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Robin Williams was the first male Denver Broncos cheerleader

You absolutely cannot go wrong picking a most ridiculous moment of the late Robin Williams' career. But one from his first major role ranks high on the list.

Although he would become one of the most celebrated actors of his time, Williams began his showbiz career as "Mork," a space alien stranded in Boulder, Colo., on the sitcom "Mork & Mindy." (It was the '70s. TV was different then.)

In one episode, Mork joined the Denver Broncos cheerleaders, and as part of the episode ran onto the field during a game at Mile High Stadium:

(For the detail-minded: the game was Nov. 11, 1979, and the Broncos beat the Tom Brady-less Patriots 45-10.)

It takes a brave man to run onto a field before 70,000 fans, wearing nothing but a bedazzled vest, a skirt and boots. It was one of the first of Williams' hundreds of brave, defining performances. Williams died on Monday of an apparent suicide.

 More about Robin Williams:

Memorials to Williams pop up from coast to coast

Robin Williams' daughter's emotional tribute to her father

Willams' long struggle with addiction, depression

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Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or find him on Facebook or on Twitter.