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

Steve Tensi

#13 · Denver Broncos
Retired 6 Years In The NFL
Steve's
HAIR
14.9
HeyTC AI Rating

Questions about Steve Tensi or the Broncos?

Steve Tensi Legacy

HEYTC AI
Steve Tensi was the towering 6-5 gunslinger from Florida State who lit up the Gator Bowl with five touchdown bombs as Seminole MVP, etching his name in bowl lore before the pros came calling. Traded to Denver in a blockbuster deal—two first-rounders from a desperate Broncos squad—he etched history as their first NFL quarterback, firing that inaugural touchdown pass in the big leagues while topping AFL charts in TDs and rating amid Mile High chaos. Injuries cut his ride short, but Tensi's arm brought swagger to a franchise finding its feet. Rest easy, Steve; your legacy endures in Broncos orange.
Steve Tensi passed away on March 15, 2024 at the age of 81.

Steve Tensi Rating Breakdown

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

Steve Tensi Career Stats via Wikipedia

5,558 Pass Yards
43 Touchdowns
46 INTs
0.0% Comp %
14.9 HAIR
10-23 Record

Frequently Asked Questions About Steve Tensi

How does Bo Nix compare to Steve Tensi?

Bo Nix, the fresh-faced Broncos starter, has a shot at eclipsing Steve Tensi's gritty AFL-era mark—5,558 yards and 43 TDs over six seasons mostly in Denver's orange crush days—but Tensi's 14.85 passer rating set a franchise bar Nix must climb, arm talent aside. Nix's quick release and mobility scream modern upgrade, yet Tensi toughed out mud and mayhem Nix won't see.

Is Steve Tensi in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Nope, Steve Tensi never made the cut for Canton—his six-year run with Broncos and Chargers, tossing 5,558 yards and 43 scores, didn't punch that golden ticket. Solid journeyman in the AFL's wild frontier, but Hall voters overlooked him like a forgotten flea-flicker in a blizzard.

How would Steve Tensi perform in today's NFL?

Tensi's cannon arm from Florida State—3,697 college yards, 33 TDs—would feast under today's pass-happy rules with nickel defenses and no bump-and-run thugs. His 42.8% completion jumps to relevance with better protection; picture him carving secondaries like Elway-lite, minus the Super Bowl shine, maybe cracking 80 rating.

How does Steve Tensi compare to John Elway?

Tensi's 14.85 passer rating over 369 NFL throws looks prehistoric next to John Elway's 71.78 on thousands—both Broncos signal-callers, but Elway's rocket and rocket legs won rings while Tensi scrapped in AFL trenches for 3-11 finishes. Tensi started strong in Denver '67; Elway built an empire.