What’s in a number?
The Denver Broncos currently have 13 unassigned numbers between 0-99, but only seven of them — Nos. 46, 62, 64, 65, 67, 84 and 92 — are available to players.
Barring another player making a number change, newly-signed linebacker Andre Smith and pass rusher Dondrea Tillman will have to choose between one of the numbers available in the 60s or No. 92.
As for the six other numbers that are unassigned, three of them are officially retired. The three other numbers are not officially retired but are rarely (if ever) given to a new player.
The Broncos retired No. 7 for legendary quarterback John Elway and No. 44 for Hall of Fame running back Floyd Little. Denver also retired No. 18 for Frank Tripucka, the first QB in franchise history, but he gave Peyton Manning permission to wear the number from 2012-2015.
Three numbers are also held back by the team’s equipment staff — Champ Bailey’s No. 24, Von Miller’s No. 58 and the late Demarius Thomas’ No. 88. Bailey gave Adam Jones his blessing to wear No. 24 in 2018, but it hasn’t been worn by any other player besides Jones since Bailey’s retirement.
Former tight end Nick Vannett wore No. 88 in 2020, but no other players have worn that number in Denver following Thomas’ death in 2021.
The Broncos also have not given out No. 58 since Miller was traded in 2021. Miller wore that number in Denver from 2011-21.
Clearly, these six numbers have special meaning in Broncos Country.
7: Officially retired (John Elway)
18: Officially retired (Frank Tripucka, nod to Peyton Manning)
24: Not made available (Champ Bailey)
44: Officially retired (Floyd Little)
58: Not made available (Von Miller)
88: Not made available (Demaryius Thomas)
