Steve Wilson was the best player to ever wear jersey No. 45 for the Denver Broncos.
Wilson spent time at both a cornerback and safety, entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Howard with the Dallas Cowboys in 1979. After three seasons in Dallas, Wilson signed with the Broncos in 1982. He went on to play seven years in Denver, recording 16 interceptions, five fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns.
Wilson dressed for 92 games with the Broncos, earning 18 starts. He helped the team reach back-to-back Super Bowls in the late 1980s.
Former Denver linebacker Alexander Johnson also deserves a shout-out as an honorable mention. Johnson played for the Broncos from 2018-2021, recording 249 tackles, 11 quarterback hits, eight pass breakups, 4.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception in 38 games.
Wilson played three more seasons in Denver than Johnson and he started for the team in Super Bowl XXII. Wilson ranked ninth on the Broncos’ all-time interceptions list when he retired in 1989. He now ranks 16th.
