Broncos Throwback Uniforms: Orange Crush and Old Jerseys
Posted by JerseyZenith on Oct 25th 2026
- The Broncos began in 1960 in mustard yellow and brown.
- Orange and blue arrived in 1962.
- Navy replaced royal blue in 1997.
- The Mile High Collection came in 2024.
This guide covers the Denver Broncos' uniform history from the team's early years to 2026, mostly from Wikipedia's logos and uniforms timeline. It does not cover every minor change.
Denver Broncos uniform timeline
| Year | What changed | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Debut: white and mustard yellow jerseys, brown helmets and pants, vertically striped socks | The most unusual Broncos look |
| 1962 | Bucking horse logo; colors change to orange, royal blue and white; orange helmets | The first orange-and-blue set |
| 1968 | The horse logo comes out of a "D"; royal blue helmets and thin sleeve stripes | The Orange Crush look |
| 1975 | Facemasks change from gray to white | A small update |
| 1977 | The defense's "Orange Crush" nickname begins (through 1983) | The era behind the throwback |
| 1994 | 1965 throwback uniforms worn for two games | An early throwback |
| 1997 | New logo unveiled Feb. 4; navy replaces royal blue; navy jerseys become the home primary | A 27-year design |
| 2002 | Alternate orange jersey introduced | A mirror of the navy design |
| 2012 | Orange becomes the primary home jersey; navy becomes the alternate | The switch back to orange |
| 2016 | Color Rush with orange pants debuts at the Chargers | One-off look; Color Rush ended after 2023 |
| 2022 | White jerseys with alternate navy pants debut at Jacksonville's London game | A mixed look |
| 2023 | White jerseys at home for the first time since 2003 | A new home option |
| 2024 | "Mile High Collection" unveiled April 22: Sunset Orange, Midnight Navy and Summit White; Orange Crush throwback; blue "D-horse" helmet | The first uniform change since 1997 |
| 2025 | All-navy against Cincinnati; all-white at Kansas City on Christmas | Mono-color sets |
From mustard to orange
The Broncos started in 1960 in white and mustard yellow with brown helmets and pants and vertically striped socks. In 1962 they adopted a bucking horse logo and changed to orange, royal blue and white. In 1968 the logo was redesigned so that the horse comes out of a "D" and the helmets changed to royal blue.
The Orange Crush years
The defense's "Orange Crush" nickname dates to 1977 and ran through 1983. The 2024 throwback honors those 1977 uniforms, which featured royal blue "D" helmets. The 2026 throwback is orange with oversized white numbers and Legacy Blue trim and is worn twice. Our Broncos jerseys 2026 guide has the dates.
The navy era
A 1997 redesign introduced a horse-head logo and replaced royal blue with navy, and navy jerseys became the home primary. The look lasted until 2012, when orange became the primary again. An orange alternate jersey was added in 2002 and navy pants in 2003.
Color Rush and white jerseys
A Color Rush uniform with orange pants debuted on October 13, 2016 at the Chargers and was discontinued after the 2023 season. White jerseys returned at home in Week 2 of 2023 against Washington, the first time since 2003. A white jersey with navy pants appeared at Jacksonville's London game on October 30, 2022.
The Mile High Collection
In 2024 the Broncos unveiled the Mile High Collection, the first uniform change since 1997. It has simpler stripes, block numbers inspired by Colorado national park signs and stripes that nod to the Rockies. The primary helmets are navy and the alternates are white. The collection includes a Midnight Navy alternate and the Orange Crush throwback.
Which era should you buy?
| Era | Closest current style | Where to shop |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Crush | Orange throwback | Broncos throwback jerseys |
| Sunset Orange home | Orange home | Broncos home jerseys |
| White road | White away | Broncos away jerseys |
| Midnight Navy | Navy alternate | Broncos alternate jerseys |
Our listings use the current Nike designs. If you want an older look, the closest current style is usually the best match, and each product page says which style it is.
Shop the modern looks
See the Denver Broncos jerseys, the Broncos throwback jerseys, the Denver Broncos jerseys 2026 guide and the Broncos jersey numbers guide. The Broncos home jersey, the away jersey and the alternate jerseys show how today's design connects to the eras above.
Denver Broncos helmets through the years
Denver's helmets moved from brown to royal blue to navy, and the throwback helmet keeps the D-horse alive.
| Year | Helmet |
|---|---|
| 1960 | Brown helmets and pants |
| 1968 | Royal blue helmets with the D-horse logo |
| 1997 | Navy era begins with the horse-head logo |
| 2024 | Primary helmet navy, alternate helmet white; a royal blue D-horse helmet for the 1977 throwback |
For logo changes, read the Broncos logo history, and see Broncos colors and the NFL helmets guide. Our legends jerseys page covers Retired Player styles.
Other ways to search for the Broncos throwback uniforms and helmets
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FAQ
When did the Broncos change their uniforms?
The biggest changes were 1962, 1968, 1997 and 2024.
What is the Orange Crush?
The Broncos' defense in 1977–83, and the throwback uniform that honors it.
When did Orange become the Broncos' home color again?
In 2012.
What is the Mile High Collection?
The 2024 uniform set with Sunset Orange, Midnight Navy and Summit White.
What do the Broncos wear in 2026?
See our Denver Broncos jerseys 2026 guide for every uniform and date.
Which Broncos numbers are retired?
See our Broncos jersey numbers guide.
What did the original Broncos jersey look like?
The original Broncos jersey in 1960 was white and mustard yellow with brown helmets and pants.
What are the old Broncos jerseys?
Old Broncos jerseys include the 1960 mustard yellow set, the 1962 orange and blue set, the 1968 Orange Crush look and the navy 1997 design.
Where can I find an old Broncos jersey?
Denver Broncos old jerseys are sold as throwbacks; see our throwback page.
What color is the Broncos helmet?
Navy for the primary helmet and white for the alternate; the throwback uses a royal blue helmet.
What is the Broncos helmet logo?
The horse head since 1997; the D-horse returns on throwback helmets.