Place You Want to Be: The Denver Broncos

Place You Want to Be: The Denver Broncos explores why the Denver Broncos have emerged as a top destination for NFL players—veterans and rookies alike—drawn by the franchise’s rich championship history, commitment to winning, supportive fanbase, and ability to nurture talent into stars. In a league where players often prioritize winning, stability, and quality of life, the Broncos check every box: they’ve won three Super Bowls, boast a coaching staff led by proven winner Sean Payton, play in a state-of-the-art stadium, and are based in a city consistently ranked among the best places to live in the U.S. For players like wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and defensive end Nik Bonitto—who have openly expressed their desire to re-sign with Denver—the Broncos aren’t just a team; they’re a community where players can thrive on and off the field. Place You Want to Be: The Denver Broncos highlights how this combination of on-field success and off-field appeal has made the Broncos a “destination franchise,” setting them apart from other NFL teams vying for top talent.

Place You Want to Be: The Denver Broncos starts with the franchise’s championship legacy—a key factor that attracts players with aspirations of winning the Lombardi Trophy. The Broncos’ three Super Bowl titles (1997, 1998, 2015) and eight AFC Championship appearances are a testament to their ability to build contending rosters, and the organization’s commitment to adding to that legacy is evident in every decision, from hiring Payton to trading for quarterback Russell Wilson. For veteran players, this legacy means joining a team that knows how to win when it matters most; for rookies, it means learning from a culture that prioritizes excellence. “When you sign with the Broncos, you’re not just joining a team—you’re joining a tradition of winning,” said Wilson, who chose to restructure his contract in 2023 to help the Broncos sign more talent. This legacy is also preserved in the team’s facilities: Empower Field at Mile High features a ring of honor with Broncos legends like John Elway and Peyton Manning, serving as a daily reminder of what’s possible in Denver. Place You Want to Be: The Denver Broncos underscores how this championship pedigree gives the Broncos a competitive edge in recruiting, as players want to be part of a franchise that doesn’t just aim for the playoffs—but for titles.

Place You Want to Be: The Denver Broncos delves into the Broncos’ player-centric culture, which prioritizes player development, well-being, and work-life balance—factors that have become increasingly important to modern NFL players. The team’s training facility, the UCHealth Training Center, is equipped with state-of-the-art recovery tools, including cryotherapy chambers, hydrotherapy pools, and a dedicated nutrition center, ensuring players have everything they need to stay healthy. Off the field, the Broncos provide players with resources to build their personal brands, invest in their education, and connect with the Denver community—from hosting youth football camps to partnering with local charities. Rookie linebacker Drew Sanders, who was drafted by the Broncos in 2023, praised the team’s support system, saying, “The Broncos don’t just care about how you play on Sundays—they care about you as a person. They helped me find a home in Denver, connect with the community, and grow as a player and a man.” This culture of care extends to veterans too: when defensive tackle D.J. Jones’s mother was ill in 2024, the Broncos granted him a leave of absence and arranged for team doctors to consult with her medical team. Place You Want to Be: The Denver Broncos recognizes this player-first approach as a major draw, as it shows the Broncos value their players beyond their on-field contributions.

Place You Want to Be: The Denver Broncos underscores how the Denver Broncos’ coaching staff—led by Payton and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph—has become a magnet for players looking to develop their skills and reach their full potential. Payton, a Super Bowl-winning coach with the New Orleans Saints, is known for his ability to elevate quarterbacks (he turned Drew Brees into a Hall of Famer) and design innovative offensive schemes that maximize players’ strengths. Under Payton, Wilson has rediscovered his Pro Bowl form, and wide receivers like Jeudy and Courtland Sutton have seen their production soar. On defense, Joseph’s “Nuclear Defense” scheme has turned role players into stars: Nik Bonitto, a second-round pick in 2022, has become a double-digit sack artist, while safety Justin Simmons has emerged as one of the best in the league at his position. “Coach Payton and Coach Joseph don’t just give you a playbook—they teach you how to think like a coach,” said Bonitto, who has credited Joseph with refining his pass-rushing technique. The Denver Broncos’ coaches also prioritize communication, holding regular one-on-one meetings with players to discuss their goals and address any concerns. This combination of expertise and accessibility makes the Broncos an ideal place for players who want to grow and win.

Place You Want to Be: The Denver Broncos highlights how the Denver Broncos’ fanbase—one of the most passionate and loyal in the NFL—creates an environment that players love to compete in. Empower Field at Mile High is consistently one of the loudest stadiums in the league, with fans filling the stands even in cold weather (Denver’s average November temperature is 45°F) and cheering the team on through both wins and losses. The fanbase’s dedication extends beyond game days: Broncos fans travel in droves to away games, and the team’s annual training camp in Englewood, Colorado, draws thousands of fans eager to meet players and watch practice. For players, this support is energizing—especially in critical moments. “There’s nothing like playing at Empower Field on a Sunday,” said Wilson. “When the crowd gets loud, you can feel the energy in your bones—it makes you want to play harder for them.” The Denver Broncos’ fans also show their support off the field, regularly voting Broncos players into the Pro Bowl and buying out jersey sales for new signings. This level of devotion makes Denver feel like home for players, as they know they’re part of something bigger than themselves.

Place You Want to Be: The Denver Broncos concludes with how the Denver Broncos’ current competitiveness—they made the playoffs in 2024 and are poised to contend for years—solidifies their status as a top destination for players. With a core of young stars (Jeudy, Bonitto, Simmons) and proven veterans (Wilson, Bradley Chubb), the Broncos have a roster that can compete with the best teams in the AFC, including the Kansas City Chiefs. For players, this means joining a team that doesn’t require a rebuild—they can win now. “I came to Denver because I wanted to win a Super Bowl, and this team has the pieces to do it,” said Chubb, who signed a long-term extension with the Broncos in 2023. The Denver Broncos’ organization has also shown it’s willing to invest in winning, using its salary cap space to retain key players and sign impactful free agents. This combination of current success and future potential makes the Broncos irresistible to players who want to compete at the highest level. Place You Want to Be: The Denver Broncos ends with a clear takeaway: the Broncos aren’t just a team—they’re a place where players can win championships, grow as athletes and people, and be part of a supportive community. For NFL players who want it all, Denver is the place to be.