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One of the truly great Denver Broncos of all time will call it a career today, hours after he signs a one-day contract with the team. Kicker Jason Elam wanted to retire as a Bronco, and the team has agreed to the contract so he can file his retirement papers with the league.
Elam, who played for Denver for 15 years, was picked by the Broncos in the third round of the 1993 draft and was a fixture on the squad through the 2007 season (via Mile High Report). Former head coach Mike Shanahan didn’t re-sign Elam after the 2007 season, so he took a two-year contract to play with the Atlanta Falcons, but he only lasted a season and a half before being cut.
Although his skill declined significantly as his career waned, he retires having been a part of both of Denver’s Super Bowl-winning teams and second only to John Elway in number of total wins (152) with the Broncos. Elam scored the most points ever by one player for one team and also holds the record for most 100-point seasons, notes 9News, as well as tying the record for longest field goal in NFL history with a 63-yard kick as a Bronco.
Looking back through his career, a Denver Post photo gallery (free registration required) will bring back many memories of the kicker.
Meanwhile, new Broncos defensive end Jarvis Green tells The Denver Post that when he became a free agent, after eight years in New England, Denver was the only city in which he wanted to play.
The same can’t be said for wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who technically remains a Bronco but is trying hard to get out of town. Grand Junction’s Daily Sentinel thinks the team’s strategy for Marshall’s future is confusing and wants the Broncos to make a move so fans can get on with their lives.