[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 3, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S1133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE DENVER BRONCOS

  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I recognize the members of the 
World Champion Denver Broncos of the National Football League and their 
stunning Super Bowl victory this past weekend.
  For the second consecutive year, the Denver Broncos have proven the 
value of dedication, preparation and execution as they played through 
the regular football season, into the playoffs and in the league 
championship, Super Bowl XXXIII.
  I would also like to recognize the Atlanta Falcons for a terrific 
season. They deserve praise for their efforts and a well fought game. 
Few gave them a chance to make it as far as they did; but, they proved 
to everyone that they are a team of the future.
  Most folks know how close the Denver Broncos came during the past 
season to going undefeated. In addition, the Denver Bronco players and 
the entire organization won more games during the three most recent 
seasons than any other NFL team. Great teams are measured by sustained 
success and by any measure, the Denver Broncos rank among the greatest 
teams in history. For the first time in nearly 20 years the Broncos, an 
American Football Conference team, won back to back Super Bowls. A 
total team effort was exemplified by the Denver Broncos this season.
  Mr. President, I would also like to recognize several members of the 
Denver Broncos organization for their outstanding achievements during 
this past season. Specifically, Owner Pat Bowlen and Head Coach Mike 
Shanahan for their proven ability to assemble the necessary players and 
develop game plans that consistently provide victories for this 
franchise; Quarterback John Elway, Super Bowl XXXIII's Most Valuable 
Player and a consistent Pro Bowl caliber quarterback who for 16 seasons 
has been the uncontested leader of the Denver Broncos and a valuable 
civic leader and role model for young Americans; and running back 
Terrell Davis, the NFL's Most Valuable Player for the 1998-99 season.
  These people are the most recognizable names in the Broncos' 
organization and are major contributors to the Broncos' success. But, 
like in my office, the total team effort is what made the Broncos 
victorious. The entire team worked together and went after and achieved 
a common goal. Each team member deserves to be recognized and I will 
mention them in numerical order: Jason Elam, Bubby Brister, Brian 
Griese, Tom Rouen, Tory James, Darrien Gordon, Vaughn Hebron, Darrius 
Johnson, Eric Brown, Steve Atwater, Tito Paul, Howard Griffith, Derek 
Loville, Tyrone Braxton, Anthony Lynn, Ray Crockett, Detron Smith, 
George Coghill, John Mobley, Bill Romanowski, Nate Wayne, Keith Burns, 
Glenn Cadrez, K.C. Johns, Dan Neil, David Diaz-Infante, Tom Nalen, Mark 
Schlereth, Trey Teague, Cyron Brown, Harry Swayne, Tony Jones, Matt 
Lepsis, Chris Banks, Rod Smith, Marcus Nash, Justin Armour, Shannon 
Sharpe, Willie Green, Byron Chamberlain, Ed McCaffrey, Dwayne Carswell, 
Neil Smith, Alfred Williams, Trevor Pryce, Keith Traylor, Marvin 
Washington, Harald Hasselbach, Mike Lodish, Maa Tanuvasa, Seth Joyner, 
Steve Russ, Jeff Lewis, Chris Gizzi, Andre Cooper, Tori Noel, Curtis 
Alexander, Viliami Maumau, Marvin Thomas; and the coaching staff, Frank 
Bush, Barney Chavous, Rick Dennison, Ed Donatell, George Dyer, Alex 
Gibbs, Mike Heimerdinger, Gary Kubiak, Pat McPherson, Brian Pariani, 
Ricky Porter, Greg Robinson, Greg Saporta, Rick Smith, John Teerlinck, 
Bobby Turner, and Rich Tuten.
  Many people also underestimated the strength of the Denver Broncos' 
defense. When push came to shove, the defense kept the second best 
running back in the game this season from gaining 100 rushing yards and 
intercepted three passes from the opposing quarterback in the Super 
Bowl. Defense wins championships, and Denver's defense proved this to 
be true.
  Mr. President, the offensive line needs to be recognized for an 
outstanding effort--season after season. The reason the Denver Broncos 
running and passing attack was so dominant was, in large part, due to 
the efforts of the offensive line.
  The Denver Broncos have come a long way since their introduction into 
the American Football League in 1960, with their mustard and brown 
vertical striped socks, to the Denver Broncos of today which have 
dominated the NFL with two consecutive world championships.
  It is a special honor for me to make a Senate floor statement for the 
second year in a row to congratulate the Denver Broncos. Today I invite 
my Senate colleagues to join me in a Mile High Salute to the World 
Champion Denver Broncos.

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