Three Greatest Broncos to Ever Wear the Jersey: No. 3

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

As we continue our offseason countdown of the greatest Denver Broncos by jersey number, we arrive at one of the more unexpected and chaotic chapters: No. 3. While this number hasn’t seen Hall of Fame careers in Denver, it has absolutely seen drama, history, and flashes of promise—and sometimes all three in the same player. Using Pro Football Reference’s Approximate Value (AV) metric to guide our picks, we found a three-way tie at the top. From a barefoot kicker who nailed one of the most iconic field goals in franchise history, to a Super Bowl-winning quarterback who left town a cautionary tale, to a strong-armed gunslinger who never quite put it all together—here are the three most memorable Broncos to ever wear No. 3.

Rich Karlis | Kicker | 1982–1988

Before kicking cleats became mandatory, Rich Karlis was out there in the thin air of Mile High, booting footballs barefoot. Signed by Denver in 1982 after a brief stint with the Houston Oilers, Karlis went on to become the Broncos’ placekicker through the rest of the decade—and carved out his place in team history. His most famous moment came in the 1986 AFC Championship Game in Cleveland. After John Elway led “The Drive,” it was Karlis who finished the job, kicking a 33-yard game-winner in overtime to send the Broncos to the Super Bowl. That single moment still ranks among the most clutch in Denver playoff history. Though his accuracy declined in later years and he never earned individual accolades, Karlis’ contributions in two Super Bowl runs and his legendary game-winner against the Browns give him a permanent place in Broncos lore.

Russell Wilson | Quarterback | 2022–2023

If Rich Karlis is a memory filled with nostalgia, Russell Wilson is a name still fresh with frustration. Traded to Denver in 2022 after a decade of success in Seattle, Wilson arrived as a nine-time Pro Bowler expected to return the Broncos to relevance. Instead, he became the face of one of the most costly miscalculations in franchise history. Denver gave up multiple first- and second-round picks, key players, and later committed to a $245 million extension—before Wilson played a single game. Under coach Nathaniel Hackett, the 2022 season was a disaster. Things improved slightly under Sean Payton in 2023 (26 touchdowns, 8 interceptions), but not enough. Wilson was benched with two games to go and cut the following offseason, leaving the team with a record-setting $85 million dead cap hit.

While Wilson’s time in Denver was short-lived and turbulent, it left an undeniable imprint. Sometimes the most memorable players aren’t remembered for their greatness—but for the lessons they forced an entire franchise to learn.

Drew Lock | Quarterback | 2019–2021

For a brief, shining moment in late 2019, Drew Lock looked like he might just be “the guy.”

Drafted in the second round, Lock missed most of his rookie season with a thumb injury, but came on strong down the stretch, going 4–1 as a starter and sparking some long-lost hope in Broncos Country. Fans saw swagger, arm strength, and a little magic—qualities that had been missing under center since Peyton Manning’s retirement. But Lock’s momentum didn’t carry over. The COVID-shortened 2020 season, a shoulder injury, and a tough-love coaching staff led by Vic Fangio all played a part. He never regained form, and after losing the 2021 starting job to Teddy Bridgewater, Lock was shipped to Seattle in the Russell Wilson trade.

Lock’s time in Denver will always be a case of “what could have been.” But in a jersey number that hasn’t seen much sustained greatness, his promise and presence were enough to earn a spot on this list.

The Legacy of No. 3

Unlike some jersey numbers rich with Hall of Fame talent, No. 3 in Denver is a patchwork of brief brilliance, bitter endings, and big moments. Rich Karlis gave us clutch kicks. Drew Lock gave us hope. Russell Wilson gave us… well, an expensive lesson in risk management. Perhaps someday a new Bronco will wear No. 3 and rewrite the narrative. Until then, it remains a number defined not by sustained excellence, but by unforgettable moments—both good and bad.