To say the least, this has been an emotionally draining day here at Dove Valley, and I apologize for not posting here sooner.
There are candles lit outside the front entrance of Broncos headquarters now. The office is silent; the hallways desolate. In other words, it’s the precise antithesis of any room into which Darrent Williams entered.
That was evident from the moment he arrived.
I have never seen anyone walk into a building in his first day on the job with the enthusiasm that this fast-talking Fort Worth native showed.
It was April 24, 2005, and the final four rounds of the draft chugged along. It is Broncos custom to bring their first-day draftees into Dove Valley on this day to meet the coaches and staff, answer questions at press conferences and display their newly-minted jerseys. Some players handle the event with distant, almost dour stoicism. Others bound from stop to stop in the building with the giddiness of someone barely one-third his age.
You could count Williams among the latter category.
A broad smile seemed tattooed to his face as he moved about the building with his fellow rookies — two of which shared his position: Domonique Foxworth and Karl Paymah. They drank the proceedings in sips with cool professionalism. Williams, on the other hand, quaffed the environment in gulps, grinning all the way, seeming to lead his fellow rookies along their quick trip around Dove Valley.
Perhaps I should have seen his unbridled joy coming, because Williams was never the kind of fellow who was going to slink meekly around. Three months earlier during Senior Bowl week, I chuckled as he high-stepped after an interception — in practice! Granted, Senior Bowl practices are about the most intense imaginable because each player hopes to impress the hundreds of coaches and scouts on hand, but that showed an ebullient, excitable spirit that would become his calling card any time he donned a helmet — whether it was in front of 76,000 onlookers at INVESCO Field or 76 media observers at a mini-camp practice during the horse latitudes of the football year.
Two years in the NFL wilds seemed to harden Williams just a smidgen. It does that to many; it is, after all, a collection of the best of the best at the game of football. Many players arrive in the NFL having known nothing but peaks on the football field; traversing the valleys and doing so with dignity and resolve is a lesson that not all are able to learn and a condition to which some cannot fully adapt.
Williams found those extremes on the field in 2006 — and he did indeed adapt.
The Oct. 29 loss to Indianapolis in particular was crushing for him, so much so that the usually talkative cornerback didn’t meet the media following the game. A day later, though, he did, and even though the blame for the big day that Colts wideout Reggie Wayne had at the Broncos’ expense was shared by many, it was the second-year cornerback who owned up to what happened.
“I’m cool with taking the heat, because it just makes me mentally tough,” Williams once said to me.
In this case, Williams vowed to make changes in the game’s wake, even when the reasons for Wayne’s receptions went well beyond his realm of responsibility.
“I’ll play a little more aggressive,” he said at the time.
But even when assessing frustration, he did so with a bounce in his voice and optimism in his heart. Sure, he’d been beat, but like the great cornerbacks he sought to emulate, he forgot about it and soldiered onward. Six days later, as though he wanted to underscore his point, he became the first Bronco in a decade to recover two fumbles in a single game in the win at Pittsburgh, pouncing on the football on a kickoff return and again after a deep reception to stifle a Steelers threat.
It was almost as though Williams declared to the world, “Is that aggressive enough for you?” as his procurements of the football sparked the Broncos to a six-takeaway day. Two weeks later, he bounded into INVESCO Field’s south end zone with his second NFL touchdown via an interception return during the home loss to the Chargers.
A month later, though, I crossed paths with a more introspective Williams in the locker room following the win over Cincinnati. In the course of answering queries from a horde of inquisitors, he’d referenced some criticism from the media, and how he didn’t worry.
“I don’t care what nobody says about me,” he said. “My teammates have got my back.”
I don’t know why, but I sensed something below the surface of his remarks, so I waited until the crowd thinned to ask him more about the subject — to find out just how aware he was of what was written and spoken about his play. I figured he’d brush off the topic with a laugh and a smile. Those were the two best arrows in his satchel; with those at his disposal, nothing seemed to faze him.
But when the question was posed, something different happened. For the first time since I’d met Williams, I heard a quiver of pain in his usually upbeat voice. It was not for what the public assessments of his play did to him. Rather, it was for those he held closest, and how they absorbed everything that was said and written about their beloved young NFLer.
“You know, I hate it when my mom and people in my family call me and say, ‘Keep your head up; don’t worry about what they say,’ and I’ll (reply),’ ‘What did they say?’ They tell me stuff they say,” Williams said on Christmas Eve. “It’s kind of sad, just how people think that way.
“It’s really hurting my family more than anything. That’s why I come out here and give it my all every week, because I’m playing not only for me, but my family, my teammates and my coaches. I really don’t care what people say about me, but ultimately, (my family) does.”
That day, Williams was feted by Broncos observers for his end-zone interception of Cincinnati’s Carson Palmer. But what meant more to him was how his teammates embraced him … just as they always did. It seemed like Williams was always at the epicenter of any on-field celebration, whether it was slapping hands with Champ Bailey after one of his many interceptions or getting a hug and a ride from John Lynch after scoring against San Diego six weeks ago.
His enthusiasm and disposition made him a sterling teammate — whether the team was the Broncos, or his family back in Fort Worth. He would do anything to protect and support both without hesitation.
Without hesitation … really, those words encapsulate the Darrent Williams to whom I asked many a question. He spoke boldly and honestly. Some might have construed his words as cockiness. But he always spoke from the heart — the same heart that bled just a tad on Christmas Eve when he spoke of how his nearest and dearest reacted to what was written and said.
It’s still hard to believe that we won’t hear that voice around here again.
Late this afternoon, as the building had mostly emptied of the staff and players who gathered here today, I hobbled into the darkened, silent locker room just to glance at the spot where Williams held court so many times with the press, staff members and teammates.
Yet even if the room were filled, it would still seem desolate without Williams around.
A lively, engaging, bright light at Dove Valley has died. It shone with every smile that Williams shared with a teammate, a coach, a staffer or an interviewer.
All the while on this sad night here, candles burn out front, giving hope that the light burns on somewhere else.
But that light is no longer with us, and for this, my heart — and I surmise, the collective heart of Broncos Country — breaks tonight.
Tags: Darrent Williams
My thoughts and prayers are not enough, but I hope they give some commort to the family of the Williams family. We have lost a father,son,a brother to all the Denver family and a “prodigy”. With all my love.
I hope this will show up but if it doesn’t try the link.
sorry all it did not show!!!!
My thoughts and prayer go out to the family of Darrent Williams. He was truly an inspiration to not only the Broncos, but to the fans also. R.I.P Darrent you will not be forgotten.
R.I.P. #27 you will be missed and never forgotten={
I just watched the services online on 9news.com. I am overwhelmed. I am so proud of our Broncos – what an amazing team and amazing tribute to a fine young man, taken way too young. The service was awesome – if someone there, or watching, didn’t know the Lord before, I sure hope they do now. It is good to see the team sticking together. I’m proud to be a Bronco fan.
Very sad…..maybe a reminder to us all to not be so hard on the players that bring us joy everyday. I wish his family peace and hope they are surrounded by God’s love during this difficult time.
I don’t know Darrent personally but I’m a diehard Denver Broncos fan. I went to see the memorials on tuesday and I am still shocked about this whole thing. I’m so glad the team went to down to Fort Worth for the funeral, I’m sure his family appreciated that. We have lost a great player and a great guy who was full of energy and had a lot of friends on the team. R.I.P. DW I ordered one of his memorial bracelets and I will wear it proudly #27 we will always remember you.
It is so sad…It makes you realize we should appreciate life and the people in our lives. Don’t ever take them for gratned. Darrent was an amzing player and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and the team. #27 will be remembered always. God Bless.
I lived in Denver during the 70′s and 80′s and have since lived in California, Washington, and Arizona . . . but my heart has always stayed in Colorado and particularly with the Broncos. There is Broncos memorabilia all over my house and in the motorhome that we now use as a second home when we travel . . . my license plate in WA is even dedicated to the Broncos. I often tell people I meet that I am the biggest Denver Broncos fan who does not live in Denver.
I was naturally heartbroken when “my boys”, as I call often call them, did not make it to the playoffs this year. But I awoke on New Years Day deciding to be somewhat lazy to assuage my playoff woes and tuned into the Today Show to hear an announcement that Darrent Williams’ had been killed. It was incredulous to me as I had just watched this star player on the field seemingly just hours ago so I just knew I must have heard this horrible announcement wrong. So I went to my computer to get on the internet and nothing was on the official Denver Broncos site, but I kept searching and found out it was true. I have not stopped crying since and each story I read seems to add to my grief. The more I read about him, I feel the incredible waste of a talented human who had so much potential as a player and a man. This is by far the worst start to a new year that I have ever experienced and there are no words to describe how awful this horrible tragedy must be for the Broncos and the Williams’ family! My heart and prayers go out to his family and I hope they can get some relief to their grief knowing that so many people loved Darrent.
On another note, I hope that whoever is responsible for this senseless act of violence is found and pays the ultimate price for their evil. Maybe it takes someone with Darrent’s visibility for us to start making criminals who commit these types of ridiculous, vengeful acts to pay the price of justice that they truly deserve.
And thank you to the Broncos organization for such a moving opening page to their website . . . a true tribute to a player that will be sorely missed. May the Broncos play their best for Darrent when the new season starts!!
Broncos Fan Forever,
Jan Richardson
I just watched the services on 9 new.com, I’m more proud now than ever to be a Bronco Fan, and will always be a Dwell fan.
No Team in the Nfl will have the sprit the Broncos do, starting with, Pat, Coach Mike, John Lych, Champ, T.Bell, The Fans, and staff.
The Broncos isn’t a football team, it’s a family!!!
I’m glad that my father made me born with orange and blue blood, which I will passed down to my two sons.
To Darrent’s family and the Bronco family i hope i have your permission to name our second son due Febuary 13th, Darrent. It would be a honor “ALLREADY”
Please email our family @ moonmagick7@earthlink.net
To John Lych, you are right we have to cherish life as a culture and hope your words get passed on aroung the world.
My prayers go out to the Broncos family all around, and the Williams family, most of all Jevon Walker keep your head up
feel the sprit and well of our Bronco family, remember Dwell’s smile. Thank you Jevon for staying by Dwell to the end. I’m proud! “ALLREADY!!”
Tous les joueurs de football américain ou spectateurs du monde pensent aujourd’hui à la famille de Darrent Williams, ses coéquipiers, ses amis, et tous les fans des broncos.
C’est une véritable tragédie, il était un monument défensif, un homme bon.
We will never forget you.
Being part of the Bronco Family is very important to me. I have season tickets and I love the Broncos. This is the sadest thing that I can remember and I feel so very blessed to have seen this young man on several occasions. #27 will never be the same and my heart goes out to his family both in Texas and here in Colorado. He had a beautiful smile and his spirit will live on in the players that are left to fill the empty locker. I pray for all the Bronco players and coaches and staff and for JW who I know is heartsick. We are all there to support you and pray for you as you grieve this huge loss. He wouldn’t be where he is if God didn’t want another great man. His family should and must be very proud, we all here in Colorado are. God Bless Darrent Williams and his family – you did good #27 – we love you – we’ll miss you! God Speed
Darrent williams will be missed by the rodarte family. he was my 2 year old’s favorite. he is in good hands and will always be remembered by all. we pray for his family and know they will looked upon by him. wish everyone the best.
RIP #27 we love you
Deepest condolences to go out to his family and Broncos family (in particular Javon). The tragedy of the loss is felt all the way up here in Canada.
It has been a little over a week since I heard that Darrent Williams was shot. I have been a fan of the Broncos for more years than I care to think about, and the death of Darrent Williams touched me in a way that is hard to explain. Maybe it was the senselessness of his death, or his smile, or his effervesent personality or his “frohawk”, whatever it was I felt like I lost a friend that day and the Broncos and his family lost a shining light that will burn in their hearts forever.
I speak from experience when I say that raising children without their father is a hard road to travel, but you will see him everyday in one if not both of your children. His light will shine on in the legacy he left, in the lives touched and in the fans he thrilled.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family both in Denver and Texas, and hope that words of a poem by Mary Frye can offer you some comfort.
“Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die”.
As a new Broncos fan, thank you for sharing insight about this wonderful man..
I moved from Colorado to Florida about 5 years ago (I’m ready to move back in the spring), the Broncos are still ‘my team,’ this web site is how I stay ‘in touch’ with you all.
When I first saw Darrent on the games that I get here during football season, his presence and talent gave me much hope for our team to make a comeback.
I was in Denver during the holidays visiting my grown children, watched the last game he played there, and couldn’t get a flight back till well after New Year’s. It was so difficult to hear this sad situation on local news, for you….. for all of us who loved the Broncos and were so taken by this remarkable young man, Darrent.
My thoughts and prayers are with you; our loss is Heaven’s gain, and it’s difficult to say that, because we’d all rather have him here. Those of us who believe in the Lord will see him again one day though, and that should bring us comfort and hope……a peace that passes understanding. And for those who don’t know the Lord as Saviour, it may give them some incentive to ask someone how. Love & Prayers, Rev. Trish
Hey you guys…i was as torn up about Dmans death as any of you…i feel like crying everytime i see one of his tributes on tv or online…
He was amazing and my favorite player on the Broncos and being a bronco fan for all my life(only 15 years) i forgot all about the playoffs when i heard about darrent.
I am always praying for him family, friends, teammates, Javon Walker, Mike Shanahan and everybody else who was effected by his death.
I know that the Broncos will never forget him, and i know i never will.
Luv ya Darrent Williams…i am so glad that you are in Heaven and i will be able to meet you someday when i get up there.
Thanks for everything you brought to Denver, Colorado and the Broncos.
God Bless Darrent,
RIP #27
Much love,
young Bronco fan forever
This is a very sad day and you will always be missed
All of us in Kansas City want to offer our sympathies and condolences in the tragic, and senseless, loss of life that involved Darrent Williams. Not only was Darrent an extremely fine football player, but an outstanding human being.
While the Bronco’s and Chiefs may be rivals on the field, we all feel the sense of loss that your organization, your fans, and the Williams family is suffering through.
One thing that I have learned from life is that we all have a beginning and an end. Our tombstones are engraved with the Date Born – “dash” – Date Died. Those dates have meaning but not as much meaning, or purpose as the “dash” in-between. Darrent’s accomplishments in life is that “dash” that we all will treasure and remember him.
Again, from Chief’s Nation, our deepest sympathies
It seems as if we are finally getting over this loss, Anything I would like to say has aready been said through the other bulletins that have been posted…. Our Nights have been long, our days have been shortened because of this terrible loss… But again, I believe we are beginning to accept it, Well I am at least. He was a great athlete and a Tremendous man…. No words can describe how much better he feels now though. God has him, and thats the only way Anyone could have satisfaction over this untimely death.. may Darrent Williams Rest In Peace.. Because He was a warrior….
r_caleb2003@yahoo.com
we’re gonna miss getting picked off by you 27
RIP # 27
I will miss watching you
My 18 year old son was so deeply affected by Darrent William’s death, he got a tattoo of a tribal band on his upper arm and right beneath that he had the number 27 to always remember that you may leave this place far to soon.
Still thinking of you Darrent, I’m anticipating the day they catch the killer. I still check the Newscast Daily just for that information with hope it will happen. God must have needed a great cornerback! My fiance and I were at the Candlelight Vigil at Invesco and It was very hard to take, I will never forget that day. With much love and respect, you will always be remembered…
dis was one of da worst thing can happen to us who knew D even those who wasnt close because i really didnt know D to well but ran into him couple of time but we a real cool layed down to earth person but it seem like i knew him my whole life but always RiP D_WiLl and much love 2 da whole WILLIAMS FAMILY
we all miss u dill will. you will never be frogoten. I am just a twelve year old boy he was a playmaker i watched him play and he was a verry good young man he will be missed dearly i hope they catch the killer and he will be in prision for life. i loved him while he palayed R.I.P. d will i love u
sincerly
a true broncos fan
It’s been months and I still cant believe it. I guess since I am out here in the desert it doesnt seem real. I keep thinking it was all a bad dream, but then I see the videos and reality sets in. If I knew the least time I talked with you, it would be the last I would have said so much more, I would have spent more time. But, I took that time for granted. Dee, I miss you so much and think about you constantly. I know you are watching over me, and one day we will meet again. You will always hold a place in my heart. You have embedded your footprints in my memories. From Carter Park Elem. to Old Dirty Wyatt…lol. You know what we used to call it. I miss you Dee. Keep a spot for me. Love you always.
6 months now……..RIP D-Will. you were not only a great football player but a greater person…..thanks for the memories the past two seasons… I hope they catch the killer and lock him up.
matt.
Darrent Williams was one of those athleits u dident hear much of but one that good he will be remember in all of us and exspecialy in the family,friends and bronco comunity so i leave this best hopes R.I.P
darrent williams was an outstanding player and we will never forget him
Darrent Williams was a player who just loved the game. my heart goes out to those who were friends and famliy. Although darrent is dead his bronco speerit will live forever in the mindes of those that cared about him.
Darrent Williams will be missed and will never be forgotten. He all ways had a big grine on his face when i saw him on tv. My heart goes out to his family and all the bronco organization. He will live in the minds of who loved him and who were his fans.
I really miss darrent williams and i hope he likes it where he is right now but he will be tribley missed by millions of darrent willions fans but rest a shore he is in a better place.
we will miss u d- will
World Wide Web Resources…
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article, but it sounds interesting…
Darrent Williams Will NEVER Be Forgotten So That Is Why I Am Getting A Tattoo With A Bronco And Underneath It Is Going To Say RIP 27 D. Williams and 29 D. Nash To Let Ppl That Even Though Their Gone They Are Still And Will Always Be Apart Of Our Life!!!!
Weather Network…
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article, but it sounds interesting…
World’s History at Culture Club…
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article, but it sounds interesting…
World Religion Resources…
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article, but it sounds interesting…
Fashion Magazine Online
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article, but it sounds interesting
RIP Williams #27, we will all miss you
Latest Book Reviews
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article, but it sounds interesting
In Remembrance of Darrent, one year on.
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant Darrent depart in peace, according to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation;
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of thy people Israel.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
Two years on … R.I.P. D-will … You are never forgotten.
was thinkin today about your return against the raiders……….how to me it looked like you were running right out of the hated blackhole………know d-will to this lifetime bronco fan………you were a star whose lite faded to quickly………..like u i escaped “the life” by the grace of god……….so your passin on…young bro…. it still saddens me…….R.I.P. gone for 5 years but d*mn sure not forgotten