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Broncos Country braces for cold as downtown Denver prepares for AFC Championship Fan Rally

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Broncos Country braces for cold as downtown Denver prepares for AFC Championship Fan Rally


Broncos Country is getting ready to turn downtown Denver orange and blue and fans are being told to bundle up.

A free, family-friendly Denver Broncos fan rally is set for Saturday afternoon at Larimer Square, giving fans a chance to relive history and build excitement ahead of Sunday’s AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High. Frigid winter conditions are expected, but organizers say the cold won’t stop Broncos fans from showing up in full force.

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The rally runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and does not require a ticket. Fans are encouraged to RSVP through the Broncos’ website before arriving. Admission is first-come, first-served.

The event comes nearly a decade after the Broncos’ last AFC Championship appearance, a 20-18 victory over the New England Patriots in 2016 that sent Denver to Super Bowl 50. That week, fans packed Larimer Square for a similar rally before the Broncos went on to win their third Lombardi Trophy.

Saturday’s rally will feature Miles the mascot, Broncos cheerleaders, Super Bowl trophies, live music, and appearances from team ambassadors. The official Broncos DJ will also be on site as the square transforms into a sea of orange and blue.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Atwater says events like this can have a real impact on a team’s mindset heading into a championship game.

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“To get the chance to see all these people that are going to be there at the fan rally is going to be amazing,” Atwater said. “I remember we had something similar back in the day, but I’m sure it will be many more people here this time. It lets the team know Broncos Country is 100 percent behind them.”

Atwater, a legendary Broncos safety, played in four AFC Championship Games during his career, winning three, and was a key part of Denver’s championship runs in the late 1990s. He says that energy from fans can resonate inside the locker room.

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Larmier Square is showing off its orange and blue for the AFC Championship Fan Rally.

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Businesses along Larimer Square are also preparing for the crowds and the economic boost the rally is expected to bring.

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“I grew up here and was here in 2016 when the Broncos won the Super Bowl,” said Shannon Manning, a sales associate at John Atencio Jewelry. “It’s exciting to see that energy revitalized again, especially for local Denver businesses.”

Despite the cold forecast, organizers expect a strong turnout as fans look to get the party started early ahead of Sunday’s showdown. Broncos Country is encouraged to dress warmly, arrive early and be ready to celebrate.

The Broncos host the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Fans who don’t want to brave the cold can watch it on CBS Colorado. 



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Ranking the Broncos free agent needs on offense

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Ranking the Broncos free agent needs on offense


NFL Free Agency opens up on Wednesday, with the legal tampering period beginning on Monday. The top free agents usually all commit to a team during that period, so be ready to rock and roll to start next week.

I figured now would be a good time to do a little discussion around the Denver Broncos and where we think their top priorities should be on offense when free agency kicks off.

Broncos top FA needs on offense

Tim Lynch: For free agency, I’d say running back and tight end are the highest on my wish list.

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I’d say pay big for a top free agent running back and ensure you have a monster two-headed backfield next season. They need a superior run-blocking tight end and, if they move on from Evan Engram, a pass-catcher too.

Christopher Hart: I agree with Tim. Those are the biggest needs for the offense. Getting a top-notch running back and a tight end capable of playing inline to replace Adam Trautman is a must. The two players I advocated a few weeks ago were running back Travis Etienne and tight end Cade Otton. Both would be fantastic additions and help take Denver’s offense to the next level in 2026.

Scotty Payne: Playmaker is the top and biggest need. That includes a RB, TE, and/or WR in that order.

Need to improve the run game regardless, need some sort of production out of the TEs as well as improved blocking, and if they can get a true WR1, that would be great too.

Ross Allen: I think we’re all in agreement.

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Getting someone who can be the dominant running back and have RJ Harvey serve that glamorous “joker” role would be huge for this offense. And given that they also don’t have a legitimate playmaker at the receiving position hurts them. A TE or WR can fill that role.

Sadaraine: The #1 need for the Broncos on offense is a top-notch running back. I will be blown away if the Broncos don’t sign a top-tier free agent running back to upgrade the offense (and no, J.K. Dobbins wouldn’t be that guy…not with his injury history).

There’s a significant gap in need after that until we start talking about tight ends and receivers. I think we’re more likely to see more money spent on a tight end than a receiver, but this offense could use both to be sure.

Ian St. Clair: Not to beat a dead horse, but running back is the biggest need and priority for this team when free agency starts. Having a consistent and effective running game will make Nix and the offense exponentially better. It will make the team better. After running back, the Broncos need to figure out their tight end.

Adam Malnati: Give Bo a weapon. I don’t care which position. Yes, RB is a need. Yes, TE is a need (thanks a lot Evan Engram). Still, a weapon would be nice.

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Predictably, we’re all heavily keyed in on running back and tight end. That was a big part of our free agent profile coverage too and for good reason. There have been many rumors around Denver looking to target both positions next week and where there is smoke there is usually fire.

The question really becomes: go big or go affordable? With the championship window open, I’m leaning go big on premium play-maker positions this offseason.

Where do you stand on this discussion? Give us your top free agent needs on offense and how you hope the Broncos address them next week.



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Denver area events for March 5

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Denver area events for March 5


If you have an event taking place in the Denver area, email information to carlotta.olson@gazette.com at least two weeks in advance. All events are listed in the calendar on space availability. Thursday Camilla Vaitaitis Quartet — 6:30 p.m., Dazzle at Baur’s, 1080 14th St., Denver, go online for prices. Tickets: dazzledenver.com/#/events. Miguel — 7 p.m., Fillmore Auditorium, […]



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Report: Broncos expected to ‘make a splash’ at running back

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Report: Broncos expected to ‘make a splash’ at running back


The Denver Broncos are in the market for a running back.

Just two days after NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Denver wants to have the running back position addressed before the draft, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported that the Broncos are “poised to make a splash” at running back during NFL free agency.

“Denver is the reason why the Jets used the franchise tag on Breece Hall rather than the transition tag, according to sources, making sure Denver wouldn’t get the opportunity to put together an offer the Jets would refuse to match,” Jones wrote for CBS Sports.

Jones said the Broncos would be an obvious potential landing spot for Kenneth Walker, and he noted that Travis Etienne could be a cheaper alternative. The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider also reported this week that Denver is expected to “closely examine” the RB market, and he name-dropped Walker, Etienne and Rico Dowdle.

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The Broncos also have an in-house free agent at RB in J.K. Dobbins, who has expressed his desire to remain in Denver. The Broncos can begin negotiating with pending free agents from other clubs on March 9, but no deals can become official until the new league year begins on March 11. In-house free agents can be re-signed at any time.

Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.



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