On November 11, 1979, Mile High Stadium witnessed a historic moment when the Denver Broncos faced off against the New England Patriots in front of a rousing crowd of reported 74,000 fans. The atmosphere was electric, but it wasn’t just the players who stole the show. As the Broncos’ cheerleaders, known as the Pony Express, took center stage, a surprise guest emerged, making this game unforgettable.
In a captivating twist, this unexpected guest was none other than the beloved comedian, Robin Williams. He decided to take the role of a cheerleader quite literally, donning the same ultra-sequin mini skirt, white knee-high boots, fringed white glove, halter top, and an orange scarf, immersing himself in the world of cheerleading. While his experience might not have been identical to the professional cheerleaders, he certainly had the fame and the fashion to match. This was the day when history was created.
Robin Williams etched his name in the NFL’s history
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Late veteran actor Robin Williams, renowned for defining our childhoods and keeping us in fits of laughter throughout the ’90s, was in character as Mork from the TV show “Mork and Mindy” that had just aired on November 25 of the same year. His attire perfectly matched that of the other cheerleaders, but there was one notable difference—his substantial body hair peeked out from his skimpy outfit. This unique sight set the stage for a live game with a house-full crowd of NFL aficionados, witnessing a historic moment.
As the Broncos took the field, Williams, in his Mork persona, joined the professional cheerleaders in their bedazzled uniforms and knee-high cowboy boots. In a moment that left the crowd in awe, he shouted, “We’re gonna go out there and win this one for the zipper.” Williams seamlessly blended in with the cheerleading squad, and the crowd erupted in cheers for this unexpected guest performer.
But why was Robin Williams there in the first place? It turns out he was on a mission to capture footage for his TV show.
There is a story behind this historic Broncos moment!
In one episode, Mork finds himself stumbling upon the opportunity to be a Denver Broncos cheerleader, resulting in expected hilarity. To get the required footage for his show, Williams actually performed as a cheerleader during a real, live NFL game. It was a moment that would go down in history.
The Broncos triumphed that day, sealing a resounding victory with a score of 45 to 10. And Robin Williams etched his name in the annals of NFL history as the first male cheerleader. Notably, he did it all in character as Mork, adding a unique and unforgettable touch to this extraordinary moment. However, the title of the first male cheerleader in the NFL has seen some debate, as technically, it was “Mork” doing the cheerleading.
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Robin Williams’ appearance as a cheerleader was just one of the many highlights of his illustrious career. Starting his journey in Hollywood in 1977, he made a name for himself with roles on iconic TV shows like Happy Days and Laugh-In. However, it was his breakthrough role in Mork and Mindy that catapulted him to stardom. Robin Williams wasn’t just a remarkable actor; he was a wonderful person, and the world was left in shock when he passed away on August 11, 2014.
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This captivating moment in NFL history, where the world-renowned comedian donned a cheerleader’s outfit and became an indelible part of the game, remains a cherished memory for sports fans and comedy enthusiasts alike.
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