the    sides

David Baumgartner and I got up early yesterday and headed off to the Bronco’s practice facility. I’d never been to a Bronco’s practice so David was my guide.

We got there PLENTY early - like 7.30 for a 8.30 practice. I guess normally it would have been crowded but it was a Thursday and it poured down rain the night before.

Two jerseys you probably ought to retire:
#19 - Jerry Rice - he never played a game for the Broncos but he sold a few jerseys.
#84 - Javon Walker - why the Broncs every gave out Shannon Sharpe’s number in the first place, I’ll never understand. However, this jersey COULD be redeemed by just changing the name on the back.

It was fun but David and I both admitted a bit of disappointment when the players came out in only shells. (Helmet and jersey only.) We’re guessing that Shanny is resting the players for the Houston game as well as the Cowboys coming to town next week.

Couple of pics from the morning.

Love this shot, sun just came up over the roof of the pactice facility.

Champ has a sore hammy so he’s in shorts and a t and hangs out by Shanny most of the morning. (David thinks this is the favorite injury of veterans who just don’t want to practice. I think he’s right.)

Jay Cutler and DJ Williams cut up most of the stretching time. They stretched but they laughed the whole time through it.

Team spent a lot of time on Red Zone offense. They should given their performace last year. Everyone looked pretty good except #38 - Aldredge. He had a fumble and two dropped passes. Not thinking he’s going to make the team.

Practice lasted 90 minutes. It was over.

Couple of observations:
Ryan Clady is a house. He looks like a man among boys on the field. I hope he plays that well.

DJ Williams is going to be awesome back at the Will LB spot. He’s not thinking anymore - just playing. Good thing.

Eddie Royal is a freak of nature when it comes to speed.

Great morning that got even better as we were leaving. As David and I are leaving the practice area, I look over to the Bronco’s store and see a familiar face. A face I hadn’t seen in about 18 years.

That’s right - Paul Velakaneye!!! My best friend in high school who did NOT show up to the reunion but was in town for his sister’s wedding. We must have looked like two women - hugging, saying “how are you” in that higher pitched voice. His mom was there and I got a mom-hug from her.

We went and grabbed coffee afterwards. Paul has been married for 15 years and has 3 kids. A girl that is 10, a boy that is 8, a boy that 6. Sound familiar????? (Chelsie, Zack, and Cody if you are keeping score at home.)

We talked for 2 hours. It was way too short. But I did get an invitation to come visit them in Connecticut. May have to take him up on that.