BWho are the best Denver Broncos safeties? There are plenty of Denver Broncos players on all-time teams. When it comes down to the best Denver Broncos safety, however, many agree.
So, who else makes the list of the most vicious hitters (sometimes illegal hits) and playmakers? Check out the list below.
- Steve Atwater
- Dennis Smith
- Bill Thompson
- Austin “Goose” Gonsoulin
- John Lynch
- Steve Foley
- Tyrone Braxton
- Justin Simmons
- Kareem Jackson
- T.J. Ward
Top 10 Denver Broncos Safeties of All-Time
10. T.J. Ward
Ward was an integral part of getting the Broncos over the hump that was the New England Patriots. Made a Pro Bowl during his three years and played a key role in their Super Bowl 50 win.
9. Kareem Jackson
Jackson was a vicious hitter and might lead the Broncos in lost wages. He wasn’t activated against New England in the finale last year. His first suspension was nothing, but a hit on Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs earned Jackson a second suspension from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and his release.
8. Tyrone Braxton
Injuries slowed him late in his Broncos career, spending more time on the injured reserve than off. He spent one year in Miami (also on injured reserve) before returning to the Broncos with back-to-back Super Bowl wins.
#OTD in 1996: #Broncos #ProBowler Tyrone Braxton drafted in 12th rd from @NDSUathletics. [http://t.co/1PNHrNbq3s] pic.twitter.com/tFVWrXyblw
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) April 29, 2015
7. Steve Foley
When Steve Foley delivered a tackle, you felt it. A member of the Broncos famed Orange Crush defense, Foley helped the team win a lot of games. The 1978 All-Pro is still the franchise’s all-time leader in interceptions (44).
Happy Belated Birthday, @SFoley43! The Denver Broncos drafted Steve Foley in the 1975 8th round. He was a Bronco DB from 1976–1986. No player has intercepted more passes (44) than Foley in franchise history. Foley is one of the most underrated Broncos and NFL players of all-time! pic.twitter.com/ijwGxceaHx
— Mile High Moments (@MileHighMoments) November 13, 2023
6. Justin Simmons
Simmons came into the league prior to the 2016 season as the second safety on the depth chart. Still playing for the Broncos, he has been elite for the Broncos. The three-time Associated Press All-Pro has become one of the best safeties playing in the NFL as he enters his eighth season.
5. John Lynch
Lynch already had a great resume before coming to Denver. But week to week, he proved to be a guy the Broncos could depend on. From his first tackle on, Lynch was fantastic, earning four Pro Bowl nominations in four years in Denver.
4. Austin “Goose” Gonsoulin
Gonsoulin was a stud in every way. If depth charts were more widely known back then, Gonsoulin would have been at the top of most. He made the Pro Bowl five times and finished with 43 interceptions, second in franchise history.
@Broncos Blue Horse Ring of Fame member #23 Austin 'Goose' Gonsoulin. @PhilHecken @UniWatch @MileHighReport #Broncos pic.twitter.com/GfupiAv86W
— DenverBroncos QBClub (@BroncosQBClub) May 30, 2017
3. Bill Thompson
On the list for most consecutive games started by a safety, Thompson was not one you would find on injured reserve. He was a punt returner early on but holds the team record for defensive touchdowns (7).
October 22, 1973 – Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos
Bill Thompson fumble return pic.twitter.com/6LSGv1HFR6
— Random Broncos TD Every Day (@RandomBroncosTD) December 6, 2023
2. Dennis Smith
Smith spent the first two seasons on injured reserve but took off from there.
The six-time Pro Bowl selection is near the top of every Broncos defensive stat and made the Ring of Fame in 2001.
RT to help us wish #BroncosROF S Dennis Smith a happy birthday! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/s7cL8ygKxc
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) February 3, 2020
1. Steve Atwater
There were few hitters as vicious as Atwater. “Injured reserve” was not a phrase Atwater knew, missing just five games in his career. Atwater became a hall of famer in 2020.
A do-it-all safety that could punish a guy before intercepting the next pass. The GOAT at the position for the Broncos. He is one of the best Denver Broncos players of all time.
Steve Atwater, the NFL GREAT heavy-hitting safety…
Is now a HALL-of-FAMER 💪 pic.twitter.com/m2XzBJvBNz
— 4_sumthin_24 (@ace_1985) February 1, 2020
Honorable Mentions Of Denver Broncos Safeties
Louis Wright
Spent 12 years in Denver, five-time Pro Bowler, five-time All-Pro, Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.
Mike Harden
Played eight years in Denver, most notably garnering a suspension for a hit that knocked Steve Largent unconscious and dislodged two teeth.
What are Safeties in Football?
Safeties are defensive backs that line up between 10 and 15 yards from the line of scrimmage. There is free safety and strong safety, each of which has different responsibilities based on the scheme. Free safeties are generally more concerned with the pass while strong safeties are focused on the run game.
They are something of a mix between linebackers and defensive backs. They aren’t quite as fast, but they certainly hit harder than corners. Top safeties are known for making the tackle rather than the interception.
With vicious hits, huge interceptions, and big play after big play, the Broncos have put some of the best safeties in the league on the field year after year.
Want to Learn More?
Denver Broncos Super Bowl Wins, Appearances & History
What Are The Best Denver Broncos Players of All Time
Best Denver Broncos Quarterbacks of All Time
The Best Denver Broncos Linebackers of All-Time
Best Denver Broncos Kickers of All-Time
