OTAs have been going really well. I’m really impressed with how well the defense is learning, how quickly we’re learning, how well we’re all coming together. I’m not a coach, obviously. But I think we look really good right now and there’s a lot of talent, especially in the secondary.
Personally, I feel as though I’ve been playing really well. I’ve been rotating between corner, strong safety, free safety and nickel. Actually, to be honest it’s been kind of difficult because I’m learning a new system. Not only am I learning a new system at my position of corner, I’m learning a new system from the perspective of free safety and strong safety which are two different positions. I’m also learning from nickel which is technically a linebacker, so I’m learning four different positions and a new system all at the same time. It’s not the easiest thing in the world.
To be honest, coming into this camp it was somewhat difficult motivating myself being that it doesn’t appear that there are any positions that I’m in the running to start for, which is a bit frustrating because I definitely know that I’m talented enough to be the starter on most teams in this league. I guess the mindset I’m taking is that I am competing for a position, so I’m going to do the best I can to take a position from somebody, no matter who it has to be.
Whether I’m competing in the eyes of anybody in the coaching staff or not, in my eyes I’m competing for a job. And that’s been the best way to motivate me. Although learning four positions at once is difficult, I feel like it gives me another opportunity so that I can play anywhere on the field. Whatever they want me to do, I’ll be doing it.
We probably will face a good amount of three-wide. And if we play good run defense on first down then we’ll be in nickel on second and third downs. There were several games last year where as the nickel I got more reps than D.J. at the point — the strongside linebacker. But that’s still not enough for me. It’s been two years where I’ve been a substitute. I started a lot in the last two years, but I really wasn’t a starter. I was starting for somebody else. It’s somewhat frustrating when you know you have the talent and the ability, and you feel that you’re close in the talent with the guys who are out there.
So like I said, in my eyes I’m competing. So that’s what keeps me going.
I’m teaching my class tonight, too, which should be interesting. I’m teaching a writing class at the Boys and Girls Club — tonight’s the first night. High school age kids. Tonight I have to put together a lesson plan. I think we’re going to start with some fun writing tools like similes and metaphors and using quotes and things like that before we actually have them write. I’m just going to try and feel out where they are.
It’s not school, so I don’t want to make it like essays. I want to make it kind of fun. Writing’s not always that much fun, but sometimes it can be. When you write when you want to, or you’re writing journals or things like that. So I went out and bought a bunch of books so I could bone up on my grammar.
Tags: Boys and Girls Club, Competition, D.J. Williams, OTAs, Writing
Domonique i recall a linebacker Denver had once that could play all linebacker and defensive line positions Karl Meklenburg, it drove teams nuts never knowing where he was going to line up. The more you know the more value you are to the team. Hang in there your chance will come i am sure you will one day be a star in the league and would love to see you doing it in a Bronco’s uniform.
I wouldn’t get down too much about not starting. With as many positions as you’re learning, your flexibility could become more valuable than many starters who do only one position. In addition, your knowledge of defense is certian to expand. You seem to have the tools to become a great coach/mentor/teacher. Learning all these positions may help with that. Sometimes it’s hard to see the rewards of hardwork. With a little patience, they will come, even if it isn’t monetary.
I agree with tacmale and The Dark Knight.
Fox, you’ve got what it takes. Just hang in there! Your time to shine will come. God knows you have the talent! We are so proud of you, kid. And we appreciate you and all you bring to the team. Both on and off the field. Keep up the good work….
Fox, all i have to say is your the man, you make Denver proud. Keep it up!!
honestly..like i said before..I think you are the better CB..out of you and Dre’…mostly because you are very instinctive…you know when to chance for a pick..and when to play back and get the strip ..if not then the tackle….but i thought you’d be a perfect safety…I loved how you played that game…you had 15 tackles…man you are like or utility man of our secondary…
Agreed!! You da Man!! You make all Bronco fans proud, on the field and off!!
Your time will come man. I’d love to see you starting anywhere in the secondary. It’s quite possible with Ferguson and Lynch being up in age, that your future could be as a safety with the Broncos if the coaches keep trying you out there. How would you feel about being a safety?
You’re one of my players on the team, and I hope you don’t go somewhere else whenever your contract is up. (Are you a RFA at the end of this year?)
You’re a great person, a great player and you’re a future leader (if not one already) in the Broncos locker room.
Your efforts towards bettering people through education throughout the Denver community and abroad are highly respected.
The world and the NFL needs more guys like you!
Bless ya!
A true rennaisance man. Playing pro football and teaching a writing class at a Boys and Girls club? Wow, you have got to be kidding me. And, it is becoming more and more clear that you are a “coach” for the Broncos. Clearly, you are a student of the game, and I hear that everytime you speak.
The Broncos and Denver are lucky to have you here. Good luck!!