Most Career Passing Yards by a Denver Broncos Player

The Broncos’ quarterback legacy starts — and nearly ends — with one name: John Elway. But look closer, and you’ll find a rich mix of Hall of Famers, one-season wonders, and overlooked gunslingers. From Peyton Manning’s record-breaking run to Jake Plummer’s grit and Jay Cutler’s raw talent, the Broncos’ top 10 passing leaders tell the story of a franchise always chasing greatness under center.

TOP 10 LIST

10. Russell Wilson – 6,594 Yards
His time in Denver didn’t go as planned, but Wilson still threw for over 6,500 yards in two seasons. Despite the struggles, he etched his name into the top 10.

9. Charley Johnson – 7,238 Yards
A steady presence in the early 1970s, Johnson helped bridge the gap to the Morton era. He wasn’t flashy, but he delivered when needed.

8. Frank Tripucka – 7,676 Yards
The Broncos’ very first quarterback, Tripucka threw the first pass in franchise history and helped put the team on the map in the AFL.

7. Kyle Orton – 8,434 Yards
Often overlooked, Orton was quietly effective during his stint in Denver. He put up solid yardage totals in tough seasons and played cleaner football than he gets credit for.

6. Jay Cutler – 9,024 Yards
Before becoming the Bears’ all-time passing leader, Cutler made his mark in Denver with a cannon arm and fearless throws. His upside was never in question — but consistency was.

5. Jake Plummer – 11,631 Yards
“The Snake” gave Denver one of its most fun and unpredictable eras. A playoff win and a Pro Bowl nod made his stint one of the more memorable post-Elway tenures.

4. Brian Griese – 11,763 Yards
Griese had the unenviable task of following John Elway, but he produced efficiently and made a Pro Bowl in 2000. Injuries and inconsistency limited his ceiling.

3. Craig Morton – 11,895 Yards
Morton led Denver to its first Super Bowl in 1977. His leadership and grit defined the late ’70s Broncos, and he remains one of the team’s most respected passers.

2. Peyton Manning – 17,112 Yards
Though he played just four seasons in Denver, Manning’s impact was enormous — including an MVP season and a Super Bowl title. His 2013 campaign (5,477 yards, 55 TDs) was legendary.

1. John Elway – 51,475 Yards
The ultimate Bronco. Elway played 16 seasons, went to five Super Bowls, won two, and retired as one of the most prolific passers in NFL history. His place at the top isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Ranking the 10 best single-game passing yard performances in Denver Broncos history

Top 50 Single-Game Passing Performances in Broncos History

This chart shows every Broncos player to record 300+ passing yards in a single game, including legendary performances from John Elway, Peyton Manning, and Jake Plummer.

John Elway’s record might be eternal, but the names behind him represent key chapters in Broncos history. Peyton Manning gave Denver one of its greatest seasons ever, while underrated guys like Plummer, Morton, and Orton carried the torch in between eras. Whether a legend or a stopgap, each QB in the top 10 left their stamp on the Mile High City.

FAQ SECTION

Who holds the Broncos record for most career passing yards?
John Elway leads with 51,475 yards — over 34,000 more than the next closest QB.

Is Peyton Manning on the list despite only four seasons in Denver?
Yes — Manning ranks 2nd with 17,112 yards, including a historic 2013 season.

Are any Super Bowl winners on the list?
Yes — both John Elway and Peyton Manning won Super Bowls as starting quarterbacks for the Broncos.

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