Legendary Denver Broncos and Florida State Seminoles quarterback Steve Tensi passed away at 81-years-old Friday.
Tensi belongs to the Florida State Athletics Hall of Fame as well as the Gator Bowl Hall of Fame. He was integral to the Broncos’ early days in the NFL.
Denver Broncos legend Steve Tensi is a name every Broncos fan should know
Denver Broncos legend Steve Tensi was a massive part of the Broncos’ first years as a part of the newly-merged National Football League. While the NFL was around since 1920, 1970 was the first year the NFL existed as we know it today.
1970 was the first regular season in which the NFL consisted of two conferences that would play in the regular season. Steve Tensi was the first quarterback to throw a touchdown pass in the NFL for the Denver Broncos in that season.
Tensi, who was acquired in a trade from the 1967 San Diego Chargers, only played for the Broncos for four years before he was out of the league due to injuries. Despite his short time with the league and the Broncos as a whole, Tensi solidified himself as one of the most important quarterbacks in the history of the organization.
Tensi was one of the best quarterbacks in the AFL in 1969, ranking in the top five in passing touchdowns and passer rating.
Many fans took to social media to mourn the passing of Tensi.
Rip Steve! 🙏
— Nathan Duffy (@Nduffy725) March 18, 2024
So sad. It was a big deal when the Broncos were able to sign him.
— Clay (@Clay_NoNumbers) March 18, 2024
Prayers for all of his family and friends and to all of Bronco Country. 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️
— Helen Ramirez (@HelenRa00971389) March 18, 2024
Wow, such a loss for the Broncos fam. Sending love and orange hearts to Tensi’s loved ones. 🧡 #RIP #BroncosLegend #ForeverRemembered
— Dakota Gray (@DakotaGCharm) March 18, 2024
On top of being a Denver Broncos legend, Steve Tensi is also a Florida State Seminoles legend
Not only was Steve Tensi a legend that played a massive role in the early days of the NFL as we know it today, but he was a legend with the Florida State Seminoles, where his obituary says he met his wife Barbara Jean Nasrallah.
Ultimately, Steve chose to attend Florida State University where he met his future wife, Barbara Jean Nasrallah, during their first day of freshman orientation. They eloped to Thomasville, GA, on February 9, 1963, and remained married for 61 years.
Tensi was the quarterback for the Seminoles in the 1964-1965 season, which was his senior year. He played a crucial role in the school’s first-ever win over their in-state rival, the Florida Gators.
Tensi led the Seminoles to a 10-1-1 record and a win in the Gator Bowl over the Oklahoma Sooners. This was another first-time win for the Seminoles over one of the most prominent schools in college football history.
Tensi won the MVP in that Gator Bowl for a record five touchdown passes, which is a record that continues to stand after more than 50 years.
Tensi dabbled in coaching after his AFL/NFL career, but he ultimately moved to Boone, NC. in 1988 to continue his career in construction. Tensi died in Boone and his family is asking for donations to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 28105 in place of flowers. Online condolences can be sent to his family here.
Get More NFL and College Football Content
For more news and trends in the college football world, click here or follow me on Twitter @KusleikaAndrew.
6 Comments
My condolences 🙏 to the tensi family such a great loss. To the Broncos family 🧡🧡🧡🧡
I liked to say sorry to the family of a great quarterback. My condolences go out to the family.
Steve was a great quarterback. I just wish we would of beat the cowboys in 69. Sorry to the whole family. Go Broncos.
Stud in college and the nfl. A number and name ever Bronco fan should know and remember and respect. Hats off MR.QB
Steve may not of played long do to injury but when the lights were at there brightest and everyhing was on the line he could step his game up and find away to win true legend😀
Steve Tensi life was interesting to read. His elope, star athlete FSU Gators, to Broncos QB
It’s nice know we had such a sweet man on this earth.