The NFL mascot is more than just a costumed character running around the sidelines; it contributes significantly to the overall fan experience and game day atmosphere. Thunder kicked off Monday Night Football with a spirited entrance. On this edition of "BroncosAtoZ," with Nathaniel Hackett out as head coach, Alexis Perry and Zac Stevens share their biggest takeaways from the joint press conferencefrom BroncosOwner and CEO Greg Penner and General Manager George Paton and previewwhat can possibly be be expectedin the coming weeks and months here in Broncos Country. Super Bowl 50championRyan Harris breaks down a fewgame-changingplaysfromdown the stretch and points out ways the Broncos can improveagainst the Jets. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Miles loves his new home, and the turf management folks appreciate the help he provides keeping the turf nicely trimmed. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. "Super Bowl XXXII: The Revenge Tour" is a one-hour documentary special celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Denver Broncos' first world championship. As we speak, Thunder is on a Fedex cargo plane, on his way to the Super Bowl. [29] When bored, he has entertained himself by grabbing the zipper pulls of his handlers' jackets and running them up and down. Thunder shares mascot . Thunder ended up at the Mountainaire Animal Clinic in Rock Springs. [2] Thunder has gone up elevators, walked through indoor tunnels, has been ridden among the banquet tables at Magness-Blake's Western Fantasy fundraiser, and has attended indoor and outdoor press conferences. 88 and the impact he had on and off the field. [12] Ann Judge has also remarked about the team getting "amped up" with energy and excitement as Thunder leads them onto the field, explaining that "To him, amped up means danger. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). [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. The fans of Broncos Country showed up in force and were loud all game against Houston. [20][31] He served as the Broncos mascot for 11 years and was retired in 2004 after developing arthritis, which made it difficult for him to gallop down the field. Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning joked, "Might have to give ol' Thunder an I.V. "[19] On one occasion, a person walked out unexpectedly in front of Thunder as he was leading the players onto the field. Thunder I was the teams first mascot from 1993 until 1996, and he was succeeded by Thunder II, who has been bringing the thunder since 1997. [8][33][41] She grew up poor in Philadelphia, and did not ride a horse until she was 20 years old. Fabulously spotting Denver Broncos' mascot Thunder, a White Arabian gelding and rider/trainer, Ann Judge-Wegener leaving Times Square after appearing at #Fox. Copyright 2023 Denver Broncos. Thunder II was much more timidso much so that Judge wasnt sure he would make the cut. The Denver Broncos mascots have been making fans laugh and smile for almost 25 years, and they have become a crucial aspect of the team. The original Thunder made regular appearances at events and community functions following his retirement. Tune into this Broncos Broadcast special airing Saturday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. MT on 9NEWS or catch it on the Broncos YouTube channel at 7 p.m. MT. Thunder appeared at Elway's 1999 retirement gala. He also appeared at Super Bowl 50 in San Francisco. He is trailered into the stadium via the visitor's tunnel. Judge said Thunder, age 19 at the time, was not tired at all, describing him as "full of spit and vinegar" the next day. She is an accomplished equestrian. "He definitely looks rejuvenated," Campbell said of his former boss. [28], Thunder has other duties off the field, and has appeared at many public exhibitions and charity functions in the Denver area, including visits to schools and hospitals. Only Miles didn't know the great things that were in store for him at this point. [1] Me N Myshadow is sired by Monarch AH out of a *Gondolier daughter, making him a distant cousin to Winter Solstyce. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. The Denver Broncos are notorious for having thunderstorms throughout the fall and winter that is Thunder storming the field. Part of Thunder's training schedule is a trail ride. Since his fathers retirement in 2014, Thunder III is the primary attraction and on-field power. "Super Bowl XXXII: The Revenge Tour"features interviews with the fiveHall of Famers from that team, their head coach, Mike Shanahan, and some of the biggest stars from that 1997 team todetail their Super Bowl XXXII run and how the feeling of defeat in the divisional round the previous year fueled them throughout their 20-game championship season. Then, BroncosVice Presidentof Community Development AllieEngelkenoutlines some of the greatest ways the players and organization havemade an impacton theColorado community and beyond over the past few months. family finished by Mrs. Roth. 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. (For comparison, cold bloods are slow and calm,. One of the first stops on President Damani Leech's eventual journey to Denver was as an NCAA intern in Indianapolis. [47], The stallion was kicked by a mare in a 1997 breeding accident, resulting in a fracture that required two arthroscopic surgeries on his stifle, akin to knee surgery on a human, and was out of commission for six weeks; another two months was needed before he could gallop at full speed. On this episode of "Broncos Weekend" Steve Atwater, Cody Roark and Alexis Perry discuss whowill line upunder centerfor both teams onSunday with Russell Wilson sidelinedinWeek 15 and Kyler Murray out for the season with a torn ACL. He is linebred to the stallion Negatiw, who appears four times in his pedigree. One of three breed classifications, hot bloods are known for their speed and endurance. Quantity. [9] Ann Judge calls him "Tres". Denver Broncos Football Club. Also,theDenver7crew sharesitsthoughts on the final stretch of the season. 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. It's been 25 years since the Denver Broncos earned their first world championship, butthat season is still fresh in the minds of the men who earned it. Denver Broncos - September 2017. He had been the personal pleasure riding horse of Magness-Blake. When Thunder, the Denver Broncos mascot opens each home game at Sports Authority field in Denver, Colorado, more than 76,125 fans show their Love of Thunder with resounding Mile-High cheers and applause. It is slated to be 72 feet high and 225 feet wide and the Broncos say it will be the fourth largest single scoreboard in any NFL stadium. The actual mascot, a horse named Thunder, was used for this newest . "Thunder" the Denver Broncos mascot walks along the sidelines on Aug. 19, 2006 at Mile High Stadium at Invesco Field in Denver, Colorado. On the following Tuesday, he led the team in the Denver victory parade while Thunder III was still on the road heading home. The History of Thunder When Thunder, the Denver Broncos mascot opens each home game at Sports Authority field in Denver, Colorado, more than 76,125 fans show their Love of Thunder with resounding Mile-High cheers and applause. Find Mascot Thunder stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Miller told 9NEWS. A day in the life of the Denver Broncos mascot, Thunder the horse 9,827 views Sep 15, 2019 82 Dislike Share 9NEWS 218K subscribers One of the best parts of a home game is seeing that beautiful. Upon arrival, Thunder was stabled at the Stanford Equestrian Center. 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. [22], Magness-Blake said one of the most dangerous parts of Thunder's job is at the beginning of the game when he leads the team onto the field, as there are cheerleaders ahead of him waving their pom-poms and a team of excited football players behind him. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for NFL Team Denver Broncos Tee Shirt Adult XL Miller 58 Football Graphic Athletic at the best online prices at eBay! 10 / 14 Ann Judge-Wegener waves to the crowd. [8] It was his first away game, and required 26 hours of trailering to reach the destination. With each scoring drive, Thunder engages the crowd running full-stride from the south end zone down the center of the field to the north. [18] The day after his arrival in Newark, New Jersey,[33] Thunder was hauled into New York City for television appearances on Today,[34] and Fox & Friends. [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. 7400 Orchard Road, Suite 230 Englewood, CO 80111 Phone: 303-796-8881 Email: info@thunderandco.com 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. Thunders pre-game ritual is pretty low-key. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. [24] Thunder III, age 14 at the time, made the trip because of concerns over Thunder II's age (20 years) and the stress some horses experience during air travel. Thunder is the stage name for the horse who is the official live animal mascot for the Denver Broncos football team. I'm blessed. Three purebred Arabians have held this position, all gray horses whose coats lightened with age until they were completely white. He retired after the final home game of the 2013 season. [11] In 2004, she married Ernie Blake, an attorney and the mayor of Breckenridge,[42] who also loves horses. Three purebred Arabianshave held this role since 1993, all gray horseswhose coats lightened with age until they turned completely white. Denver Broncos Mascot - Thunder. Thunder is the stage name for the horse who is the official live animal mascot for the Denver Broncos football team. Then, Super Bowl 50champion Ryan Harrisbreaksdown a few plays from the Broncos' Week 12 game against the Panthers and pointsout some of the ways the Broncos can improve with six games remaining on the schedule. But according to Thunder's rider and trainer, Ann Judge of Bennett, Colorado, Thunder thinks the celebrations are all about him. 11 / 14 Thunder and his rider take the field before the game. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. [8], Thunder Sr. was noted for his bold and courageous personality,[11] and was described by Magness-Blake as having "a strong ego". . The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Thunder III and I ride around a hundred and twenty tables full of guests who love seeing the mascot up close and personal. Broncos Country showed their true colors on Sunday, bringing lots of orange to StubHub Center for the Broncos' road game vs. the Chargers in Week 11. He began performing at preseason games in 2013. You ship him FedEx. [20] Thunder usually leaves the field before the game is over. On this edition of "Broncos Weekend," Steve Atwater, Orlando Franklin and Alexis Perry discuss what theBroncos' identitymight be down the stretch, who needs to step up with a few starters still battling injury and what to expectinWeek 10 as the Broncos head to Nashville to take on the Titans. The purebred Arabian gelding is also part of a good luck ritual for the Broncos. The Denver Broncos Aug 2021 - Present 1 . 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. Fox 31 Denver - October 2019. [28], JB Kobask, a purebred Arabian stallion foaled in 1983, became the first live horse mascot for the Broncos in 1993 after a successful horse show career. I feel grateful to be the spokesperson for Thunder and, in doing so, for the Arabian breed. Here's everything you need to know (and probably didn't know) about Thunder, the Denver Broncos mascot.SUBSCRIBE to ABC NEWS: https://www.youtube.com/ABCNews. Judge described him as being somewhat timid when he first began his role as mascot but eventually grew into it. The Denver Broncos mascot dances on the field before the game of the Los Angeles Raiders against the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium on December 8, 1985 in Denver, Colorado. [9] It was the first time a Thunder mascot had been flown. [21] Judge signs autographs for about 45 minutes before each game,[27] allowing fans, particularly children, an opportunity to become better acquainted with Thunder. Thunder made his Mile High debut on Sept. 12, 1993, during a Broncos victory over the San Diego Chargers. Thunder, provided by Thunder Spirit LLC of Denver, will be entering his 5th year during the Broncos' 2018 campaign. I saw one in St. Clair Co. And there is, The one who forgot is the Filoli estate in Woodside, CA. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. He retired after the final home game of the 2013 season. Winter Solstyce's maternal grandsire is *Gondolier, who was a Polish National Champion and World Champion Arabian stallion at the Salon du Cheval in Paris, imported to the U.S. in 1981. He came out of retirement to lead the Broncos Super Bowl 50 Championship parade. He routinely appears in parades, makes hospital and school visits, and attends various other public functions. Gray horses have a hair coat that depigments with age until it is almost pure white, or in some cases, "flea-bitten"; white with small darker spots. Sharon Magness-Blake has owned all of them, and Ann Judge has been their rider since 1998 and trainer since 1999. Thunder responded to the situation with aplomb, continuing to run forward onto the field, though he performed flying lead changes with each explosion. [1][18] Ann Judge has explained that because so many unexpected things can happen, it is important that the people working with him remain calm; it is trust in his rider and handlers, not just desensitization, that helps the horse remain steady: "You want them to look to you for the appropriate response and for confidence and faith so that the flight response doesnt get initiated. Thunder is a purebred Arabian gelding that acts as the club's mascot. Ann and Thunder show their Broncos spirit. But after he flies, Thunder will ride! 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. Thunder stopped immediately, averting a potentially dangerous situation. Following every Denver Broncos touchdown, Thunder displays his impressive canter from one end zone to the other. [15] Thunder's helpers also remove any manure that he might drop while on the field. The Denver Broncos mascot Thunder leads the team onto the field before the final preseason game of the year at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. [16][17] Thunder shares mascot duties with Miles, a human who wears a horse head mask atop a Broncos uniform. As the Denver Broncos' mascot, Thunder helps the crowd celebrate every goal, so when he gallops across the field, the stadium shakes with applause and wild cheers. Thunder is the stage name for the horse who is the official live animal mascot for the Denver Broncos football team. Although Thunder II was still active as team mascot during the 201314 season, Thunder III was sent to Super Bowl XLVIII because he was younger and better able to handle air travel. [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. He also appeared at Super Bowl 50 in San Francisco. His first game was in 2013at Super Bowl XLVIII, no less. Filling, Copyright 2023 Thumbwind Publications LLC. [11] Judge grew up on an Arabian horse farm near West Lafayette, Indiana,[43] and graduated from Purdue University in 1980 with a degree in English Education. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Intentionally putting on Thunders coat inside-out with the tags showing has helped the team win games before, according to his trainer and rider, Ann Judge. [21] His handlers used operant conditioning with positive reinforcement, associating pom-poms with a carrot treat. Thunder III also made appearances in Times Square and on television morning news shows in New York City as part of the pre-game promotion for Super Bowl XLVIII. [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. Thunder III is more than a mascot. *An asterisk before the name of an Arabian horse indicates that the horse was imported to the United States. Jan. 19, 2014. Thunder II served as the Broncos mascot for 10 years after taking the reins in 2004. Thunder, provided by Thunder Spirit LLC of Denver, will be entering his 5th year during the Broncos' 2018 campaign. On this episode of "Broncos A to Z," Alexis Perry and Zac Stevens discuss how the Broncoskick-startedtheir offense in the second halfvs.Arizona, defensive linemanDeShawnWilliams explains what has sparked his game as of late andwe sharean early preview of the Broncos' Christmas Day showdown with theLos AngelesRams. Times Square isnt the only unusual place Thunder III has been. 9News - January 2016. The secluded, private ranch on Triple Creek Ranch Road in Silverthorne, Colorado, is located about a 90-minute drive west of Denver, 30 minutes from the Kremmling airport and just 10 minutes to I-70. Thunder's driver was near Rock Springs on Sunday night when the Wyoming Highway Patrol closed the highway because of ice and snow. [4] During a February 4, 1997 press conference introducing the new logo, the team president and the art director for Nike, creators of the new design, described it as "a powerful horse with a fiery eye and mane. He was also afraid of the cheerleaders' pom-poms. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. [2] When team uniforms were redesigned in 1997, Thunder was the inspiration to incorporate a horse-head profile as part of the logo on the team's helmets. Thunder shares mascot duties with Miles, a human who wears a horse head mask atop a Broncos uniform. A look at a day in the life of Denver Broncos mascot, Thunder Asian American Voices More Brands UP NEXT Baseball great Tim McCarver dies at 81 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar talks heart health scare, LeBron. Broncos fans made their presence known on "Monday Night Football" against Kansas City. [4], The first horse trainer for JB Kobask as Thunder was Tom Hudson,[4] the trainer for Magness Arabians at the time. The Denver Broncos Bunch Club hosted their annual Trick-or-Treat on October 26th. [11] Like Thunder II,[54] he appeared at Magness-Blake's annual Western Fantasy fundraising banquet for the Volunteers of America. Thunder Sr. was succeeded in 2004 by "Thunder II", an Arabian gelding registered as Winter Solstyce. [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. Well, in that great flash of heat and electricity was born the most amazing and dedicated Broncos fan ever, Miles. The stallion was notably gentle around children who wanted to pet him. Thunder has also been there to celebrate each touchdown and field goal. Denver Broncos fans are no strangers to the legendary players whove donned the orange and blue, but what about the mischievous Denver Broncos mascot whos added an extra dose of humor and hootenanny to the field?