heartbreaking for Anonike.
“It was definitely gut-wrenching to see all the accolades that we wish he was here to receive,” Anonike said.
But the after-party game, Anonike says, was the perfect tribute to his friend.
“I never bet against my Broncos, man, that’s something I never do because you know us,” Anonike said. “We will fight until the final whistle.”
They battled back, scoring 33 points in the fourth quarter to win, the first time in NFL history a team did not score in the first three quarters.
Mark Jackson, the Broncos’ wide receiver in the 1980s and 1990s who was also at the game, never gave up hope.
“I’m the eternal optimist,” Jackson said.
Even if at the beginning of the fourth quarter he wished his old teammate would be back on the court.
“I mean, of course John Elwes isn’t back there. I mean, he’s the great guy after all,” Jackson said.
Jackson, part of the most famous comeback in team history, says this is exactly the kind of game the Broncos need to build momentum.
“I think that’s what literally drove us to The Drive and the big comeback that we had during the Elway era, where you felt like you were always in a game, and you always had a chance to win,” Jackson said.
As for the name that goes along with the famous “The Drive”?
“It only took about eight minutes, so it’s hard to come up with a name for it,” Jackson said.
Anunike never doubted either, saying Thomas was there with the rest of the Super Bowl team, like he never left.
“That’s why we were able to get 33 points, right? That was for his 33rd year,” Anonike said.
The Broncos look to keep that momentum going next week at home against the Dallas Cowboys.