The following story was written by Isaiah, a recent Children's Hospital Colorado Junior Reporter.

I recently received a call from Children's Hospital that I was going to have the amazing opportunity to be a Jr. Reporter for the Denver Broncos. When my parents told me about the opportunity I was stunned and nearly speechless. I spent the next few weeks daydreaming, preparing, and boasting to my Chiefs-loving uncle. Finally, the big day was here!

When I arrived at the Broncos training facility I was immediately impressed by how fancy it was. I walked into the lobby and there was a massive Christmas tree decorated in blue and orange, it was so cool. The Christmas tree wasn't the flashiest thing in the room, though, it was the trophy case! I loved seeing the three Super Bowl trophies in person. The Broncos staff showed me the individual meeting rooms for each player's position. Next, I went to the big meeting room where the entire team meets together. It was filled with big leather chairs in stadium-style seating, and there was a stage with a podium. I got up on stage behind the podium, and I felt pretty special standing in the spot Sean Payton talks to the team. There's a player's hangout room that I could have spent all day in. It had snacks, video games and a pool table. It also had a bowling trophy displayed. I was told it's given to the player who bowls the best game each year. Apparently it's a bad omen, though, because typically the player who wins it ends up getting cut from the Broncos. That made me laugh a little. Lastly, we checked out the player's weight gym that also included a giant screen where they can superimpose other teams and visualize playing against them. After the tour, it was now time to meet a Broncos player and try out my Jr. Reporter skills.

I got to meet right tackle, Mike McGlinchey. You see those guys on TV, and you know they're big, but when you're standing next to a 6-foot-8, 315 pound player, it's crazy. Mike was really nice, shook my hand and introduced himself. He asked if I was going to bring some "hard-hitting" questions, but I think I took it pretty easy on him. I warmed him up with a few Christmas questions…

Me: What's your favorite Christmas song?

McGlinchey: I have a tie for two. "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" by NSYNC and "(It Must've Been Ol') Santa Claus" by Harry Connick Jr.

Me: Do you go for a real Christmas tree or a fake one?

McGlinchey: Fake. It's just easier, less hassle.

Me: Eggnog. Do you love it or hate it?

McGlinchey: I can't say I've given eggnog a fair shot, to be honest with you. I tend to lean "no" because looking at it kinda freaks me out.

Next, I wanted to ask him about his experience as a football player.

Me: What's the most valuable lesson a coach has ever taught you?

McGlinchey: Everything you do matters. How you treat people. How you come into work everyday. How you attack, plan for your work day and how you get better. Every little detail matters throughout life and practice.

Me: On the field, what's your strategy for staying calm under pressure?

McGlinchey: The best strategy is to remind myself to go back to the basics. Whenever you're stressed out and feeling a little anxiety in the game or the guy you're playing against, everything needs to go back to the way you've trained.

Me: What's a personal goal you have for this season?

McGlinchey: I've always operated under three goals which my college coach at Notre Dame taught me. One, help your team win. Two, be the best that you can be. Three, be a part of the best offensive lineman unit in America. And that's how I operate.

Me: When did you realize that you actually had a shot at playing in the NFL?

McGlinchey: I started dreaming of playing in the NFL probably when I was in seventh or eighth grade. I didn't realize I could officially do it until my junior year of college. After my junior year, I started for a full year and a half, and then I kind of realized I was going to be able to do it.

Me: I love playing flag football, but my parents won't let me play tackle yet. What age do you think is a good time to start playing tackle football?

McGlinchey: I'm going to stay out of the politics of your parents here, but I played football my whole life. I think it's a good thing to play for your whole life, but middle school or high school is the best age to start playing football. You know how to protect yourself, and by that time you know how to catch yourself as an athlete, so you're not as at risk for injury. I don't think you need to play at five years old like I did. My dad was so excited because he wasn't allowed to play football growing up, so he wanted his sons to play as early as possible.

Me: If you weren't playing football, what would your other dream career be?

McGlinchey: Either a starting pitcher in the MLB or a top 15 golfer in the world. I love sports. I don't think I'd do well in a normal job.

I wound my interview down with some lighthearted questions.

Me: Would you rather watch the movie or read the book?

McGlinchey: Watch the movie, for sure.

Me: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what one food would you take with you?

McGlinchey: I'm thinking of something nutritious. Beef jerky, something that gives you a little protein and isn't terrible for you.

Next, I meant to ask Mike if he has a favorite professional sports team outside of the Broncos, but I accidentally asked him what his favorite other NFL team was. I thought his answer was really good, so I wanted to include it here.

McGlinchey: I don't have one. I like the one that believed in me enough to bring me here and have me play for them.

Me: What's your favorite college team?

McGlinchey: Notre Dame, without a doubt. We're the best school in the world. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise.

I had an amazing time interviewing Mike McGlinchey. Some of his answers made me laugh and others inspired me. Mike seems like a really nice guy and I bet the Broncos are really glad he's on their team. Since my interview, I've paid special attention to No. 69 during the game. I'm rooting for Mike to reach his three personal goals this season and for the Broncos to make it into the playoffs! I'd like to thank the Broncos and Children's Hospital for giving me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The past year I've had a lot of personal highs and lows with my disease, but everyone at Children's Hospital has been so nice to me. Being a Broncos' Jr. Reporter was the best early Christmas present I could ever receive.