Denver Broncos' Write Up

Rick Upchurch

Denver Broncos Article

In Rick Upchurch's first NFL game in 1975, he established a Denver Broncos franchise record by amassing 284 all-purpose yards in a 37-33 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. He rushed for 13 yards, had 153 receiving and gained 113 on returns. The Broncos took notice of their new rookie from the University of Minnesota, and soon the rest of the league would as well.

The all-purpose yardage record Upchurch set has since been surpassed, but for the next nine years the return specialist's talents were showcased in the Rocky Mountains and made him an integral part of the club.

Upchurch is now the 15th Broncos player and 19th member of the organization to be inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. He was one of five members of the Hall's Class of 2003.

"It's an honor and an opportunity to say that I played for the Denver Broncos and if they feel like I deserve it (to be inducted in the Hall of Fame) then I'm glad to have that honor," said a pleased Upchurch.

"He was an exciting return guy," said teammate Billy Thompson. "A lot of people hadn't heard about him, but he was a very talented individual. Whenever he got the ball, whether it was on kickoff returns, punt returns or catching the ball in the open field, he was very dangerous. He added a lot of firepower to our team. I'm really happy for him that he got this honor."

Upchurch established a number of franchise records in his career, including most career punt returns (248), most punt returns in a season (51, in 1977), most punt returns in a game (8, on Oct. 22, 1978 in a 7-6 loss to the Baltimore Colts), most career punt return yards (3,008) and most punt return yards in a season (653, in 1977).

"What I really remember is that he relieved me from returning punts," Thompson said. "I relieved Floyd Little and Rick relieved me and it took the pressure off because I was playing cornerback and safety. Not having to run back punts and kickoffs and take that extra beating probably added a couple of more years to my career."

Upchurch can also lay claim to 167 punt return yards on Nov. 6, 1977 in 21-7 win over Pittsburgh -- second most in club history for a single game, a career punt return average of 12.13 yards which is third in franchise history, a punt return average of 16.13 yards in 1982 which is second-best for a season and he scored touchdowns on punt returns of 92 and 87 yards, the second and third longest returns for scores in the club's record book.

He finished his career with 248 punts returned for 3,008 yards for an average of 12.1 yards per return and eight touchdowns. He returned 95 kickoffs for 2,355 yards with an average of 24.7. As a wide receiver he caught 267 passes for 4,369 yards with an average of 16.4 yards per catch and 24 scores. Adding even more to his versatility was his ability to run the ball. He carried the ball 49 times for 349 yards averaging 7.1 yards per carry and three touchdowns.

Upchurch was also named to the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1980s and was named to four Pro Bowl squads in 1976, '78, '79 and '82. He enjoyed a trip to New Orleans for Super Bowl XII in January 1978 as the Broncos represented the AFC in the first Super Bowl appearance for the franchise.

"The 1977 season, winning the AFC West, winning the AFC Championship game and then going down to the Super Bowl in New Orleans was truly the highlight of my career," Upchurch reported. "There are tons of players that never have the opportunity to play in a Super Bowl, so that was the best for me."

With his playing days behind him, Upchurch and his wife Donna reside in Pueblo, Colo. and coordinate the Rare Breed Sports and Leadership program which works with the department of Social Services to offer youth and mentoring programs for children.

"This is just the way that I'm trying to give back to the community and the people that rooted for me."

Taken From: http://www.denverbroncos.com/front-features3/index.php3?clmn=/front-features3/021803_1.prm&go=shownews