Take a trip back through Broncos history with photos from some of the Broncos' best games against the Steelers.
Broncos running back Bobby Anderson takes a second-quarter screen pass from quarterback Steve Ramsey to the Steelers 24-yard-line for a gain of 22 yards, setting up their second score, a field goal, in Pittsburgh on Sunday, Nov. 28, 1971. In on the tackle for the Steelers are Andy Russell (34), Mel Blount (47), and Ben McGee, on ground. (AP Photo/HC)
Defensive tackle Lyle Alzado rushes the Steelers quarterback during a game at Mile High Stadium.
Defensive end Barney Chavous rushes Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw during a game at Mile High Stadium.
Running back Otis Armstrong runs over some Pittsburgh Steeler tacklers in a Sept. 22, 1974 tie at Mile High Stadium.
Denver's Mile High Stadium, with the Colorado Rocky Mountains in background, Dec. 24, 1977 is packed with fan's prior to the AFC playoff game between the host Denver Broncos and the Pittsburgh Steelers. (AP Photo)
Denver Broncos running back Otis Armstrong (24) goes into end zone on one leg as he scores against Pittsburgh Steelers in Saturday’s AFC Playoff Game in Denver on Dec. 24, 1977. Steelers safety Glen Edwards misses flying tackle. (AP Photo)
Denver Broncos running back Rob Lytle (41) dives into end zone to score in first quarter of Saturday's AFC Playoff Game against Pittsburgh Steelers at Mile High Stadium, Dec. 24, 1977 in Denver. Jim Allen (45) of Steelers lies on field after missing Lytle. (AP Photo)
Broncos running back Rob Lytle (41) is hoisted in jubilation by teammate Claudie Minor after Lytle scored against Pittsburgh Steelers in first quarter of AFC Playoff Game, Saturday, Dec. 24, 1977 in Denver. Linebacker Jack Ham of Steelers walks past the jubilation. (AP Photo)
Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton, left, pats stomach of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw after AFC Game, Saturday, Dec. 24, 1977 at Denver's Mile High Stadium. Morton and the Broncos beat the Steelers, 34-21, to win their first Playoff Game in their NFL history. (AP Photo)
Running back Sammy Winder scores a touchdown during a September 4, 1983 win (14-10) over the Steelers in Pittsburgh.
Steve Busick tackles a Steeler while Mike Harden closes in.
Barney Chavous rushes the Steelers' QB.
Running back Steve Sewell runs the ball during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Linebacker Karl Mecklenburg tackles a Steelers ball carrier during a January 7, 1990 playoff win (24-23) over Pittsburgh at Mile High Stadium.
Denver Broncos running back Melvin Bratton (32) dives over teammate Doug Widell (67) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive and Keith Willis (93) to score a second-quarter Broncos touchdown on Jan. 7, 1990 in Denver. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
John Elway scrambles out of the pocket against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
John Elway scrambles during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 21, 1993.
Running back Robert Delpino dives into the end zone during a November 21, 1993 win (37-13) against the Steelers.
John Elway hands the ball off during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 21, 1993.
John Elway speaks with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Neil O'Donnell after the game on November 21,1993.
John Elway drops back to pass during the AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Terrell Davis begins the game with a long rush during the AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Gary Zimmerman blocks at the offensive line, guarding his quarterback.
Darrien Gordon deflects a pass from Yancey Thigpen and intercepts it in the end zone.
Rod Smith makes a reception and stretches for a first down to keep a third-quarter drive alive against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Jason Elam kicks what turns out to be the deciding field goal of the game in the Broncos' 24-21 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh on January 11, 1998.
Denver Broncos in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
John Elway celebrates with Tony Jones after their victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC Championship against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium January 11, 1998.
Owner Pat Bowlen carries the AFC Championship trophy after the win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Mike Shanahan holds up the AFC Championship trophy and says, "This is not the one we want." The Broncos beat the Steelers 24-21 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Rod Smith rushes the ball on a reverse play against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Al Wilson at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Clinton Portis rushes the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Broncos defenders converge to stuff a Steelers ball carrier against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Broncos defenders converge to stuff a Steelers ball carrier against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Shannon Sharpe celebrates after his touchdown reception against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Mario Fatafehi celebrates after sacking Tommy Maddox against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Nick Ferguson forces a fumble on Jerome Bettis' carry against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Jason Elam celebrates his game-winning field goal as time expires against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Jason Elam is surrounded by his teammates after kicking a 47 yard game winning field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joey Porter (55) chases Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer (16) out of the pocket in the first quarter of football action at Pittsburgh, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Deshea Townsend (26) can't break up a first quarter touchdown pass from Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer to Rod Smith (80) during their football game in Pittsburgh Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward (86) collides with Denver Broncos' John Lynch, bottom left, and Al Wilson (56) and loses the ball on the goal line late in the fourth quarter of football action at Pittsburgh, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. The ball was intercepted by Broncos' Curome Cox in the end zone. The Broncos beat the Steelers 31-20. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, far left, is dragged down by Denver Broncos defensive linemen Elvis Dumervil, front right, and Alvin McKinley, back right, as linebacker Nate Webster, far right, comes in to cover in the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 31-28 victory in an NFL football game in Denver on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark, right, reaches out to stop Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall from scoring a touchdown after catching a pass in the third quarter of the Broncos' 31-28 victory in an NFL football game in Denver on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007. Marshall's reception set up a touchdown pass to tight end Tony Scheffler. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Clark Haggans, back, pulls down Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry after a short gain during an NFL football game in Denver on Oct. 21, 2007. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos kicker Jason Elam (1) watches with Pittsburgh Steelers special teams players Ike Taylor, second from left, and Troy Polamalu, fourth from left, and Broncos special teams player Chad Mustard, left, as Elam's kick sails through the uprights for the winning score in the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 31-28 victory in an NFL football game in Denver on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Von Miller and Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger chase down a fumble during fourth-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Willis McGahee rushes the ball during third-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Denver Bronco Matt Willis (12) and Pittsburgh Steeler Troy Polamalu (43) battle for a pass in second quarter of the AFC Wild Card playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Tim Tebow scrambles for 10 yards during fourth-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Champ Bailey (24) breaks up a pass to against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (Photo by Gabriel Christus/ The Denver Broncos)
Robert Ayers celebrates a sack during second-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Demaryius Thomas (88) scores the game-winning touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (Photo by Gabriel Christus/ The Denver Broncos)
Demaryius Thomas escapes from Ike Taylor and the Steelers defense for a touchdown to win the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
David Bruton jumps into the stands after the win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff game January 8, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) passes the ball during first quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on September 9, 2012.
Von Miller sacks QB Ben Roethlisberger in fourth-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Von Miller reacts after sacking QB Ben Roethlisberger in fourth-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Demaryius Thomas scores a touchdown in third-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Tracy Porter deflects a pass in the second-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jacob Tamme #84 scores a touchdown in fourth-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Chris Harris Jr. sacks Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger in third-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Peyton Manning greets QB Ben Roethlisberger after the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Bennie Fowler (16) carries the ball for a first down during fourth quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 17, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) recovers a fumble during fourth quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 17, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) talks with Pittsburg Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin before action in the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 17, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) carries the ball during fourth quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 17, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) waits for the snap during first quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 17, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during fourth quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 17, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos placekicker Brandon McManus (8) kicks a 45 yard field goal during fourth quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 17, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos defensive back Darian Stewart (26) grabs Pittsburgh Steelers running back Fitzgerald Toussaint (33) during first quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 17, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) pushes off Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ross Cockrell (31) on a first down reception on Denver's 4th quarter scoring drive against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL AFC Divisional playoff game at Denver, Colo. January 17, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) spikes the ball after scoring a two-point conversion during fourth quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 17, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) reacts after breaking up a pass during third quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 17, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
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Tom Jackson, the heart and soul of the Denver Broncos for 14 years, was the emotional linchpin of the franchise as it climbed out of the abyss of mediocrity to become a premier NFL team.
Many fans today know him more for his lengthy career with ESPN, but many fewer are aware that he only had two employers after leaving the University of Louisville: the Broncos and the fabled television network.
Always approachable by media and fans, Jackson (more often referred to as "T.J.") stands at the top of the short list of most popular, most talkative and most philosophical Broncos players.
He was also one of the franchise’s most successful players, too, helping lead the Broncos to many memorable moments.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the league’s most legendary franchises, and back in 1977, when they came to Mile High Stadium for their divisional playoff game against the upstart Denver Broncos, they were in the midst of a six-year span in which they won four world titles.
It was the first playoff game in Broncos history, and few who were there on Christmas Eve, 1977, could have imagined that Denver would go to the Super Bowl eight times and claim three world championships over the next 40 years.
Let's let T.J. tell it as he remembers the day.
"The Steelers were the first playoff opponent in Denver history,” Jackson says. “We were in Mile High and I was very confident we would play well. It was a very physical game and the ebb and flow of it just sticks out in my mind."
Jackson ranged sideline to sideline for seven tackles against the Steelers, the most among the Broncos' front seven that day, and two of the biggest plays of the game were interceptions by Jackson.
In addition to a fumble recovery, three of Pittsburgh's drives ended with the ball in his hands.
The score was tied 7-7 in the second period when Jackson recovered a fumble and returned it 30 yards to the Pittsburgh 10-yard line, setting a go-ahead touchdown run by Otis Armstrong for the Broncos. They went into the half tied at 14-14, but the Broncos never trailed in the game, and they led all the way in momentum, with their young linebacker exhorting the crowd.
Saving his most dramatic moments for the fourth quarter, Jackson stole two passes from Terry Bradshaw in the final period.
"It just felt to me — and I have always been proud of this — that game was the biggest game, at that time, that we had ever played, and I played my best in it,” Jackson says. “The interception that was really the most difficult one was right on the line of scrimmage, the first one.
"I backed up into the end zone, but I was kind of reading one of the running backs that wasn't coming out. Terry gunned the ball, and I assumed it was a square end of a curl that was right behind me. To this day I couldn't tell you because I never turned around, but I just jumped up and happened to hit the ball. It was straight up in the air and it came right down to me. I got a pretty good return and put our offense in position where they had a short field."
Jackson’s 32-yard return set up Jim Turner's second field goal in a 13-point fourth quarter for the Broncos.
"The other interception, the second one, was a little out route late in the game where Terry throws to the flat. I got that one, then we walked off with a win and I think our history really started to be written."
That second interception came with the Broncos holding onto a 27-21 lead and Pittsburgh believing it could win. Jackson returned it 17 yards to the Steelers 33, and two plays later Craig Morton hit wide receiver Jack Dolbin on a 34-yard score to cement the win with 1:57 left to play.
Jackson's three takeaways had led to 17 of the Broncos' 34 points in the first-ever playoff win for the Broncos before 75,011 orange-clad fans who were watching the start of an NFL dynasty in Denver.
"I think that for a long time people looked at the Denver Broncos and didn't really look at all,” Jackson says. “It was like we were just stuck out in the mountains, and for many years we just had not won. That game got us off to a good start in the playoffs and helped change our national perspective.
"I don't think I ever played a better game in a bigger game.”
As big as his play was against the Steelers, his emotional leadership of the team and unrivaled bond with Denver fans was just as huge a factor in the making of what the Broncos were becoming.
"Different people have different personalities,” he says. “I kind of wore my emotions all of the time on my sleeve."
The crowd was one with Jackson for his entire career, and the cheers for him as he left the field after beating the Steelers were deafening. He waved to the Broncos' sellout audience, and it seemed as if he was waving individually to every fan in attendance.
"It never felt any better than that day against Pittsburgh,” Jackson says. “Winning for the first time is so special. I felt like I was perfectly suited to that group of guys, and I can really say this: That team that won that first playoff game gave Denver that first thrill.
"There is no doubt in my mind that there was something present other than just a bunch of football players playing a game. We were willing to sacrifice for each other and make it happen, and it was one of our proudest moments."
A lot of football blood, sweat and tears have been spilled in the 40-plus years since Dec. 24, 1977, to the present day, and there is no question that the run of postseason success for the Broncos was built from the foundation that began with that victory over the Steelers.
