Introduction:
Teaching students about the history of their favorite sports teams can be a fun, informative, and engaging way to connect with their interests. One such subject that often captivates students is the quarterbacks who have played for the Denver Broncos, a team with a storied history in the National Football League (NFL). In this article, we will explore ways to effectively teach students about the iconic figures who have held this position for the franchise, as well as their lasting impact on the team and sport.
1. Establishing Context
Start by providing an overview of the Broncos’ history, including their founding in 1960 and entry into the NFL in 1970. This will give students a foundation to appreciate the importance of each quarterback discussed.
2. Highlighting Key Players
Make sure to include key quarterbacks throughout Broncos history:
– John Elway: An undisputed icon in Broncos lore, Elway played his entire 16-year career with the team from 1983 to 1998. Teach students about his numerous achievements, such as leading the team to five Super Bowls, winning two championships back-to-back (1997 & 1998), and being named Super Bowl MVP in XXXIII.
– Peyton Manning: Emphasize Manning’s instrumental role in guiding Denver to Super Bowl glory during his four-season tenure (2012-2015) after joining from Indianapolis. Focus on his spectacular leadership and 2013 MVP season where he broke several NFL records, culminating in a win at Super Bowl 50.
Discuss other notable quarterbacks:
– Craig Morton: While his tenure with Denver was brief (1977-1982), Morton led the team to their first AFC Championship and Super Bowl appearance.
– Jake Plummer: The elusive Plummer played for Denver from 2003 to 2006 and helped them reach top-tier playoff status.
3. Incorporate Multimedia Resources
Complement the lessons with engaging multimedia, such as highlight reels, photos, and radio or TV interviews. This can help bring the stories of each quarterback to life, allowing for a more immersive learning experience.
4. Analyzing Playing Styles and Strategies
Encourage students to analyze and compare the playing styles and strategies used by these quarterbacks. For example, discuss Elway’s strong arm and improvisational skills while on the run versus Manning’s focus on precision and pre-snap adjustments.
5. Connecting to Larger Themes in Sports
Venture beyond their on-field accomplishments by teaching students about the impact these quarterbacks had on the team, their community, and society at large. Explore how each individual’s leadership influenced their teammates, inspired future generations of players, and prompted changes in the way football was played.
Conclusion:
Teaching students about Broncos quarterbacks provides a fantastic opportunity to delve into a rich historical topic that is both culturally significant and engaging for learners. By incorporating player histories, multimedia resources, tactical analysis, and connections to broader themes of leadership and success, educators can inspire students to appreciate sports history in a deeper context while tapping into an interest they may already have.
