When the Denver Broncos face the Cleveland Browns in Sunday's game, Denver is actually facing the second incarnation of the Browns.
This version of the Browns began play as a new Cleveland team in 1999, after the original Browns relocated to Baltimore.
The Browns of course are led by second-year quarterback Baker Mayfield, the former Heisman Trophy winner from Oklahoma.
But back in the day against the original Browns and their quarterback at the time, Bernie Kosar, the Broncos had one of the most legendary AFC Championship Games of all time, a game special enough to have its own name, that being "The Fumble."
It was Jan. 17, 1988 at Mile High Stadium, the AFC title game for the 1987 season, and it came just one year after future Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway had stepped into legend status by leading "The Drive" in Cleveland.
This was perhaps the only instance of two teams playing for the conference title in consecutive years with each game becoming the stuff of legend, as was the case with "The Drive" followed by "The Fumble."
While it happened over 30 years ago, the memories still rankle Cleveland fans who had to watch their beloved Browns lose to Denver for the right to play in the Super Bowl three years out of four, including the 1989 season.
It was mostly sunny in Denver that day in 1988, with a relatively pleasant January high temperature of 44 degrees.
The game saw three first-half scoring drives by Denver that put the Broncos ahead by a 21-3 halftime margin, and it looked like clear sailing for Denver.
But the Browns marched back in the third quarter, scoring 21 points to Denver's 10, and going into the fourth quarter, Denver clung to a 31-24 lead.
Browns running back Earnest Byner had scored twice in the third quarter, the first touchdown on a 32-yard pass from Kosar and the second on a 4-yard run.
Elway connected with wide receiver Mark Jackson on an 80-yard scoring play in that exciting third quarter as well.
Photos from the Broncos' regular-season and postseason games against the Browns, going back to the 1986 AFC Championship Game.
Harvey Goodman blocks a Cleveland Brown.
Wide receiver Haven Moses runs the ball downfield during a game against the Cleveland Browns.
FILE - In this Jan. 12, 1987, file photo, Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway prepares to send the ball down field en route to a 23-20 overtime victory in the AFC Championship game against the Cleveland Browns, in Cleveland. On the sports misery index, Atlanta and Cleveland are hard to beat, and have come up with plenty of excruciating ways to come up short. (AP Photo/File)
Sammy Winder turns upfield for a gain against the Browns.
Running back Sammy Winder runs the ball during the January 11, 1987 AFC Championship overtime win (23-20) at Cleveland.
Linebacker Tom Jackson tackles a Browns ball carrier during the January 11, 1987 AFC Championship overtime win (23-20) at Cleveland.
Wide receiver Mark Jackson is tackled by a Browns defender during the January 11, 1987 overtime win (23-20 Ñ the Drive) over Cleveland in Cleveland. Wide receiver Mark Jackson is tackled by a Browns defender during the January 11, 1987 overtime win (23-20 — the Drive) over Cleveland in Cleveland.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Mark Jackson (80) celebrates after scoring a 5-yard touchdown catch with 0:37 seconds remaining in regulation time of the Broncos 23-20 overtime victory over the Cleveland Browns in the 1986 AFC Championship Game on January 11, 1987 at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in Cleveland. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Holder Gary Kubiak celebrates after Rich Karlis' January 11, 1987 game winning field goal (23-20) in Cleveland that sent the Broncos to the Super Bowl.
Denver quarterback John Elway (7) is tripped up by Cleveland's Sam Clancy after Elway picked up first down yardage during the AFC Championship game in Denver, Jan. 18, 1988. Elway completed 14 of 26 passes and threw three for touchdowns as Denver defeated Cleveland 38-33. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
Denver Broncos Steve Sewell heads for the goal line to score the second touchdown for the Broncos during the first quarter against Cleveland, Jan. 17, 1988 in Denver. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
Denver Broncos Gene Lang (33) rushes upfield with the ball during an AFC Championship game against the Cleveland Browns Jan. 18, 1988, in Denver. Denver defeated Cleveland 38-33 to earn a trip to the Super Bowl. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Denver Broncos Jeremiah Castille, on ground, looks for a loose football after stripping it from the hands of Cleveland running back Earnest Byner (44) during the closing minutes of the AFC championship game in Denver, Sunday, Jan. 17, 1988. Denver recovered the ball to stop a possible Cleveland tieing touchdown. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway leaves the field with a smile on his face after his team defeated the Cleveland Browns 38-33 winning the AFC Championship and a trip to the Super Bowl in Denver Sunday, Jan. 17, 1988. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Michael Young (83) runs upfield with a reception during the 1989 AFC Championship NFL Game against the Cleveland Browns in Denver, Colo., on January 14, 1990. The Broncos defeated the Browns 37-21. (AP Photo/Eric Lars Bakke)
Running back Sammy Winder runs through the hole during the January 14, 1990 AFC Championship win (37-21) against the Cleveland Browns.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Mike Young (83) celebrates as he scores on a 70-yard reception during the 1989 AFC Championship NFL Game against the Cleveland Browns in Denver, Colo., on January 14, 1990. The Broncos defeated the Browns 37-21. (AP Photo/Eric Lars Bakke)
Denver Broncos running back Sammy Winder (23) leaves Cleveland Browns defenders Kyle Kramer (40) and Frank Minniefield (31) in the dust as he breaks away on a 39 yard touchdown reception during action in the AFC Championship game, Sunday, Jan. 15, 1990, Denver, Colo. (AP Photo/Billy Haber)
John Elway avoids a tackle during the AFC Championship game against the Cleveland Browns January 14,1989. John Elway avoids a tackle during the AFC Championship game against the Cleveland Browns January 14,1989.
Denver Broncos defensive end Alphonso Carreker (92) eyes Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar (19) as he pass rushes during the 1989 AFC Championship NFL Game in Denver, Colo., on January 14, 1990. The Broncos defeated the Browns 37-21. (AP Photo/Eric Lars Bakke)
Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway (7) flashes the number one sign as he leaves the field following the Broncos win over the Cleveland Browns in the AFC Championship game, Jan. 14, 1990, in Denver. (AP Photos/Ed Andrieski)
Members of the 1989 AFC Champions team celebrate after the January 14, 1990 win (37-21) against Cleveland.
John Elway sets to pass against the Cleveland Browns November 7, 1993.
John Elway chats with Cleveland Browns Bernie Kosar after a Browns Stadium November 7, 1993.
The Broncos defense tackles a Browns player in an October 1994 win (26-14).
Linebacker Karl Mecklenburg prepares to wrap up a Browns ball carrier during an October 30, 1994 win against Cleveland.
Billy Jenkins intercepts a Browns pass attempt and sprints to the endzone for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 15, 2000.
Billy Jenkins and Al Wilson sack Tim Couch against the Cleveland Browns at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 15, 2000.
Ed McCaffrey makes a reception against the Cleveland Browns at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 15, 2000.
Trevor Pryce celebrates after sacking the Browns quarterback against the Cleveland Browns at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 15, 2000.
Kavika Pittman sacks the Browns quarterback against the Cleveland Browns at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 15, 2000.
Darius Holland stuffs a Browns ball carrier against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
Clinton Portis rushes the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
Clinton Portis stands ready at his running back position against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
Clinton Portis flexes his muscles in front of the Browns defenders against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
Keith Burns celebrates his play on special teams against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
Ashley Lelie makes a leaping catch against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
Jason Elam celebrates after kicking the game winning field goal in overtime against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
Eddie Royal is off to the races after hauling in a pass for an eventual 93 yard touchdown in fourth quarter action against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium November 6, 2008
Denver Broncos in action against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium November 6, 2008
Tony Scheffler turns up field after a second quarter reception during action against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium November 6, 2008
To celebrate his Ring of Fame induction that day, former tight end Shannon Sharpe dropped into the stadium as part of the Thunderstorm sky-diving crew before in the NFL game against the Cleveland Browns September 20, 2009 at Invesco Field
Surrounded by his family, Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen and Ring of Famer Karl Mecklenburg, former tight end Shannon Sharpe gives his Ring of Fame induction speech during the Broncos' game against the Cleveland Browns September 20, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Against the Cleveland Browns September 20, 2009 at Invesco Field
Elvis Dumervil sacks Brady Quinn in the NFL game against the Cleveland Browns September 20, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) motions a receiver at the line of scrimmage on Denver's second series during first quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver,CO December 23, 2012.
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) sacks the quarterback for a 9 yard loss during third quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on December 23, 2012.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) hauls in a 22 yard touchdown pass during first quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver,CO December 23, 2012.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker (87) celebrates his 10 yard catch for a touchdown during second quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver,CO December 23, 2012.
Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) tackles Cleveland Browns Trent Richardson (33) on a 5 yard carry during second quarter action in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver,CO December 23, 2012.
Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno (27) tries to avoid going out of bounds on a 7 yard carry during third quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver,CO December 23, 2012.
Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24) on defense during second quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver,CO December 23, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass during second quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on December 23, 2012.
Denver Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard (52) celebrates a sack during fourth quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on December 23, 2012.
Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) celebrates his interception for a 63 yard return for a touchdown during second quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH October 18, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) cuts up field on a during fourth quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH October 18, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Thinking he was untouched,Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) heads to the end zone on a 38 yard reception against the Cleveland Browns during fourth quarter action in the NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH October 18, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
during second quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH October 18, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) passes short to Ronnie Hillman for 5 yard gain during third quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH October 18, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus (8) kicks a 34 yard field goal to defeat the Cleveland Browns in overtime 26-23 in the NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH October 18, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) is congratulated by teammates after recovering a Cleveland Browns fumble during third quarter action in the NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH October 18, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Cleveland Browns defensive back Tramon Williams (22) defends Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) on a deep pass during fourth quarter action in the NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH October 18, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Both quarterbacks had banner days, with Kosar passing for 356 yards and three touchdowns while Elway passed for 281 yards and three scores as well, adding 36 yards on the ground to give him 317 yards of total offense.
The Browns tied the score at 31 on a 4-yard touchdown pass from Kosar to wide receiver Webster Slaughter with 10:38 left in the final period.
Denver then went ahead 38-31 with just over four minutes left to play on a 20-yard touchdown pass from Elway to underrated running back Sammy Winder.
But Kosar and the Browns were not done, and the game did not yet have its "forever more" identity.
That would all come on the game's final drive.
Kosar and the Browns advanced to the Denver 8-yard line with 1:12 remaining and it looked like the two titans would play overtime to determine the AFC championship for the second straight year.
But on the next play Kosar handed the ball to Byner, who accounted for 187 yards of total offense that day (67 rushing and 120 receiving, with one score each way), and it appeared to everyone that Byner had a clear path to the end zone.
However, Byner had the ball stripped by reserve Denver defensive back Jeremiah Castille in a desperation move as Byner thundered by, with Castille recovering the fumble himself at the Broncos' 3-yard line.
In fact, it looked to many observers like Byner had scored before everyone noticed Broncos linebacker Karl Mecklenburg signaling the fumble recovery by Castille.
There was just a minute left in the game, and Castille left Byner and the Browns crestfallen in disappointment.
Denver ran three plays and took a safety with eight seconds left as time ran out on the Browns.
The game showcased many heroes on both teams, but the official defensive statistics showed just two tackles for Jeremiah Castille.
However, the unheralded defensive back from Alabama also had forced and recovered one of the most famous turnovers in National Football League history.
Castille marked the game forever as "The Fumble" in one of the greatest AFC Championship Games ever played and further cemented the great rivalry between the Broncos and the Cleveland Browns.
