The Lead
After protests broke out around the country following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, dozens of Broncos players united to add their voices to the millions across the country speaking out against police brutality and racial injustice.
By taking part in a protest and march in downtown Denver, they refused to stay silent. That in itself was an act for the cause. But they knew that to make change, they would have to continue to make an impact.
As this new story from Sports Illustrated’s Greg Bishop details, many players did just that.
Running Backs Coach Curtis Modkins got in contact with a representative from the Colorado chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, who explained how the players could help in the push to pass SB20-217, which "called for accountability and integrity in law enforcement, while requiring body cameras, soliciting data on use of force, making that data public, banning tear gas and other chemical agents before issuing orders to disperse, and prohibiting chokeholds," as Bishop wrote.
Several Broncos supported the measure publicly, including linebacker Alexander Johnson, who made calls to representatives and later watched the entire legislative session during which state lawmakers debated and voted on the bill, which passed the Colorado House of Representatives.
"I feel like it was a big step but still a tiny step," Johnson told Bishop. "The bill isn't in effect yet. We still have a long way to go."
For more information on how the Broncos are trying to instill positive change in their community, including the newly founded Inspire Change program, please visit DenverBroncos.com/InspireChange.
Below the Fold
All eyes may have been on Jerry Jeudy's NFL debut on Monday, but fellow rookie Lloyd Cushenberry III's first game also earned plenty of accolades, including from his teammates, as Ryan O’Halloran writes. "I thought Lloyd did awesome," veteran guard Graham Glasgow said Thursday. "On the actual mental side of things, the things the center needs to get done and needs to call, I thought he played almost a perfect game mentally."
In more rookie news, the young cornerbacks who were thrust into larger roles after A.J. Bouye exited Monday's game will continue to see extensive action on Sunday in Week 2. Michael Ojemudia and Essang Bassey also earned acclaim for their Week 1 performances, as The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider writes, but this week brings a new challenge: facing Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger.
