Denver Broncos induct Gene Mingo, Rick Upchurch and Dan Reeves into Ring of Fame
By Josh Sanchez
The Denver Broncos Ring of Fame outside of Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium will have three new additions. The team announced on Tuesday that running back/kicker Gene Mingo, wide receiver Rick Upchurch and former head coach Dan Reeves will be the three newest additions.
“(Owner & CEO) Pat Bowlen and the Broncos are very proud of their tradition and alumni, and we are thrilled with the election of Gene Mingo, Rick Upchurch and Dan Reeves into the Ring of Fame,” Broncos President Joe Ellis said in the team’s official release. “They played a key role in three important eras of Denver Broncos history and are most deserving of this prestigious honor.
“Our organization looks forward to honoring Gene, Rick and Coach Reeves as we celebrate their distinguished and lasting contributions to the Denver Broncos.”
Mingo was the first African-American placekicker in pro football history, and he returned the first kickoff for a touchdown in AFL history during his duties as a return man. Upchurch was named to the first-team 1970s NFL All-Decade Team and earned second-team 1980s All-NFL Decade honors as a kick returner.
During his time in Denver, Reeves, the first coach inducted in the Broncos Ring of Fame, racked up a 110-73-1 record in his 12 seasons. He led the team to five division titles and three Super Bowl appearances.