ENGLEWOOD, Colo. –Although he's not quite physically ready to practice yet, Ryan Clady said that he's feeling good on the eve of Broncos training camp.
Feeling good about his health, and feeling good about the fact that he'll be a Bronco for the foreseeable future.
The Broncos' three-time Pro Bowl left tackle spoke to the media on Wednesday afternoon and expressed satisfaction about having his contract resolved prior to training camp.
"It's good just to have that weight off my shoulders and not have to worry about it," Clady said. "It's good just to know I'll be a Bronco long-term."
With the weight of a new contract off his figurative shoulders, Clady is now focused on getting his actual shoulder back into playing shape.
Clady suffered a shoulder injury in Week 17 of the 2012 season and has been rehabilitating the injury throughout the offseason.
"It's good right now," Clady said. "I'm not 100 percent, but it's getting there as I ease into camp."
Clady said that there is not yet a specific timeframe for his return to the field.
"I'm not sure yet. I'll have to go and see how the shoulder is feeling and see how it's progressing," Clady said. "Me and 'Greek' (Head Athletic Trainer Steve Antonopulos) will make judgments at that point."
And although he will be limited initially, Clady stressed the importance of participating in training camp – even for a veteran player who is coming off a Pro Bowl season.
"I think I need some camp just to hone in on the new terminology, and the playbook there's a little bit of an adjustment," Clady said. "I definitely need camp, all players need camp. It definitely helps get ready for the season."
Clady noted that his approach to training camp has changed as his career has progressed, but that camp remains important for players of all experience levels.
"Coming in as a rookie you don't know what to expect and the speed of the game is a big jump," Clady said. "As a vet, you are just honing into your skills and just trying to better your craft and be the best player you can. It's a unique season for me. This is one of the best teams I have ever been on since being on the Broncos so a lot of expectations and I'm excited for the season."
He's also excited to remain in the Mile High City.
"I definitely wanted to stay in Denver," Clady said. "It's the only organization I've been with and the loyalty and whatnot. I didn't want to have to move cities. I love it here in Denver and wanted to stay so things got done."
And Clady's certainly not the only one excited that he is staying in Denver – noting that his quarterback was quick to send congratulations as well.
"Yeah, (Peyton Manning) texted me, 'Congratulations and we have some work to do this season,'" Clady said. "So I'm happy about that and happy to be here."
