ENGLEWOOD, Colo. --The NFL's "Together We Make Football" contest has helped bring football fans from around the world together in sharing their own unique and specials reasons for why they all love the same thing – the game of football.
As people from throughout the global football community have continued to chronicle how football has impacted their own lives on TogetherWeMakeFootball.com – the contest continues through Nov. 5 at 9:59 MST – Broncos fans, too, have weighed in with their own stories and experiences.
Last week, we profiled stories from three Broncos fans – Erich, Joshua and Kevin.
Erich described how he remembers his late mother through her love of the Broncos, as well as how Broncos football has helped bring him together with his sons during his battle with cancer. You can read and vote for Erich's story by clicking here.
Joshua – whose story can be read and voted for by clicking here – described how Peyton Manning uplifted his family in the wake of losing one of his sons, Jeffrey, to SIDS.
For Kevin – you can read and vote for his story by clicking here – football has remained a constant uplifting force in his life throughout his struggle with ALS.
Today, we'll take a look at another Broncos fan's story – Bryan, who detailed how watching football and cheering for Peyton Manning has helped uplift his family throughout the struggles of his youngest son, who was diagnosed with serious heart defects.
Bryan – whose story can be read and voted for by clicking here – noted that his son underwent open heart surgery and initially stayed in the Peyton Manning Children's Hospital in Indianapolis. Despite his son undergoing two additional open heart surgeries and a series of complications, Bryan noted that football has been a constant uplifting force for his family.
"He has spent 11-plus weeks in the hospital this year alone. Our oldest son has had to deal with many months with his parents away at the hospital taking care of his little brother. We have had a struggle as a family, but football and watching Peyton is something that takes us away from the daily stress for a few hours each Sunday."
Just two weeks ago, a member of the Broncos made it possible for Bryan and his family to attend the Broncos' road game with the Colts – a truly special experience.
"We will forever remember that night. Our little guys had the time of their lives, as we were able to go on the field pregame to see some of their heroes. Our little heroes were right by our sides."
Continue submitting your stories at TogetherWeMakeFootball.com for a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl XLVIII.
From all the entries, 10 narratives will be selected and turned into short films produced by NFL Films – and five of the selected entrants will win a five-day VIP trip to Super Bowl XLVIII for themselves and two guests of their choosing.
