Best photos of the 2022 season: Our 100 favorite pregame feature pictures
In the moments before kickoff before Broncos games, team photographers captured the excitement, drama and emotions that build up before each game. With the 2022 season in the books, team photographer Gabriel Christus and editor/photographer Ben Swanson selected their favorite 100 pregame images, from the first preseason game to the finale against the Chargers.
Russell Wilson in the locker room before the NFL preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
during the NFL preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Russell Wilson in the tunnel during team introductions before the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 13, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Corliss Waitman's hands during pregame warmups before the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on August 20, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Garett Bolles and Von Miller during pregame warmups before the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on August 20, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
AC Carter and Bradley Chubb during a NFL preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at UCHealth Training Center in Englewood, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
KJ Hamler rests on the ground during pregame warmups before the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the Minnesota Vikings at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 27, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Russell Wilson during a NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, September 12, 2022 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Jerry Jeudy poses for the camera during pregame warmups before the Broncos' Week 1 game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington on September 12, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Russell Wilson during a NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, September 12, 2022 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in a huddle during a NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, September 12, 2022 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
KJ Hamler on the sideline during pregame warmups before the Broncos' Week 1 game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington on September 12, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Javonte Williams during a NFL game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Alex Singleton during a NFL game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) in the locker room before a NFL game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Bradley Chubb (55) in the locker room before a NFL game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) in a huddle during a NFL game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones (97) in the locker room before a NFL game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos safety Caden Sterns (30) puts on his eye black before a NFL game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a NFL game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and Nathaniel Hackett during a NFL game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Fans react to a flyover of a Peterson Air Force based C130 prior to kickoff of the NFL game between the Denver Broncos and the Houston Texans in Denver, Sept.18, 2022. (Photo: Eric Lars Bakke)
Russell Wilson's wife, Ciara, with Olympic gold medalist skier Mikaela Shiffrin during warmups before the Broncos' Week 3 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on September 25, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Miles and a small fan before a NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Courtland Sutton, Russell Wilson, KJ Hamler, Jalen Virgil, Montrell Washington, Eric Saubert, Darrius Shepherd and others pray during pregame warmups before the Broncos' Week 4 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 2, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Russell Wilson in the tunnel before the Broncos' Week 4 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 2, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Randy Gregory before the Broncos' Week 4 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 2, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Denver Broncos running back Mike Boone (26) during the NFL Game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, October 2, 2022 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos tight end Eric Tomlinson (87) during the NFL Game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, October 2, 2022 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Justin Strnad, P.J. Locke and Alex Singleton before the Broncos' Week 4 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 2, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Bradley Chubb during a NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Russell Wilson in the tunnel during player and team introductions before the Broncos' Week 5 game against the Indianapolis Colts at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 6, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Courtland Sutton smiles as he watches fireworks rise into the sky on the sideline before the Broncos' Week 5 game against the Indianapolis Colts at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 6, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Kareem Jackson flexes his biceps during pregame warmups before the Denver Broncos' Week 6 game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on October 17, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Russell Wilson welcomes Bradley Chubb and others to the field during pregame warmups before the Denver Broncos' Week 6 game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on October 17, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Sir Lewis Hamilton during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday, October 17, 2022 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Jerry Jeudy stretches during pregame warmups before the Broncos' Week 7 game against the New York Jets at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 23, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Justin Simmons gives a speech in the team huddle during pregame warmups before the Broncos' Week 7 game against the New York Jets at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 23, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Russell Wilson talks with Peyton Manning during pregame warmups before the Broncos' Week 7 game against the New York Jets at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 23, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Running Backs Coach Tyrone Wheatley, Melvin Gordon III, Mike Boone and Latavius Murray on the sideline before the Broncos' Week 7 game against the New York Jets at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 23, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Russell Wilson during warmups before the Broncos' Week 8 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London, England in the United Kingdom on October 30, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler during an international NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, October 30, 2022 in London. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Kareem Jackson during warmups before the Broncos' Week 8 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London, England in the United Kingdom on October 30, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Darius Phillips prays during warmups before the Broncos' Week 8 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London, England in the United Kingdom on October 30, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
D.J. Jones during an international NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, October 30, 2022 in London. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
A remote photo during the National Anthem of an international NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, October 30, 2022 in London. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Melvin Gordon III during an international NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, October 30, 2022 in London. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Fans during an international NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, October 30, 2022 in London. Photo by Joe Toth / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathan Kongbo (90) during an international NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, October 30, 2022 in London. Photo by Joe Toth / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Bradley Chubb (55) and defensive end Matt Henningsen (91) during an international NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, October 30, 2022 in London. Photo by Joe Toth / Denver Broncos
Quinn Meinerz hypes up Jonathon Cooper during warmups at the Broncos' Week 10 game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee on November 13, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) during the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, November 13, 2022 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Pat Surtain II on the sideline during the national anthem before the Broncos' Week 10 game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee on November 13, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Denver Broncos offensive lineman Billy Turner (57) during the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, November 13, 2022 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo by David Dermer / Denver Broncos
Russell Wilson runs out of the tunnel during warmups before the Broncos' Week 11 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on November 20, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Thunder during a NFL game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Pat Surtain II, Kareem Jackson, Justin Simmons Troops run out of the tunnel with players during a NFL game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
An American flag is displayed on the playing field as aircraft flies over during the singing of the national anthem prior to kick off of the NFL game between the Denver Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders in Denver, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. (Photo: Eric Lars Bakke)
Russell Wilson smiles during pregame warmups in the rain before the Broncos' Week 12 game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on November 27, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Baron Browning during a NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Pat Surtain II, Andrew Beck and others kneel in the end zone in prayer before the Broncos' Week 12 game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on November 27, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Denver Broncos defensive lineman Mike Purcell (98) during a NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Russell Wilson on the sideline before the Broncos' Week 12 game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on November 27, 2022. His throwing motion is also clearly visible in the shadow. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (53) during a NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Dre'Mont Jones on the sideline during the national anthem before the Broncos' Week 12 game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on November 27, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Alex Singleton on the sideline before the Broncos' Week 12 game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on November 27, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Denver Broncos punter Corliss Waitman (17) during the NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Calvin Anderson (76) stands near the bench before the NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by David Dermer / Denver Broncos
Jerry Jeudy gets hyped as he exits the field during pregame warmups before the Broncos' Week 14 game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 11, 2022. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Denver Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones (97) during a NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) during a NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson (22) during a NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3), running back Damarea Crockett (28) and placekicker Brandon McManus (8) walk out for the coin toss during a NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
The light show during a NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
A bead of sweat runs down Montrell Washington's cheek during warmups before the Denver Broncos' Week 15 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 18, 2022. Photo by Ben Swanson/DenverBroncos.com
Alex Singleton in the team huddle during warmups before the Denver Broncos' Week 15 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 18, 2022. Photo by Ben Swanson/DenverBroncos.com
Denver Broncos linebacker Randy Gregory (5) during a NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, December 18, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz (77) during a NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, December 18, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos guard Graham Glasgow (61) during a NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, December 18, 2022 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
A Demaryius Thomas jersey in Kareem Jackson's locker during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, December 25, 2022 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Dalton Risner prays during pregame warmups before the Broncos' Week 16 game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on December 25, 2022. Photo by Ben Swanson/DenverBroncos.com
P.J. Locke during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, December 25, 2022 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, December 25, 2022 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Josey Jewell on the sideline before the Broncos' Week 16 game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on December 25, 2022. Photo by Ben Swanson/DenverBroncos.com
The Rams hold a moment of silence to pay tribute in memory of Ronnie Hillman before the Broncos' Week 16 game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on December 25, 2022. Photo by Ben Swanson/DenverBroncos.com
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, December 25, 2022 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz (77) during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, December 25, 2022 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Lamar Jackson reacts to smelling salts on the sideline before the Broncos' Week 16 game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on December 25, 2022. Photo by Ben Swanson/DenverBroncos.com
Kendall Hinton and Marlon Mack during a NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, January 1, 2023 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
K'Waun Williams during a NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, January 1, 2023 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Interim Head Coach Jerry Rosburg before the Broncos' Week 17 game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on January 1, 2023. Photo by Ben Swanson
Delarrin Turner-Yell before the Broncos' Week 17 game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on January 1, 2023. Photo by Ben Swanson
Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton (49), Justin Strnad (40) and Josey Jewell (47) pose with their "Love for Damar" t-shirts during pregame warmups prior to the NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Denver, Sunday, Jan. 08, 2023. (Photo: Eric Lars Bakke)
DeShawn Williams during a NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Russell Wilson makes a heart to support Damar Hamlin during pregame warmups before the Broncos' Week 18 game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on January 8, 2023. Photo by Ben Swanson/DenverBroncos.com
Chase Edmonds in the tunnel during player and team introductions before the Broncos' Week 18 game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on January 8, 2023. Photo by Ben Swanson/DenverBroncos.com
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (53) during a NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
A flyover during a NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) joins Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) at midfield during a player tribute for Buffalo Bills injured player Damar Hamlin prior the NFL game in Denver, Sunday, Jan. 08, 2023. (Photo: Eric Lars Bakke)
