Frank Tripucka—who was one of the four original Ring of Fame inductees in 1984—is also one of the original Broncos, having played for the team from 1960 to 1963.
“Trip” led the Broncos to their first ever .500 season in 1962 (7-7). He was half of the Tripucka-to-Lionel Taylor passing combination, as the duo (both Ring of Famers) went on to set various marks together.
Tripucka’s best statistical season came in 1960 when he completed 248 of 478 passes (51.9%) for 3,038 yards and 24 touchdowns. His 477 yards passing against Buffalo (Sep. 15, 1962) still stands as the team record, and he shares the team record for most touchdown passes in a game with five (Oct. 28, 1962 vs. Buffalo).
Tripucka also has the distinction of having thrown the first touchdown pass in the American Football League’s history (to Al Carmichael on Sep. 9, 1960 at Boston).
In addition to his status as a member of the Ring of Fame, Tripucka remains as only one of three players in Broncos’ history to have his jersey number (18) retired. Frank is now a retired beer distributor and resides in New Jersey.
Tripucka remains as only one of three players in Broncos’ history to have his jersey number (18) retired