Former Notre dame and Denver Broncos star, Frank Tripucka, has passed today after a lengthy illness. He was 85 years old. An obituary can be found HERE.
Broncos First QB Frank Tripucka Dies
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Todd Tobias's interest in the American Football League began in 1998, when he wrote his master's thesis about Sid Gillman. He created this site to educate and entertain football fans with the stories of the American Football League, 1960-1969. You can follow Todd and get more AFL history on Twitter @TalesfromtheAFL.
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Mr. Tripucka started his Bronco career in a different way than most people. Frank Filchock had been named the Broncos coach and Frank was his chief assistant coach for offense. At halftime of the Broncos first preseason neither Bronco quarterbacks (George herring and Tom Dublinski) were doing anything. So Filchock says to Frank, “Hell, you’re in shape aren’t ya? tell ya what, we still have a bunch of jerseys, pants, and socks in the trainers room. Go out there and throw some passes.Cause I know for a fact we haven’t completed any in this half. At least give the fans something for their money anyway!”
Tripucka did. And played three full seasons and a couple games in 1963.He was the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 3000 yards in a season. Yes, that includes Unitas, Graham, Tittle, etc.
His #18 was retired afterwards.When Peyton Manning was signed by Denver a year ago last April Mr. Tripucka reached out to Peyton when the subject came up in a Denver Post story regarding Peyton’s number with the Colts. He said the decision was easy. “Peyton is one of the classiest players in the history of pro football. The number has been retired long enough. It’s now UNRETIRED. I would be honored to have Peyton wear it!”
Frank Tripucka didn’t win any AFL championships for Denver but he was important regarding Denver’s success off the ground.Class defines Frank Tripucka. RIP “Tripper.”
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