A dozen Colorado athletes who competed in the London 2012 Olympic Games will be honored as Broncos Country Heroes during the first quarter of Denver’s season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sunday (6:30 p.m. MDT kickoff).

As part of the celebration, Centennial resident and Regis Jesuit High School student Missy Franklin will serve as an honorary captain and accompany the rest of the Broncos’ captains to midfield for the pregame coin toss. Franklin captured four gold medals and one bronze in her Olympic swimming debut last month.

Franklin, who visited a Broncos practice at Dove Valley earlier this year, earned gold medals in the 100m backstroke, 200m backstroke, 4×200m freestyle and 4×100m medley — in addition to a bronze in the 4×100m freestyle.

Other 2012 Olympic medalists include Taylor Ritzel (gold, rowing), granddaughter of former Broncos Head Coach Red Miller; Clarissa Chun (bronze, wrestling); and Janay DeLoach (bronze, long jump).

Below is a look at the 12 Colorado Olympians who will be honored by the Broncos on Sunday: