Miles
Well-known member
- Mar 18, 2019
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SAFETY FIRST
In the Broncos’ 60-year history, five men have made such an impact at the safety position that they’ve had their names enshrined in Denver’s Ring of Fame.
Austin “Goose” Gonsoulin was inducted in the Ring of Fame’s inaugural class in 1984, Dennis Smith was added in 2001, Steve Atwater joined in 2005 and John Lynch was selected in 2016.
Billy Thompson, who played both cornerback and safety for the team, was inducted into the Ring of Fame in 1987.
Current safety Justin Simmons knew about the tradition when he was drafted by the Broncos in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. And in the years since, he’s tried to uphold the standard and the legacy.
“Obviously it’s been a high standard,” Simmons said Tuesday. “Denver’s always been known for great safeties in general, going all the way back to the Orange Crush [with Thompson]. It’s definitely something that I’ve been aware of. … It’s important to try to uphold that standard.”
Both Atwater and Lynch took the next step Tuesday toward being the first Broncos safety to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The pair of Ring of Famers were among the 25 Modern-Era semifinalists. Both men were finalists in 2019 and could make the cut again for the Class of 2020.
Simmons said he’s learned a great deal from Atwater, who works for the team and is at UCHealth Training Center on a near daily basis.
“He’s given me a lot of advice ever since I’ve been here, and to whatever safety that is willing to listen,” Simmons said. “Obviously I’ve been around here now, this being my fourth season, but every time he’s around, he’ll always have something to say. It’s never negative, but it’s just like, ‘Hey, man, I see that this is happening. These are some tips that helped me in my career. Take it with a grain of salt. Maybe it will help, maybe it won’t.’ Obviously, he’s being humble because all of his tips go above and beyond to help.”
‘HE SEEMS LIKE HE’S READY’
The Broncos have yet to name a starting quarterback for their Week 13 game against the Chargers, and Head Coach Vic Fangio said Monday that "all options are on the table" for second-round pick Drew Lock.
The rookie could remain on injured reserve, serve as the team’s backup quarterback or make his first NFL start.
Fangio said Monday that the team would make the decision “in the next few days” as they try to determine if Lock is prepared “physically and emotionally to go out there and play.”
Cornerback Chris Harris Jr., who has faced off against Lock in training camp and in practice this season, said he thinks Lock is ready to play.
“I like Drew,” Harris said Tuesday. “I’m excited to see him play whenever he gets the opportunity. I know everybody in Broncos Country is calling for him to play, but it’s up to Coach [Fangio] and [John] Elway and when everybody thinks he’s ready. I’ve talked to Drew, and Drew thinks he’s ready. That’s good right there coming from the player. You want him to feel confident and know that he’s ready to go. From just talking to him, he seems like he’s ready.”