Through the Years
Throwing it back: Remembering the Broncos' AFC Championship victory in Pittsburgh
Flip through Broncos history with photos of the Broncos' best game in Pittsburgh — a 24-21 win in the 1997 AFC Championship Game — from the Broncos' photo archive and that of the Associated Press.
John Elway goes through mental preparation before the AFC Championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at THree Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh,PA January 11, 1998.
Denver Broncos Gary Zimmerman blocks at the offensive line, guarding his quarterback.
Pittsburgh: John Elway drops back to complete a pass to Ed McCaffrey. (stopped at the one yard line) against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Pittsburgh: Receiver Rod Smith leaps in the air to make a catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Denver Broncos in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Pittsburgh: Head Coach Mike Shanahan argues with a referee after a questionable call against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Pittsburgh: John Elway shouts directions to running back Vaugh Hebron prior to the snap against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Pittsburgh: Jason Elam kicks what turns out to be the deciding field goal of the game. Broncos win, 24-21 against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Tony Jones lines up against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Championship in Pittsburgh Sunday Jan. 11, 1998. (AP photo/Chuck Burton)
Pittsburgh: Quarterback John Elway celebrates a short touchdown pass to Ed McCaffrey against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Denver Broncos in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Pittsburgh: Terrell Davis rushed for 139 yards against the Steelers against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Pitsburgh: Howard Griffith on a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Pittsburgh: 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.
Pittsburgh: Shannon Sharpe catches a crucial third down pass (that almost bounced off of his shoulder pad) with less than two minutes remaining to give the Broncos the first down they needed to use the clock. The next first down by Terrell Davis would clinch the game for Denver, as they let time expire against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Pittsburgh: Shannon Sharpe catches a crucial 3rd and 6 pass to give the Broncos a first down in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. The catch enabled the Broncos to run out the clock after the next first down against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Pittsburgh: Everyone celebrates after Howard Griffith's touchdown during the AFC Championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Pittsburgh: Darrien Gordon deflects a pass from Yancey Thigpen and intercepts it in the endzone. Otherwise, Gordon had a subpar day, giving up a few touchdowns and long passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Denver Broncos Terrell Davis breaks free from the line of scrimmage and rushes up field for extra yardage against the Pittsburgh Steelers November 30, 1997.
Pittsburgh: John Elway drops back to pass during the AFC Championship game against the Steelers against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Denver Broncos in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Pittsburgh: Head Coach Mike Shanahan yells directions during the AFC Championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Pittsburgh: 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.
Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Championship game in Pittsburgh Sunday Jan. 11, 1998. (AP photo/Chuck Burton)
Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway (7) runs past Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jason Gildon (92) for a first-quarter first down during the AFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 11, 1998, at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway celebrates his second-quarter touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 11, 1998, at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)
Denver Broncos linebacker Bill Romanowski douses coach Mike Shanahan after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-21 to win the AFC Championship Sunday, Jan. 11, 1998, at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)
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.
Denver Broncos including cornerback Tim McKyer (26), tackle Harry Swayne, left, and defensive tackle Mike Lodish, right, give a "Mile High Salute" after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-21 to win the AFC Championship Sunday, Jan. 11, 1998, at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Pittsburgh: Owner Pat Bowlen and Head Coach Mike Shanahan pose with the AFC Championship trophy after the Broncos victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Pittsburgh: Owner Pat Bowlen carries off the AFC Championship trophy after the win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Pittsburgh: Mike Shanahan holds up the AFC Championship trophy and says, "This is not the one we want." against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Pittsburgh: Cornerback Darrien Gordon talks with reporters in the locker room after the Broncos victory in the AFC Championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Denver Broncos in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
