Jackson's three takeaways had led to 17 of the Broncos' 34 points in the first-ever playoff win for the Broncos before 75,011 orange-clad fans who were watching the start of an NFL dynasty in Denver.

"I think that for a long time people looked at the Denver Broncos and didn't really look at all," Jackson says. "It was like we were just stuck out in the mountains, and for many years we just had not won. That game got us off to a good start in the playoffs and helped change our national perspective.

"I don't think I ever played a better game in a bigger game."

As big as his play was against the Steelers, his emotional leadership of the team and unrivaled bond with Denver fans was just as huge a factor in the making of what the Broncos were becoming.

"Different people have different personalities," he says. "I kind of wore my emotions all of the time on my sleeve."

The crowd was one with Jackson for his entire career, and the cheers for him as he left the field after beating the Steelers were deafening. He waved to the Broncos' sellout audience, and it seemed as if he was waving individually to every fan in attendance.

"It never felt any better than that day against Pittsburgh," Jackson says. "Winning for the first time is so special. I felt like I was perfectly suited to that group of guys, and I can really say this: That team that won that first playoff game gave Denver that first thrill.

"There is no doubt in my mind that there was something present other than just a bunch of football players playing a game. We were willing to sacrifice for each other and make it happen, and it was one of our proudest moments."