On January 11, 1987: It is known, simply, as “The Drive.” Quarterback John Elway has led the Broncos back from defeat many teams, but his performance in the AFC championship game against the Browns tops the list of his heroics, elevating him to superstar status. Trailing 20-13 with 5½ minutes left in the fourth quarter at Cleveland, Denver takes over on its own two, 98 yards away from the tying touchdown. Elway smartly passes and scrambles the Broncos down to the Browns’ five-yard line. On third-and-one, Elway fires a dart in the end zone to Mark Jackson with 37 seconds left. Rich Karlis’ extra point ties the game. In overtime, two Elway passes account for 50 yards, setting up a 33-yard field goal by Karlis that gives the Broncos a 23-20 victory, sending them to the Super Bowl.
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