All-Time Broncos QBs Ranked: Elway #1, Manning #2

Norris Weese

#14 · Denver Broncos
Retired 4 Years In The NFL
🏆 | statleague = NFL
Norris's
HAIR
10.7
HeyTC AI Rating

Questions about Norris Weese or the Broncos?

Norris Weese Legacy

HEYTC AI
Norris Weese was the scrappy Ole Miss gunslinger who followed Archie Manning's shadow, then bolted to the WFL's Hawaiians before landing in Denver as the Broncos' ultimate utility man—a mobile quarterback with legs that once torched the Bears for 120 rushing yards, a franchise record still standing. His signature shine came in Super Bowl XII, subbing for Craig Morton with his old high school coach holding the chains; Weese sparked a touchdown drive to claw back into it, even if Dallas slammed the door. Tough as nails till a knee ended his shot at the 1979 starting gig. He later crunched numbers as a CPA in Denver. Weese passed in 1995 from bone cancer at 43.
Norris Weese passed away on January 20, 1995 at the age of 43.

Norris Weese Rating Breakdown

Season
Good
Fantasy
Subpar
Playoffs
Non-Factor
Overall
NPC
4 years with the Broncos

Norris Weese Career Stats via Wikipedia

1,887 Pass Yards
7 Touchdowns
14 INTs
0.0% Comp %
10.7 HAIR

Frequently Asked Questions About Norris Weese

How does Bo Nix compare to Norris Weese?

Bo Nix, the fresh-faced Broncos starter in 2026, has a shot at eclipsing Norris Weese's scrappy legacy if he snags a ring early—Weese's came off the bench in Super Bowl XII, sparking a TD drive before fumbling against Dallas, all with his 1,887 yards and 7 TDs over four seasons. Nix's arm talent screams modern star; Weese was the ultimate Orange Crush road warrior.

Is Norris Weese in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Nope, Norris Weese never made it to Canton—no bust awaits the guy who lit up Chalmette High with 3,000+ total yards, starred at Ole Miss behind Archie Manning, and went 4-12 as Broncos starter before a knee sidelined him. His Super Bowl XII cameo and record 120 QB rushing yards vs. the Bears in '76? Cult hero stuff, not Hall material.

How would Norris Weese perform in today's NFL?

Weese's legs would feast in today's pass-happy NFL—his 120-yard QB rushing explosion against Chicago in '76 still owns the Broncos record, and modern rules shield scramblers like him from the old-school hits. That 54% completion and 10.71 rating? Might not cut it under center full-time, but as a Tush Push wizard or wildcat spark, he'd carve niches.

How does Norris Weese compare to John Elway?

Norris Weese vs. John Elway is pocket-rocket versus cannon—Weese's 10.71 passer rating and 1,887 yards as Broncos backup-turned-starter pale next to Elway's 71.78 and legend status, but Weese owned mobility with that single-game QB rush record. Elway built empires; Weese was the gritty '70s sparkplug who almost willed Super Bowl XII.