The Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars have faced each other three times during the regular season, with the Broncos winning twice. They have met twice in the postseason, with each team winning once. They played one of the most memorable games in NFL history in 1997 when the Jaguars upset the Broncos 30-27 in an AFC Divisional game at Mile High Stadium. The teams meet again Sunday in the Jaguars home-opener. Wide receiver Jimmy Smith is the only remaining Jaguars player who participated in that game. Here’s a look at some of the key Jaguars players from that team and what they’re doing now:
• Bryan Barker, punter. A Pro Bowl punter with the Jaguars, Barker signed as a free agent with Washington in 2001. He’s now with the Green Bay Packers.
• Tony Boselli, offensive tackle. The Jaguars first-ever draft pick, Boselli was placed in the expansion draft and was selected by the Houston Texans. Shoulder injuries forced him to retire in 2002. He currently lives in the Houston area.
• Tony Brackens, defensive end. Brackens was the Jaguars top defensive player for several years before suffering a serious knee injury. He was released by the Jaguars Aug. 22 and is looking to sign with another NFL team.
• Mark Brunell, quarterback. Brunell was traded to the Washington Redskins earlier this year and is the starting QB there.
• Rich Griffith, tight end. Griffith retired after the 1998 season and is currently involved in youth ministry work.
• Kevin Hardy, linebacker. Hardy left the Jaguars in 2002 and was signed as a free agent by the Dallas Cowboys. He’s now with the Cincinnati Bengals.
• Mike Hollis, kicker. He was signed as a free agent by the Buffalo Bills in 2002. He now lives in Ponte Vedra Beach.
• John Jurkovic, defensive tackle. “Jurko” is a broadcaster with Fox Television.
• Jeff Lageman, defensive end. Lageman retired in 1997 and is a radio broadcaster in Jacksonville.
• Keenan McCardell, wide receiver. Left the Jaguars in a salary cap move and signed as a free agent with Tampa Bay.
• Tom McManus, linebacker. Hosts a sports talk radio show in Jacksonville.
• Natrone Means, running back. Signed as a free agent with the San Diego Chargers in 1998. He’s now retired and living with his wife and children in Concord, N.C.
• Leon Searcy, offensive tackle. Played with the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins before retiring because of injuries.
• James Stewart, running back. Signed as a free agent with the Detroit Lions in 2000. Was released by the Lions earlier this year and is currently a free agent. Stewart was mentioned as a possible replacement for Ricky Williams in Miami.
• Dave Widell, center. Signed as a free agent by the Atlanta Falcons during their Super Bowl year. Hosts a sports radio talk show in Jacksonville.