Finally, hear some of the best sound bites from some of the Broncos' most vocal leaders from over the past month. "Demaryius Thomas: The Heart of a Legend" reflects on the unforgettable legacy of the late No. "[19] On one occasion, a person walked out unexpectedly in front of Thunder as he was leading the players onto the field. 88 and the impact he had on and off the field. 2016-2021 Thunder Foundation All rights reserved. Thunder is a purebred Arabian gelding that, according to the Denver Broncos, "displays his impressive canter from one end zone to the other," when the team makes a scoring drive or touchdown. One of the first stops on President Damani Leech's eventual journey to Denver was as an NCAA intern in Indianapolis. Finally, a good mascot may improve the overall fan experience and instill a sense of unity and passion in the game. He was a stallion registered as JB Kobask, a former show horse, who was team mascot for the Broncos from 1993 until his retirement in 2004. Peyton Manning's 509 Touchdown Pass - NFL Network 2014. [37] Thunder was also allowed to run in the end zone after a touchdown, but because MetLife Stadium was considered a neutral zone for both teams, he was not allowed to run the length of the field. "Thunder" - The Denver Broncos Mascot Then one day he spotted such a field from high in the mountains, way down in the city of Denver. For Judge, whose ridden Arabs since she was 12, it doesnt surprise her at all. He retired after the final home game of the 2013 season. As of 2022[update], Thunder has appeared in four Super Bowls. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Thunder shares mascot duties with Miles, a human who wears a horse head mask atop a Broncos uniform. and celebratory energy to the crowd of the Denver Broncos by working with a team of 7 flagrunners to spell the word BRONCOS behind the love mascot, Thunder. He was founded on January 31, 1999, the same day that the Broncos became Super Bowl champions for the second time at the Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. 13 Extraordinary Mansions in the United States, Thunder I and Thunder II: The Pioneers of Mascot Mania, Thunder III: The Successor To Thunder Legacy, Anglers Are Urged To Turn In Adipose Fin Clipped Fish To The Michigan DNR, Cristiano Ronaldo 10 Fascinating Facts about This Phenomenal Soccer Player, Michigan DNR Announces Michigan Free Fishing, ORV, and State Park Access In 2022, 4 Weight Loss Tips From a Woman Who Lost 140 Pounds, 9 Exceptional Window Safety Tips for Families With Children, The Denver Broncos Mascot 23-Years of Wild Horse Play, Mastering the Art of Bluffing In Poker 4 Essential Tips, Laser Hair Removal 6 Benefits To Relieve Rough Skin, Exploring The Impact Of Dating And Technology In 2023, 7 Super Useful Tips To Improve Your Essay Writing. They also touch on the possible return ofoutside linebackerRandy Gregory, how the Cardinals might try to containwide receiverJerry Jeudy and how Denver's defense might be able to shut down Arizona's biggest weapons. [25] He has a large private box stall located next to the visitor's locker room, and has hay, water and treats,[6][26] including a big basket of carrots and apples. But according to Thunder's rider and trainer, Ann Judge of Bennett, Colorado, Thunder thinks the celebrations are all about him. Denver Broncos Mascot Statue. He serves as a continual reminder that the Broncos are more than a team; they are a community. Behind The Stall Door With: Thunder, The Denver Broncos Mascot {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. The perfect tummy control bodysuit, a popcorn gadget, more bestsellers starting at $8, TODAYs Al Roker visits Empower Field at Mile High Stadium in Colorado to see what it takes for the Denver Broncos real-life mascot Thunder to prepare for games.Sept. This ceremonial full-field run signifies a Bronco scoring drive. Mascot Champ of the Dallas Mavericks tosses t-shirts during a timeout on December 12, 2022 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The fans of Broncos Country showed up in force and were loud all game against Houston. [53], Thunder III had been trained specifically for the role of Thunder, beginning at age three when Judge first started working with him under saddle. "Thunder" the Denver Broncos mascot walks along the sidelines on Aug. 19, 2006 at Mile High Stadium at Invesco Field in Denver, Colorado. [5] Following his recovery, he resumed his mascot duties and appeared at Super Bowl XXXII in January 1998. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. Three purebred Arabianshave held this role since 1993, all gray horseswhose coats lightened with age until they turned completely white. . [9] He appeared at a few preseason home games in 2013,[52] and made most public appearances as team mascot in the Denver community that same year. Thunder is trained and ridden by Ann Judge of Thunder Spirit LLC. He longed for greener pastures; in fact, Miles wanted the greenest turf he could find. Sharon Magness-Blake has been with the Denver Broncos' living, breathing mascot . Unlike most other famous horses, Thunder rides solo. Coupon. Copyright 2023 Denver Broncos. Upon arrival, Thunder was stabled at the Stanford Equestrian Center. Eventually, he began turning to his handlers anticipating a treat whenever he saw a cheerleader with pom-poms. Three purebred Arabians have held this position, all gray horses whose coats lightened with age until they were completely white. To get the maximum of it, hang floor-to-ceiling curtains made of thick fabric., There are plenty of sightings in the thumb of Michigan. Alexis Perry is joined byPro FootballHall of Famer Steve Atwater and former Broncos offensive lineman Orlando Franklin to discuss some of the adjustments the Broncos need to makein Week 7.Then, Atwater and Franklinbreak downa coupleofkey plays from the Broncos' and Jets'Week6 showings and point out some of the key matchups to keep an eye on this Sunday. Started by Bourne? Can Denver's defense use the same approachittook last week against Titans RB Derrick Henry to slow down Raiders RB Josh Jacobs? Thunder is trained and ridden by Ann Judge of Thunder Spirit LLC. Broncos mascot hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy Cheerleaders Thunder - Denver Broncos Mascot 1 / 14 2 / 14 3 / 14 4 / 14 5 / 14 6 / 14 7 / 14 8 / 14 9 / 14 Part of Thunder's training schedule is a trail ride. Miles the Mascot Aug 08, 2018 at 02:18 PM Not long ago, high in the Rocky Mountains, an amazing thing occurred in the great history of Broncos football. Thunder ended up at the Mountainaire Animal Clinic in Rock Springs. Photos: Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club hosts Black History Month [33], At Super Bowl XLVIII, Thunder led the team onto the field at the start of the game,[35][36] making it the first Super Bowl where he was allowed to do so. They create wonderful memories and traditions, just like the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears Thanksgiving Day game. Through Sharons involvement in diverse nonprofit efforts, Thunder has been a special guest to benefit organizations like Childrens Hospital, Denver Rescue Mission and the American Heart Association and Western Fantasy. Thunder walks off the field after a touchdown in the fourth quarter in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Sunday, September 9, 2018 in Denver. Thunderis the stage namefor the horsewho is the official live animal mascotfor the Denver Broncosfootball team. The actual mascot, a horse named Thunder, was used for this newest . [12][24] He was Magness-Blake's personal riding horse for several years prior to becoming the Broncos' mascot. He once marched right through the kitchen of the Sheraton in downtown Denver to meet President Bill Clinton. For that awe-inspiring Love of Thunder, we have owner Sharon Magness Blake to thank for the gift of reveling in 23 years of special mascot moments. Thunder shares mascot duties with Miles, a human who wears a horse head mask atop a Broncos uniform. [51] When Magness-Blake downsized her horse breeding program, Monarch AH was sold to Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates. Since the Denver Broncos team logo features a horse, it is obvious that the mascot has to be a horse. Thunder III and I ride around a hundred and twenty tables full of guests who love seeing the mascot up close and personal. While the Thunders are horses that represent the citys culture and are dedicated to equestrian arts, Miles is responsible for animating the crowds and cheering the Empower Field at Mile High. A game in the life of Denver Broncos mascot, Thunder Rider and trainer Ann Judge-Wegener holds the flag while atop Thunder. The purebred Arabian gelding is also part of a good luck ritual for the Broncos. As co-founder, this remains the pinnacle event and Sharons favorite night out with Thunder. [9] It was the first time a Thunder mascot had been flown. Denver Broncos - Wikipedia [4] As well as his support crew, Thunder has a bodyguard who travels to the games. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. 7400 Orchard Road, Suite 230 Englewood, CO 80111 Phone: 303-796-8881 Email: info@thunderandco.com 2016-2018 Thunder Foundation All rights reserved. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Thunder III is currently 23 years old and it is likely that his foal becomes his successor once he retires as well. "Oh my gosh.". These mascots exemplify the essence of the Broncos and are a treasured part of the teams history and culture, whether theyre performing on the field or spreading joy in the stands. On this edition of "Broncos Weekend," Steve Atwater, OrlandoFranklin andAlexis Perrybreakdowna few of the Broncos' most successful offensive plays so far this season and outline how the Broncos could use those plays this week to get a much-needed win over a divisional rival. [19], Thunder's record number of runs may have been during a 5220 win on September 29, 2013, when he crossed the field eight times. Following every Denver Broncos touchdown, Thunder displays his impressive canter from one end zone to the other. [2][8] Magness-Blake replaced him with Thunder II,[2] a 1994 Arabian gelding registered as Winter Solstyce. Thunder is the stage name for the horse who is the official live animal mascot for the Denver Broncos football team. We're not talking about a guy in a horse costume (although the Broncos have one of those too). "Oh my gosh.". Then, they look back at the Broncos' Week 8 win over the Jaguars at Wembley Stadium before rookie tight end Greg Dulcich shares some insight into what clicked for the Broncos' offense, especially in the second half, to help the Broncos snap their four-game losing streak. "[1] She describes the process by saying, "if something is fearful to him, as long as he looks to me, and I tell him hes OK, hes OK."[19] The only frightening stimuli that was an ongoing problem for both Thunder Sr. and Thunder II was when the crowd would perform the wave; Thunder Sr. would stand still, but tremble. Thunder II served as the Broncos mascot for 10 years after taking the reins in 2004. [6] He was particularly popular with children,[4] appeared on T-shirts, and was referred to as the "second most popular Bronco" after former quarterback John Elway. Miles (Denver Broncos) | SportsMascots Wikia | Fandom However, he did not appear in person as a mascot until 2 years later. [4] Following the death of her husband in November 1996, Magness-Blake downsized the horse operation and by 2014 owned about 15 horses. Denver Broncos - September 2017. DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 9: Ann Judge, riding Denver Broncos mascot Thunder, celebrates with fans after a Denver Broncos score against the Seattle Seahawks at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on . [4], Thunder III began his mascot duties as the understudy to Thunder II. — -- Thunder, the beloved mascot for the Denver Broncos, is making his third trip to Super Bowl Sunday. [38], For Super Bowl 50, Thunder III was trailered to San Francisco, a two-day trip that took four days because of ice and snow, further complicated by a 24-hour closure of I-80. On this edition of "Broncos Country Connected,"ILB Alex Singleton details his path to Denver and shares his mental approach while preparing to face the Kansas City Chiefs for the first time this season. He is linebred to the stallion Negatiw, who appears four times in his pedigree.