Broncos elect 2017 captains

The ballots are in and the Broncos have announced this season’s captains, head coach Vance Joseph announced Wednesday.

The Broncos named five captains; Von Miller and Aqib Talib on defense, Trevor Siemian and Demaryius Thomas on offense, and Brandon McManus on special teams. Miller and Talib are first-time captains with the Broncos.

Miller’s nomination comes as no surprise, as the five-time Pro Bowler’s leadership has frequently been noted by the coaching staff this offseason. Miller has also talked extensively about his new role as a team leader, taking the place of three-time Broncos captain DeMarcus Ware who retired in March.

Talib’s reputation league wide may be controversial, but his teammates revere him. In the wake of T.J. Ward’s release, Denver’s defense ran the risk of losing their mean streak, but giving Talib a pedestal should curb the loss.

Siemian, Thomas and McManus return as captains after holding the role last season.