denver broncos afc west champions shirt meaning Explained

The Denver Broncos have officially clinched the AFC West, marking a monumental return to glory. However, the denver broncos afc west champions shirt handed to players in the locker room sparked more confusion than celebration. With a design that many fans called “ugly” and a slogan that seemed puzzling, this piece of apparel tells a story far bigger than a simple division title.

At Shibtee Clothing LLC, we understand that fan gear is about more than just fabric; it is about the message it carries. This article unpacks the true meaning behind the controversial “Been there, won that” slogan and explores why this 2025 victory is a turning point for the franchise.

The Story Behind the “Ugly” Shirt and Its Baffling Slogan

The official locker room shirt features a generic font and the phrase “Been there, won that,” drawing criticism for its lackluster design compared to typical flashy NFL merchandise.

When the clock hit zero and the Broncos secured the division, equipment managers handed out the customary grey T-shirts. Usually, these shirts feature the Denver skyline, aggressive fonts, and the words “Division Champions” in bold. This year, however, the design was stark, minimal, and, according to social media, “ugly.”

The shirt appeared to be a basic Gildan 5000 style tee with plain text. There were no flashy commemorative graphics or intricate details. For many Broncos fans, this felt underwhelming. They wanted something that screamed “We are back!” after years of watching the Kansas City Chiefs dominate the AFC West.

However, in our experience at Shibtee Clothing LLC, “ugly” designs in sports often become the most collectible memorabilia. The lack of design polish suggests authenticity—a shirt printed in a rush for a team that is focused on business, not fashion.

“Been There, Won That”: An Ironic Message for a Team’s First Title in a Decade

This slogan suggests the team expects victory as a standard, despite this being their first division title since the Peyton Manning era.

The phrase “Been there, won that” is a play on the common idiom “Been there, done that,” which usually implies boredom or routine. For the Denver Broncos, this slogan is heavily ironic. The team has not “been there” (the top of the division) since Super Bowl 50 in 2015.

So, why use this slogan?

• A New Standard: It reflects a mindset shift. The team is projecting confidence, acting as if winning the division title is normal, not a miracle.
• Disrespecting the Drought: It dismisses the last decade of struggle. It says, “We are the Broncos. We win championships. The drought was a fluke.”
• The “Job’s Not Done” Mentality: It implies that a division title is just a stepping stone. They have “won that,” and now they want more—specifically, the Lombardi Trophy.

How Sean Payton and the Broncos Players Reacted to the Gear

Coach Sean Payton reportedly wanted a subdued celebration, while players like Adam Trautman joked about the shirt’s basic aesthetic during locker room interviews.

Sean Payton is known for his discipline. Sources suggest the understated design of the Denver Broncos AFC West champions shirt reflects his philosophy. He often preaches “act like you’ve been there before.” A flashy, over-the-top shirt might signal that the team is just happy to be in the playoffs. A boring, “ugly” shirt signals that they are here for business.

In the locker room, players had mixed reactions. Adam Trautman was seen laughing at the simplicity of the shirt, while other veterans appreciated the message. For the players, the locker room t-shirt is a badge of honor, regardless of how it looks. It represents the sweat and grind of a long season.

More Than Just a Shirt: What Winning the AFC West Really Means

This victory signifies the end of the Kansas City Chiefs’ dominance and marks the Broncos’ return to elite status in the NFL.

To understand why fans are clamoring to buy this shirt, you have to understand the context. This isn’t just another win. This is the Broncos taking back their territory. For years, the AFC West has been the playground of Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. The Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders have had their moments, but the Broncos have been stuck in a rebuild.

Winning the 2025 AFC West title changes the narrative. It secures a home-field advantage for at least one playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High, a venue notoriously difficult for visiting teams due to the altitude and noise.

A Look Back at the Denver Broncos’ Division Title History

The Broncos historically dominated the AFC West with 15 division titles, most notably during the Elway and Manning eras, before a long drought starting in 2016.

The Broncos are not an underdog franchise; they are a sleeping giant. Looking at their history helps explain why this shirt is so significant.

This history shows that winning the West is the “normal” state for Denver. The “Been there, won that” slogan on the Denver Broncos AFC West champions shirt is a callback to those golden eras.

Why This 2025 Division Title Ends an Era of Waiting for Broncos Fans

After years of quarterback carousel and losing seasons, the 2025 title proves the rebuild is over and the franchise is a contender again.

For the average fan, the last decade has been painful. They watched the NFC West and other divisions produce exciting teams while Denver struggled. The 2025 title validates the hiring of Sean Payton and the roster moves made in the offseason.

When a fan wears this shirt, they are not just celebrating a win; they are celebrating relief. They are celebrating the fact that they no longer have to talk about “next year.” The Broncos 2025 season has delivered on its promise. The shirt is a physical symbol that the dark ages of the franchise are over.

Wear the Victory: Finding Your Perfect Broncos AFC West Champions Gear

While the locker room tee is controversial, retail versions from Nike and Fanatics offer stylish designs featuring the Denver skyline and commemorative graphics.

While the story behind the “ugly” shirt is fun, you might want apparel that actually looks good when you wear it out. Fortunately, brands like Nike and Fanatics produce consumer versions of the championship gear that are much higher quality than the hasty locker room prints.

If you are looking for a piece of history that captures this moment, the Denver Broncos AFC West Champions Shirt is the perfect way to show your allegiance. These retail versions often correct the design flaws of the player-issued gear, adding better spacing, cooler graphics, and more durable fabric.

From Locker Room Talk to Fan Apparel: The Gear You’ll Actually Want to Wear

Fans often prefer high-quality hoodies and fitted mens shirts over the hasty locker room prints worn by players immediately after the game.

The shirt the players wear is designed to be pulled on over pads for a 5-minute TV interview. It is often baggy, made of cheap cotton, and ill-fitting. For your wardrobe, you want something different.

At Shibtee Clothing LLC, we recommend looking for:

• Material: A tri-blend or 100% ring-spun cotton is softer and lasts longer than the standard heavy cotton used in mass prints.
• Fit: A modern mens shirt cut fits the shoulders and chest better.
• Design: Look for designs that incorporate the Denver skyline or the official 2025 AFC Champions logo.

The commercial version of the Denver Broncos AFC West Champions Shirt typically features these upgrades, making it a staple for your game-day rotation rather than just a souvenir.

Exploring Different Styles: From the Official Nike T-Shirt to Hoodies

Options range from the official “Locker Room” t-shirt to warm hoodies and long-sleeve shirts perfect for a January playoff game at Mile High.

Since the playoffs happen in January, a short-sleeve t-shirt might not be enough. Retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods and online stores offer a variety of options:

1. The Bronco Hoodie: Essential for cold Denver winters. Look for fleece-lined options with the Champions logo on the chest.
2. Long Sleeve Tees: Great for layering under a jersey.
3. Women’s Cuts: tailored fits that offer more style than the boxy unisex shirts.

Whether you are watching from the stands or your living room, having the right gear helps you feel connected to the team. It signals to other Broncos fans that you are part of the “Orange Crush” wave supporting the team on their run to the Super Bowl.

Conclusion

While the players’ official shirt may end up in a memorabilia box as a quirky footnote due to its “ugly” design, the victory it represents is monumental. The Denver Broncos AFC West champions shirt for 2025 symbolizes the end of a painful drought and the beginning of a new era of dominance under Sean Payton.

For fans, wearing this gear is a declaration of loyalty. It says you stuck with the team through the hard times and are here to celebrate the good times. Whether you choose the ironic “Been there, won that” tee or a high-quality broncos hoodie, the message is the same: The Broncos are back on top.

Ready to celebrate the Broncos’ victory in style? Find the official Denver Broncos 2025 AFC West Champions gear at Fanatics, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Nike.com.