The state of Colorado has produced some incredible names throughout the years. Denver has become a hotbed of fantastic sports with championship teams like the Colorado Avalanche, Denver Broncos, and Denver Nuggets (who recently won in their first trip to the NBA Finals). Narrowing down the list proved tough, though the athletes below are more than deserving.
Criteria for selection
A few criteria went into the formation of this list. While being born in Colorado is a factor, influence and success are no doubt the most important. Plenty of players born elsewhere have become some of the greatest athletes in Colorado history.
The Legends of Colorado Sports
It’s a great list when names like Dutch Clark, Amy Van Dyken, Roy Halladay, and Goose Gossage make the honorable mention. Let’s take a quick look at the 10 best players to have called Colorado home.
- John Elway
- Peter Forsberg
- Nikola Jokic
- Joe Sakic
- Terrell Davis
- Peyton Manning
- Von Miller
- Larry Walker
- Chauncey Billups
- Todd Helton
10. John Elway
From 1983-1998, there was no more popular or famous athlete than John Elway. The most popular NFL player ever in the state, he was a big shot in every sense. He routinely made the Pro Bowl. He won a league MVP. In the 1980s, the Broncos and the Super Bowl became synonymous.
The future Pro Football Hall of Famer went out in the best way possible. After going 0-4 in the Super Bowl, Elway and the Broncos capped off his career with back-to-back championships in 1998 and 1999. Even to this day, there is no one more popular than Elway.
9. Peter Forsberg
Denver has rapidly become a hockey city and a large part of that has to do with Forsberg and the Colorado Avalanche. From the time he came into the league, Forsberg was a force. His winning a gold medal kicked off what would be an epic Hall of Fame career.
Forsberg played like a warrior during his time in the NHL, finishing in the top 10 all-time in average points per game. He had no better season than 2003, when he won the scoring title and the MVP in the same season. “Peter the Great” will live on in Denver.
8. Nikola Jokic
Jokic has cemented his legacy despite a long future with the Denver Nuggets ahead of him. He had already made a case to be among the best by winning back-to-back NBA MVP awards in 2020 and 2021. He should have had a third, but ultimately second-place finishes aren’t as well remembered.
Jokic’s greatest achievement came during the 2022-23 season. He helped lead the Nuggets to their first NBA Finals appearance, handily beating the Miami Heat for the franchise’s first championship. As contenders yet again, Jokic has a chance to join rarified air not only in Colorado, but the NBA as a whole.
7. Joe Sakic
At different times in the 1990s, Sakic and Forsberg were the premier center combo in the NHL. The pinnacle of consistency, Sakic did everything a hockey player could do. Hart Trophy, Lester B. Pearson, and multi-time Stanley Cup champion.
Sakic finished with more than 600 goals and 1600 points, all of which came during his tenure in Quebec/Colorado. It is largely due to his play that the franchise became immediately popular after moving to Denver in 1995. It goes without saying, but Sakic became a first-ballot Hall of Fame selection in 2012.
6. Terrell Davis
Davis is perhaps the best example of what could have been combined with unparalleled success. He was vital to the Broncos winning their first Super Bowl in 1998, winning Super Bowl MVP. Davis was dominant from the jump, making the most of his six years in the NFL.
He won NFL Offensive Player of the Year twice, made three first-team All-Pro teams, led the NFL in rushing touchdowns twice, and won NFL MVP in 1998 after rushing for 2,000 yards. Injuries ended his career far too early, leaving many to wonder what he could have done with a full career. He is one of the best running backs of all time of the Broncos.
5. Peyton Manning
The Sherriff is among the five best players in the history of the NFL. An obvious NFL Hall of Famer, Manning and the Pro Bowl became synonymous. The five-time NFL MVP (the most ever) became dominant during his time in Indianapolis.
He had a few banner years in Denver but is remembered for leading the team to its first Super Bowl title since Elway rode off into the sun. Manning also led the most prolific offense in the history the NFL, creating the benchmark with 55 passing touchdowns in 2013. His run marks the last time the Broncos were truly great, cementing an all-time career.
4. Von Miller
Miller came to the Broncos with the second overall pick in 2011 and never looked back. He won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2011, made three first-team and four second-team All-Pro teams, had eight Pro Bowl appearances, and won a pair of Super Bowls in Denver.
Von Miller will forever be remembered for his critical sack of Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, cementing the team’s Super Bowl 50 victory. He has since been traded but left as the franchise’s all-time sack leader with more than 100.
3. Larry Walker
The second Canadian on this list (Sakic being the first), Walker became one of the most notable hitters of the 1990s and early 200s, mostly with the Colorado Rockies. He made five All-Star games, won the 1997 NL MVP, seven Gold Glove Awars, three Silver Sluggers, and won the NL batting title thrice.
Larry has had his #33 retired by the Rockies, and ultimately earned a Baseball Hall of Fame nod in 2020. Walker didn’t have a perfect game but managed to become a prolific hitter. His career .313 average is just one aspect that speaks to his game.
2. Chauncey Billups
Born in Denver, Colorado, Billups made his name at the University of Colorado before being taken third overall in the 1997 NBA Draft. He would bounce around a bit but had two memorable stints with the Nuggets. That said, he was at his best as a member of the Detroit Pistons from 2002-2008.
His list of accolades includes five NBA All-Star games, NBA Finals MVP, and 2004 NBA Champion. Billups wasn’t the superstar that some of the others on the list are, but his contributions to the legacy of Colorado sports cannot be overstated as one of the best Nuggets player of all time.
1. Todd Helton
Helton is without a doubt the best baseball player to come through town. He spent all 16 years with the Colorado Rockies, making five All-Star games while spraying hits all over Coors Field. He helped lead the team to its lone World Series appearance in 2007, though in a losing effort.
One of the best hitters in the league during his time, Helton finished with more than 2,500 hits, 369 home runs, 1,406 RBI, and a career average of .316. A multi-time Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner, Helton had his number retired, cementing his status as a Colorado legend.
Honorable Mentions
The list of the most famous athletes in Colorado that didn’t make the list is long and notable. There are those born in Colorado – Amy Van Dyken, Roy Halladay, Jack Dempsey, Matt Hasselbeck, Goose Gossage, Dave Logan — and those who merely played there – David Thompson, Troy Tulowitzki, Carmelo Anthony.
Super Bowl rings, Gold Gloves, All-Star games, gold medals, and more, Colorado athletes have done it all. Whether it be a team sport or individual effort, Colorado athletes have been there and done that.
Athletic Diversity in Colorado
Diversity in Colorado is an important part of its history. Famous athletes in the state are not just limited to men. Women like Missy Franklin – who won four gold medals in the 2012 Summer Games – have also contributed to the legacy of sports in Colorado.
That diverse talent will continue to be important for the Centennial State going forward. Hotbeds like Colorado Springs and Denver continue to make untold contributions, leading to a bright future.
The Influence of Colorado’s Athletes on the National and International Stage
Athletes, those who were born in Colorado and those who played there, have had an influence across the state and beyond. Dutch Clark, Bobby Uncer, Alex English, Todd Helton, Peyton Manning, Chauncey Billips, and countless others have inspired athletes to hit the next level.
Continuing the Legacy
The athletes of tomorrow are hard to predict, but Colorado sports has a good pipeline. It begins with local sports, be it youth to high school to college. Supporting local sports is how these athletes have the tools to become the best player they can be.
Colorado’s Enduring Sports Legacy
Olympic gold medals, first ballot Hall of Famers, Most Valuable Player awards, and even a World Series appearance have painted the halls of Colorado sports. The Colorado Football Hall of Fame is a great place to see the talent the state has provided and that is just the tip of the iceberg.
State pride will only further the number of successful, famous athletes from places like Colorado College, Colorado University, and a plethora of local high schools. There is no telling what heights will be achieved in the future.
