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

My name is Ozzie and I have FIRES. It sounds kinda cool, but it sucks. I was sick with some infection, which gave me a fever and hypothermia at the same time. It made me have seizures and pretty much they had to put me in a coma to stop them. It took about a month. Then I had to relearn everything. FIRES stands for Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome and NORSE, New Onset Refractory Status Epileptic. I don't understand much more than that. Oh, and my liver is angry.

I have three favorite doctors, and one of them helped me get to do this interview with Nik Bonitto. Knowing that I was given the chance to talk about the sport I love with someone who is living in the football world is crazy. All I could think was holy cow, am I really spending time with an NFL player? He is actually going to talk to me?

I can't play football anymore, but talking to Nik inspired me to still have hope. There is no way I could go pro in football. I'm short, but my goal is to play in high school.

It meant the world to me after everything I've been through this year, I have learned that personal impacts matter. A lot of my doctors go above and beyond for me. So I wanted to leave an impact on Nik.

First, we got to see the draft room, the locker room and some really cool trophies. We watched a little bit of the Broncos practice, too. I was shocked to see how dedicated the players are to working out and dedicated to being better and better, and how much time they give to the sport in the weight room.

When Nik walked over I was just thinking, dang, he's jacked and tall. My mom wrote down my questions because my memory stinks now, so that was helpful.

Nik said his biggest challenge when joining the NFL was "getting used to the speed of the game and learning all the different terminology. I had to grow up fast," he said.

"Yeah, I was really nervous to be drafted because you don't know where you are going to go. But there is no better feeling than getting that call on draft day," Nik chuckled.

"My journey to the NFL was tough with the ups and downs. Knowing you're going to have to go through adversity to get to where you want to go. But having people who believe in you makes it easier."

"My role model was definitely my mom, just because all she has done and the sacrifices she has made to help me in my life."

"Growing up my favorite NFL team was maybe the Dolphins, but I was always watching Von Miller and the Broncos as well."

Nik and I agree that Von Miller is the greatest!

"A college highlight was [in the] fourth quarter, I had a game-sealing interception to win the game and we went on to have an undefeated season."

When I asked him about a highlight in the NFL, Nik was quick to say he didn't do much in the game last season when the Broncos beat the Chiefs, but that was a big deal for him. I personally think that maybe the Broncos wouldn't have won if Nik hadn't played. Hey Nik, take your credit when it's due. I rewatched that game. You are a boss!

Nik's favorite play is blitz for sure. Getting after the quarterback.

Staying motivated after a loss means there is always room to grow.

Nik's goals this season are to make it to the playoffs and make sure the Broncos' defense is one of the best in the league.

The pressure to perform in front of a crowd is less stressful because the team is always preparing for every situation.

"Just trust your training throughout the week," he said. "And block out the other stuff."

Is it exhausting being a professional and having a random kid come up and ask for a picture?

Nik laughed at this question. He said not at all because he used to be one of those kids. And I can say that Nik would be the player to stop and sign autographs before the games. He was so genuine. Having any kid or fan acknowledge or see him is always on the back of his mind.

Nik shared that he knows he is making a kid's day when he stops to talk, but the kids are making his day, too.

I asked what Nik brought to the team and he said, "I feel like I'm a guy that gets along with all groups. I'd like to say I'm a good person and can be funny and that helps the team." Let me tell you Nik, I think you're an awesome person.

I asked Nik what kind of impact he wanted to leave with his football career. I don't think he was expecting that question. He shared that wherever he is, he just wants to bring a lasting impact. He wants to be a positive light on and off the field.

I asked what kind of hobby Nik has and he said, "You'll catch me on the game all day." Same Nik, same. College football, Fortnite. We were able to connect more about this. I could make Nik laugh and that made me feel so cool. He really is just a down-to-earth guy.

I asked what his top-five priorities in life are and he did not hesitate. "God's one, then football, family, friends and probably video games," he said with a laugh.

So, the town I'm from is also the same town as Jared Crick, who played for the Broncos as a defensive end in 2016 and 2017. I found out he was a player that participated in this program as well. So I asked Nik if he knew who he was. He didn't, but we agreed Nik needs to brush up on his Broncos history. Haha.

We talked about his college days at Oklahoma and I had to let him know that unfortunately, I'm a diehard Nebraska fan. It's just something Nebraskans do, win or lose, mostly lose, we show up on game day. Though we started this year strong, I'm still hopeful we can come back from our recent losses. Nik laughed, "Yeah, the last two times we [Oklahoma] played them, we beat them." Nik is a positive person, commenting on Matt Rhule and what he's doing with the Husker team. I think I made him a fan.

Being out on the field with his friends who are family is so fun being able to play the game.

We were talking about other sports he played and he said basketball. But he said he wouldn't have made it to the NBA if he didn't follow his NFL dreams.

Then my mom had to embarrass me and wrote down a few more questions for me to ask. And added "love Zies' mom" at the end. My dad said I turned a shade of pink, but he can't prove that.

We were able to laugh about that. But my mom asked how do you feel knowing that, for many fans, you're living out the dream they wish they could experience? Have you ever faced the possibility of not being able to play football, maybe due to an injury?

Nik said, "Yeah, I think I know what she is asking. Fans are the life and soul of our organization. You all bring out the best of us on the field and in the community. A head injury is kind of a fear every time you step onto the field. It's a risk you take, but every job has a risk, right?"

Nik shared that even though it's a different situation, his brother wasn't able to play in the NFL and he knows that being on that field is a dream for a lot of people and he doesn't take that for granted. He will let the fans, who can't be more than fans, motivate him.

"Being able to [play football] for the people that can't, that's pretty dope, it's pretty special," he said.

And yeah, my mom liked that answer.

Nik was so nice about all my questions. He even thanked my mom who wasn't there with a laugh.

I asked a lot of questions, but some of them I'm keeping to myself. I am very thankful for Nik for taking the time with me and I hope he continues to get a sack in all the rest of the games and has a great season.