Longtime Broncos mascot dies

LITTLETON - Thunder, one of the previous mascots for the Denver Broncos, died over the weekend during surgery.

The Littleton Large Animal Clinic says the horse died on Saturday.

Thunder, known as Thunder, Sr., retired after the 2003 football season, according to Denver Broncos.com.

He was an Arabian stallion and served for 10 seasons until he turned 21. That means he was 27 years old when he died.

Thunder, Sr. was owned by Sharon Magness-Blake and made his debut for the Broncos at Mile High Stadium on Sept. 12, 1993 for the Broncos' victory over the San Diego Chargers. He appeared at both Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII.

His registered named was JB Kobask.

Thunder II is the current mascot for the Broncos.