Did you know Robin Williams once became an NFL cheerleader?
On November 11, 1979, during a Denver Broncos game at Mile High Stadium, Robin Williams made history as the league’s first male cheerleader, and he did it in full character as Mork from Mork & Mindy (which was set in Boulder, Colorado).
In front of 70,000 fans, he hit the field rocking a sequined mini skirt, orange scarf, white cowboy boots, and gloves, bringing his legendary energy to the sidelines.
The stunt was part of the Mork & Mindy episode “Hold That Mork,” where Mork joins a cheer squad to understand human obsession with sports.
Still one of the funniest and most unexpected crossovers between TV and the NFL!
From hopes unfulfilled by Russell Wilson last season to the trepidatious return of Vance Joseph this year to a promising change of direction under coach Sean Payton, Broncos fans have stuck out one heck of a roller coaster ride. But through the highs and lows and wins and losses, at least we’ll always have the memory of Robin Williams suited up as a Denver Broncos’ cheerleader. So in the spirit of football season, I pulled this gem from the archives, courtesy of History Colorado on Facebook. Their post reads:
“On November 11, 1979, Robin Williams joined the squad for a live game at the Mile High Stadium in front of over 70,000 fans. The Broncos played the New England Patriots and won the game 45 to 10.
Robin didn’t go as himself though, he went as Mork from Ork from the popular TV series ‘Mork and Mindy’ which was filmed and based in Boulder, Colorado. He wore the cheerleader uniform including the white knee-high cowboy boots, sequined mini skirt and top, orange scarf, and gloves. Robin Williams holds the record for being the first male cheerleader in the NFL.”
