In 1985, Gerald H. Phipps became the first and only non-player to be inducted into the Denver Broncos’ Ring of Fame.
Under the guidance of Phipps and his brother, Allan, the Broncos rose from their less auspicious beginnings to the top of the American Football Conference. In 1977, the Broncos laid claim to their first ever AFC Championship, won the Western Division title in 1977 and 1978, and made three consecutive playoff appearances (1977-79).
Under Phipps, the Broncos ultimately rose to a position as one of the NFL’s most stable franchises. With the success of the Broncos, the doors were opened for other major league teams from other sports to grab a piece of the Denver sports pie.
Following the takeover by the Phipps brothers, Denver Broncos’ season ticket sales improved from 8,002 in 1964 to 22,905 in 1965.
Before purchasing the Broncos, Phipps was the president of the Gerald H. Phipps Inc. Construction Company, which he continued to operate.
Mr. Phipps was with the Broncos from 1961 to 1981. He passed away in 1993.
Under Phipps, the Broncos ultimately rose to a position as one of the NFL’s most stable franchises.