[2] Magness said, "Thunder is friendly, and Broncos fans think it's good luck for the opposing team to pet our mascot". Thunder and his rider also interact with fans before the game; the horse is particularly popular with children, who are allowed to pet him. [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. However, he did not appear in person as a mascot until 2 years later. Men's Nike Orange Denver Broncos Custom Game Jersey. Coupon. Judge described him as being somewhat timid when he first began his role as mascot but eventually grew into it. [2] Thunder also attended Super Bowl XXXIII in Miami in 1999. Mile High gets loud. 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. Ann and Thunder show their Broncos spirit. Meet Denver Broncos Mascot 'Thunder' - ABC News (Parker Seibold /. He began performing at preseason games in 2013. Roof jobs may seem pretty hard and few people like it, but it's, Many of these tips are also suitable for saving money on cooling bills. [24] His paternal grandsire is *Salon, a Russian-bred Arabian stallion from the Tersk Stud exported first to Germany and later brought to the United States. Curiously, Huddles, who was a horse on two legs, has a curious backstory. 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. [4], The first horse trainer for JB Kobask as Thunder was Tom Hudson,[4] the trainer for Magness Arabians at the time. Thunder shares mascot duties with Miles, a human who wears a horse head mask atop a Broncos uniform. Three purebred Arabianshave held this role since 1993, all gray horseswhose coats lightened with age until they turned completely white. Seen: Western Fantasy XXIV is a winter wonderland - The Denver Post Denver Post Staff Writer. 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. Denver Broncos Mascot Statue. Quantity. The Denver Post Online: Broncomania Thunder is the stage name for the horse who is the official live animal mascot for the Denver Broncos football team. Then one day he spotted such a field from high in the mountains, way down in the city of Denver. Denver Broncos | Mascots "Super Bowl XXXII: The Revenge Tour" is a one-hour documentary special celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Denver Broncos' first world championship. "Oh my gosh.". [44] She has been the trainer and rider of Thunder II for his entire career with the Broncos,[13] and also does so for Thunder III. Thunder III is more than a mascot. He also appeared at Super Bowl 50 in San Francisco. "If anybody can get that thing turned around out there, it's him.". The Denver Broncos organization and our Denver community were forever changed on April 22, 2010, when the Broncos selected Georgia Tech wide receiver Demaryius Thomas in the first round of the NFL Draft. On the following Tuesday, he led the team in the Denver victory parade while Thunder III was still on the road heading home. Thunder stopped immediately, averting a potentially dangerous situation. 722 Denver Broncos Mascot Premium High Res Photos "Thunder" - The Denver Broncos Mascot [11] In 2004, she married Ernie Blake, an attorney and the mayor of Breckenridge,[42] who also loves horses. Thunder II served . "[19] On one occasion, a person walked out unexpectedly in front of Thunder as he was leading the players onto the field. [9] It was the first time a Thunder mascot had been flown. Thunder is now a Hand-Crafted Breyer Model Horse. Thunder the horse was to be retired, Miles is the dressed up mascot and Bucky is the name of the Horse statue that resides ontop of the stadium. 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. "All the things that I thought coming into the role about this tradition of success and winning and a rabid fan base is true," Leech said. On this edition of "Broncos Weekend," Steve Atwater, Orlando Franklin and Alexis Perry discuss the directionin which the franchise is headed with Owner and CEO Greg Penner leading the search for the Broncos' next head coach.Also, Atwater and Franklin explain what fans might be able toexpect asInterimHeadCoachJerryRosburgfacesKansas City head coach Andy Reid and the Chiefsin his first game with the reins, as well as which Broncos players needto step upon New Year's Dayfor the Broncos to snap their 14-game losing streak to the Chiefs. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. The Denver Broncos Mascot - 23-Years of Wild Horse Play 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 . [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. Unlike most other famous horses, Thunder rides solo. But if the Broncos win the Super Bowl, Thunder Dos is coming out of retirement. He has been flown on airplanes, ridden in elevators, and appeared indoors at press conferences and banquets. Copyright 2023 Denver Broncos. Fans enjoyed Broncos giveaways and a meet and greet with Miles the Mascot, DBC Marissa, and DBC Daniela. 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. [12][24] He was Magness-Blake's personal riding horse for several years prior to becoming the Broncos' mascot. Mascots can also function as team ambassadors, encouraging team spirit and establishing a sense of camaraderie among fans. [29] He has appeared frequently as part of the color guard at Denver's annual National Western Stock Show. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. [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. As of 2022[update], Thunder has appeared in four Super Bowls. Next came the traditional presentation of colors Sharon Magness Blake circling the arena floor on Thunder, mascot of the Denver Broncos, as a recording of Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the. He was transported to the east coast in a FedEx cargo plane,[32] designed and equipped by Dutta Corporation specifically for transporting horses. "Demaryius Thomas: The Heart of a Legend" reflects on the unforgettable legacy of the late No. Denver Broncos Mascot - Thunder. Acclaimed Denver Broncos' mascot Thunder and his rider/trainer Ann Judge-Wegener will make an early appearance on NBC's Today Show and FOX's morning show, FOX & Friends on Friday, Jan. 31. He was raised by a herd of wild horses and taught how to survive the cold climate and high altitude. See what it takes for the Broncos mascot to prepare for games, How style star Carla Rockmore is reimagining fashion. Three purebred Arabianshave held this role since 1993, all gray horseswhose coats lightened with age until they turned completely white. [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. Monarch AH was a race horse who won 19 of his 23 races, including several graded stakes races for Arabians, earning US$213,646. Denver Broncos mascot "Thunder" and rider Ann Judge take the field during player intros before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Sports. Thunder III is currently 23 years old and it is likely that his foal becomes his successor once he retires as well. [4] He is known for being people-friendly and particularly gentle with children who became acquainted with him prior to each game. He retired after the final home game of the 2013 season. The original Thunder, later named "Thunder Sr.", was described as bold and courageous. We're not talking about a guy in a horse costume (although the Broncos have one of those too). [19] Officially retired in 2014, Thunder II occasionally makes public appearances. [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. As we speak, Thunder is on a Fedex cargo plane, on his way to the Super Bowl. Fans, players and game day staff alike, stand in awe watching Thunder run. Thunder has been portrayed by three horses over the yearsall Arabians owned and bred by Sharon Magness Blake. All Rights Reserved. [4] Angela Moore, his rider at the time,[5] galloped him down the field after each Broncos touchdown. "All the things that I thought coming into the role about this tradition of success and winning and a rabid fan base is true," Leech said. Denver Broncos mascot Thunder, ridden by Ann Judge, leads players onto the field before a game against the Houston Texans at Empower Field at Mile. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. Quantity. They also share their initial reactions to the Chargers' Week 5 win over the Browns and what they believe the Broncos need to doto get their first divisional win of the season. 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. "Thunder" the Denver Broncos mascot walks along the sidelines on Aug. 19, 2006 at Mile High Stadium at Invesco Field in Denver, Colorado. 7400 Orchard Road, Suite 230 Englewood, CO 80111 Phone: 303-796-8881 Email: info@thunderandco.com Broncos Country showed up for a fan meet up in Addison, TX before the Broncos took on the Cowboys. [11] Like Thunder II,[54] he appeared at Magness-Blake's annual Western Fantasy fundraising banquet for the Volunteers of America. One of three breed classifications, hot bloods are known for their speed and endurance. The Denver Broncos mascot Thunder, ridden by Ann Judge-Wegener Miles is one of two official mascots of the Denver Broncos, an NFL football team. An Arab thats calm, cool, and collected (Judge says she could walk him across the field if she wanted to) doesnt really fit the stereotype. And on Wednesday, Leech spoke to nearly a dozen current interns who held the same role that Leech once did. For that night, Broncos fans all across the world were too busy cheering on the best team in the nation to their second consecutive Super Bowl title in Miami, Florida. 950 Thunder_(mascot) Premium High Res Photos - Getty Images Spectators were allowed to interact with Thunder and pet him prior to the game. [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. But according to Thunder's rider and trainer, Ann Judge of Bennett, Colorado, Thunder thinks the celebrations are all about him. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. "To see a former player come back in the league and be a GM and win a Super Bowl as a player and win a Super Bowl as a GM?" See what it takes for the Broncos mascot to prepare for games September 26, 2022, 8:10 AM TODAY's Al Roker visits Empower Field at Mile High Stadium in Colorado to see what it takes for the. Ann Judge rides Denver Broncos live mascot Thunder across the field after a Denver Broncos score during a game between the Denver Broncos and the. 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. All Rights Reserved. Denver Broncos Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images