On January 11th in sports history, one significant event took place in 1987 during the AFC Championship Game between the Denver Broncos and the Cleveland Browns, a game that would later be known as "The Drive."
With just 5:32 left on the clock and trailing 20-13, Denver quarterback John Elway and the Broncos started from their own 2-yard line. In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Elway orchestrated a 15-play, 98-yard drive that included a crucial 3rd-and-18 conversion to Mark Jackson for 20 yards. The drive culminated with Elway throwing a 5-yard touchdown pass to Mark Jackson to tie the game with just 37 seconds remaining.
The Broncos would go on to win the game in overtime with a field goal, securing their spot in Super Bowl XXI against the New York Giants. "The Drive" has become one of the most iconic moments in NFL playoff history, a testament to John Elway's leadership and the Broncos' resilience under pressure.
This game was a turning point for the Broncos franchise, as they had suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Browns in the AFC Championship game the previous year. "The Drive" propelled the Broncos to the Super Bowl and solidified John Elway's status as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. The 98-yard drive remains one of the most memorable and impressive feats in football, a shining example of the power of determination and the magic of sports.
