Atlanta Broncos? That almost happened

The Denver Broncos were a charter member of the eight-team American Football League (AFL) in 1960 and eventually would merge into the National Football League (NFL) for the 1970 season. In the history of pro football, they have been one of the few clubs which have kept their same team name and remained in their original city.

However, they almost became the Atlanta Broncos in 1965.

Prior to 1960, several investor groups had solicited the NFL for a franchise to be based in the City of Denver but were refuted. The NFL’s stance was that the Mile High City was too small and isolated.