Hi, everyone! My name is Ryland Scholes and I’m the production manager and a reporter with Bucket List Community News. Welcome back to our new Bucket Listicle newsletter, where, every Tuesday, we share some of our favorite facts about the happenings around Denver.
This week’s edition of the Bucket Listicle is very special to me because I get to talk about my favorite thing in the whole world: football.
AI helped with my research but I promise the writing is all me.
It’s early January, which means the NFL Playoffs are underway. This year is extra special, because the road to the Super Bowl runs through Denver. Our Denver Broncos are the top seed in the AFC, meaning that they got to skip Wild Card Weekend and now will host every game at Mile High en route to the biggest game in American professional sports.
It’s been an unforgettable season in the Mile High City. Led by Nik Bonitto, Patrick Surtain II and Alex Singleton, Denver’s relentless defense has emerged as one of the best in the league, setting a new franchise record with 68 sacks. On the other side of the ball, Bo Nix has solidified himself as a franchise quarterback, guiding the team to an 11-game winning streak and a franchise-record 14 wins.
Broncos fans have spent their Sundays watching stars shine and records fall, but every win is the result of far more than what happens on the gridiron. Behind the scenes, countless individuals work tirelessly to make each victory possible. Ahead of Denver’s upcoming Divisional Round matchup against the Buffalo Bills this Saturday, we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the unsung heroes who helped the Broncos get to this point.
1.)Thunder
Since 1993, gameday at Mile High has begun the same way: Thunder leading the Broncos out of the tunnel. The iconic white horse, who is trained and ridden by equestrian Ann Judge, has served as the team’s live mascot for more than three decades and has become one of the most beloved traditions in Broncos history.
How does a horse help the Broncos win? By igniting the crowd. Thunder gets fans on their feet, keeps the stadium loud, and sets the tone before the opening kickoff. But the impact goes deeper than noise.
Thunder is a living symbol of Broncos history. For a franchise that has seen significant change over the last decade, seeing nine seasons without a playoff appearance, five head coaches since Super Bowl 50 and a change in ownership, Thunder has remained a constant. From the eras of Elway and Manning to the rise of Bo Nix, Thunder has been there, bridging generations of fans and preserving the traditions that define Broncos football.
That connection matters. And on gameday, it still helps power Denver’s home-field advantage.
2.) Strength and Conditioning Staff
Football is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. Every game features two 11-man teams made up of 300-plus-pound athletes colliding at full speed for a full 60 minutes, and that kind of punishment takes a serious toll on the body.
That’s where the Broncos’ strength and conditioning staff comes in. Their behind-the-scenes work ensures every player is physically prepared, feeling their best and ready to perform each Sunday.
From creating personalized workout plans to developing individualized nutrition programs, the staff tailors training to each player’s needs while helping prevent overuse and injury. By keeping the roster strong, healthy and fresh throughout the season, the strength and conditioning team plays a vital role in Denver’s ability to compete, which is especially important when it comes time for the playoffs.
Here a fun little fact: Did you know that the Broncos are fueled by Uncrustables?
Yes, those Uncrustacles. The very same ones you put in your kids lunchbox every day before school. Team nutritionists have been feeding players the snacktime classic because they’re a great source of quick carbs, which can provide an extra boost of energy before games. According to the New York Times, the Broncos ate around 700 Uncrustables per week last season, which is by far the most in the NFL. For comparison, the Seattle Seahawks clocked in at second place, averaging 320 Uncrustables eaten per week.
3.) Equipment Staff
To dominate on the field, the Broncos need to be comfortable, which is easier said than done when you’re wearing 20-plus-pounds of gear for a full 60 minutes of football.
That’s what makes the equipment staff so crucial. Working behind the scenes, the team ensures every helmet, shoulder pad and cleat fits properly and is safe before players ever take the field.
From customizing gear for players to their liking, to making speedy, split-second fixes on the sideline, the equipment staff’s attention to detail helps players move freely, stay protected and focus entirely on football. When equipment fits right, it fades into the background, and that’s exactly how the Broncos want it.
4.) The fans
Denver is called Broncos Country for a reason. Over 76,000 fans, including player families and friends, pack Empower Field at Mile High every Sunday and bring all their energy, earning Denver a reputation as one of the hardest places to play in all of the NFL.
Their energy fuels the team. When opposing offenses struggle to hear over the roar of the crowd, it’s the fans making an impact. When the Broncos need a boost in a tight game, it’s the fans who lift them.
Even beyond the stadium, fans help the team win in unexpected ways. Whether it’s wearing their lucky jersey on gameday or sitting in the same chair because the Broncos always play better when they’re there, everyone does their part to help the team. That’s why fans are what makes football so special.
5.) Mother Nature
It’s been an unusually warm football season here in Denver, but that might actually have worked in the Broncos’ favor.
The temperature at kickoff time in Denver for every single home game has been 60 degrees or higher this season, which is the first time that’s happened in franchise history. Coincidentally, the Broncos went 8-1 when playing at Mile High, good for the best home record in the NFL.
Mother Nature may once again be lending a hand. Denver is currently forecasted to enjoy another warm weekend, with highs reaching the mid-50s ahead of the Broncos’ matchup against the Bills.
Is it a good omen for another Broncos win? Only time will tell.
As gameday creeps closer, we tip our caps to everyone who has helped the Broncos en route to this incredible season. It’s been a thrilling ride so far, so why stop now? Let’s beat the Bills on Saturday, January 17 and go all the way! We’ll see you next Tuesday for another Bucket Listcle, hopefully after a Broncos win this weekend. Go Broncos!
Do you have a listicle in mind? Send ideas to ryland.c.scholes@gmail.com. And don’t forget to check out our events calendar on our website to see what else is happening in your area.
See you next Tuesday with another Bucket Listicle.
Ryland Scholes
Production Manager & Senior Reporter/ Bucket List Community News
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