Mike Haffner may not be a well-known name in the world of football, but to Denver Broncos fans, he will always hold a special place in their hearts. Haffner was a wide receiver for the Broncos in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and his 1969 Topps football card captures a moment in time for this underrated player.
Haffner began his football career at the University of Colorado, where he played both football and baseball. He was a standout wide receiver for the Buffaloes, earning All-Big Eight honors and finishing his college career with 1,027 yards receiving. Despite his impressive collegiate performance, Haffner was not heavily scouted and went undrafted in the 1968 NFL Draft.
However, the Denver Broncos took a chance on him and signed him as a free agent. In his first season with the team, Haffner played in 13 games and caught 18 passes for 277 yards and one touchdown. He quickly established himself as a reliable receiver and became a favorite target for quarterback Steve Tensi.
In 1969, Haffner had his breakout season. He played in all 14 games and caught 42 passes for 768 yards and five touchdowns. He led the team in receptions and receiving yards, and his contributions helped the Broncos finish with their first winning record in franchise history. Haffner’s impressive performance on the field earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl, cementing his status as one of the team’s top players.
Haffner’s talent on the field was evident in his 1969 Topps football card. The card depicts him in his Broncos uniform, looking determined and ready to make a play. He is crouched down, hands on his knees, with a football tucked securely under his arm. The orange and blue color scheme of the Broncos’ uniform stands out against the grey background, making Haffner the focal point of the card.
What makes Haffner’s 1969 Topps football card special is not just the image itself, but also the small details included on the back. The card features a short biography of Haffner, listing his height and weight (6’2″, 205 lbs) and highlighting his impressive stats from the previous season. It also mentions that he was selected to play in the Pro Bowl, solidifying his place as one of the Broncos’ top players.
Despite his early success, Haffner’s career with the Broncos was cut short due to injuries. He played two more seasons with the team but was unable to replicate his 1969 performance. However, his contributions to the team during his time in Denver were invaluable and helped lay the foundation for future success.
Today, Mike Haffner’s 1969 Topps football card remains a treasured piece of memorabilia for Broncos fans. It represents a time when the team was just starting to find its footing in the NFL and showcases a player who played a significant role in that process. Haffner may not have become a household name in football, but his 1969 Topps card stands as a reminder of his impact on the Denver Broncos and their fans.