Broncos Legend Challenges Marvin Mims Jr. Despite NFL Record

Marvin Mims Jr. owns an NFL record, but a Denver Broncos legend believes the young return specialist still has a long way to go.

Former Broncos star Rick Upchurch praised Mims for becoming the NFL's all-time leader in career punt-return average. However, Upchurch believes Mims needs to sustain his success before being compared with Denver's greatest returners.

Upchurch, who played nine seasons with the Broncos from 1975-83, discussed Mims during an interview with Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette published Saturday.

Mims entered Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers averaging 15.7 yards per punt return, the highest career mark in NFL history among players with at least 75 returns.

The 24-year-old reached that qualifying threshold during Denver's season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Upchurch averaged 12.1 yards per punt return during his career, but his accomplishments extend well beyond that statistic.

Upchurch returned 248 punts for 3,008 yards and eight touchdowns over nine seasons. Mims has 77 career punt returns for 1,208 yards and one touchdown entering Sunday's game.

"I think it's great, and it proves that he sets up field position for his team," Upchurch told the Denver Gazette.

But the former Broncos star emphasized the importance of maintaining that production over an extended period.

"He's got to do it over the long haul," Upchurch said.

Upchurch also recalled speaking with Mims during Denver's Alumni Weekend in September, congratulating him on his record while reminding him that there was still more to accomplish.

Upchurch's eight career punt-return touchdowns rank fourth in NFL history. He returned four punts for touchdowns in 1976 alone, tying a single-season league record.

Mims, meanwhile, has established himself as one of the NFL's most dangerous return specialists since Denver selected him in the second round of the 2023 draft.

He earned Pro Bowl recognition in each of his first two seasons and received first-team All-Pro honors in 2024.

His record-setting average reflects that early success. But the current season has presented challenges.

Mims aggravated a foot injury during the season opener and missed Denver's next two games before returning against the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday.

His return did not go as planned.

Mims lost a third-quarter fumble on a punt return, giving San Francisco possession at Denver's 28-yard line. The 49ers turned the mistake into a touchdown and went on to win 24-14.

Mims acknowledged afterward that he needed to correct the mistake and prevent it from becoming a recurring problem.

The Broncos also could need more from Mims on offense after placing wide receiver Pat Bryant on injured reserve Friday.

For now, Mims owns a record that even Upchurch never achieved.

Whether he can eventually match the former Broncos star's longevity and touchdown production remains an open question.