Floyd Little vs. Charlie Joiner Rivalry
Not rivals but legends: Little and Joiner united to define Broncos excellence in the AFC West.
The concept of a direct rivalry between Floyd Little and Charlie Joiner is a historical misconception; they were not opponents in a feud but rather teammates who played together for the Denver Broncos during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Floyd Little, the legendary running back, was a cornerstone of the Broncos' defense and offense from 1967 to 1975, while Charlie Joiner joined the team as a wide receiver in 1974 after being traded from his original team. Their relationship is defined by camaraderie and shared triumphs in the AFC West rather than conflict.
- Floyd Little Position
- Running Back
- Charlie Joiner Position
- Wide Receiver
- Shared Team
- Denver Broncos
- Era of Overlap
- 1974–1980
- Primary Rivalry Context
- AFC West Competition
Lore & Background
While they did not compete against each other, their presence elevated the Broncos' offense during a transitional period. Little's ability to break tackles and gain yards set up opportunities for Joiner, who could exploit defenses with his route-running precision. Together, they helped sustain the Broncos' competitiveness in the fierce AFC West division, contributing to memorable seasons that are still celebrated by fans today.
In Their Own Story
The sun beat down on Mile High Stadium as Floyd Little lined up at the line of scrimmage, his eyes locked on the defense. Across the formation, Charlie Joiner adjusted his helmet, ready to sprint downfield. The crowd roared, not for a clash between them, but for the harmony they brought to the field. As the ball snapped, Little took the handoff, cutting hard left before spotting Joiner breaking free in the end zone. A quick toss connected two legends, sealing another chapter in Denver's storied history.
Reader's Guide
The real rivalries involving Floyd Little and Charlie Joiner were against teams like the Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, and Kansas City Chiefs. These matchups defined the AFC West during the 1970s and early 1980s, with games often decided by narrow margins. Floyd Little's most famous battles came against the Raiders' stout defense, where his agility allowed him to find gaps in seemingly impenetrable lines. Meanwhile, Charlie Joiner faced off against legendary cornerbacks like Jack Tatum and Mel Gray, showcasing his ability to separate from elite coverage. For fans, these games held emotional weight because they represented the struggle for division supremacy. The Broncos' success during this era was built on the foundation laid by players like Little and Joiner, whose contributions remain a source of pride for the franchise.
Did You Know?
- Floyd Little was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010, recognizing his impact as one of the greatest running backs of all time.
- Both players wore number 32 (Little) and 84 (Joiner), numbers that are now retired or honored by the Denver Broncos organization.
- Their overlapping tenure in Denver helped bridge the gap between the team's early struggles and its rise as a playoff contender.