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
This is a sobering reminder to the brevity of life. So many questions left unanswered that will challenge us individually and corporately to the core. However true that may be, character, conduct and conversation will always exemplify who Darrent Williams was at the heart. In the sports arena, many athletes are crowned prematurely for their athletic prowess and for their performances on the field but fail miserably the true litmus tests of life. The “dash” between Darrent’s years will represent so much more than his athletic ability. He was a man of lasting substance.
Although I never knew him personally, one cannot help but love him through the stories that are told. A man like Darrent will greatly be missed…
I would like to start out by offering all my prayers and condolences to the Williams family and to the Denver Broncos Organization. This is a very difficult time for anyone close to the Denver Broncos. Darrent will be missed on and off the field.
It really makes me sick knowing that someone could commit such a heartless act. I really hope we can find who did this. I had a friend murdered almost 3 years ago and they never found his killer. I hope with this being such a high profile case the police can find the person who did this. If anyone has any iformation on who did this, please notify authorities.
The sadness of this tragedy can only be coped with by hoping that one day Good will triumph, and there will be no more suffering in the world.
Peter & Mary-Ellen van Muijen
The Netherlands
I want to offer my condolences to the Williams’ and Bronco families. Darrent always caught your eye on the field because you always could see the warrior in him plus his great smile.
To the Williams’ family, I wish I could have gotten to know Darrent like you did. We need more people like Darrent that brings such cheer to people that he meets.
Darin
South Bend,IN
The New Year bells had come and gone, then the bitter reality of an overtime loss sank in. Staring into the beer glass thoughts came and went about “what if”, and who - if anyone - was at fault. We’ve seen it all before…..another season, no Playoffs & no Superbowl. However, the crumbs of comfort suggested that the Defensive Secondary was shaping up to be the best in business……never mind the best 2 CBs - #24 Bailey & #27 Williams…..the former a Pro Bowler, the latter was on his way to achieving that same status. No words can describe the numbness that I felt when I read the news on NFL.com late yesterday afternoon, not even a double check on the Broncos website could alter that feeling. The Playoffs mean nothing now, what a waste of a young talented life.
I have fond memories of Elway’s early career…..listening to matches on Armed Forces radio services & watching week old highlights on Channel 4 TV. That’s when I became a Broncos fan - despite friends and family not understanding what all of the fuss and excitement was about. Nothing has changed during the passing years, Superbowl losses and wins strengthened the resolve. I’ve only been to 1 Broncos match, I will return. Thank you Sky TV for showing Broncos matches in UK.
To all who had met and knew Darrent, my heart and tears go out to you. To the Williams family and all Broncos fans - we will overcome. My wishes are for the #27 jersey to be retired, and Denver Police to leave no stone unturned in finding and prosecuting the killer.
RIP # 27 Williams - You’ll never walk alone.
celtic.tom07@talk21.com
Managed to find a DWill jersey today. It will be worn with pride for the remainder of the season. #27… you will never be forgotten!!! You were and always will be a part of Bronco Country.
Your time on earth was short but well recognized. You will always be remembered and go on in the hearts of your family,friends,teamates,and fans.I was thinking to myself several weeks ago that Darrent Williams will be one of those players i will get to see develope out of college into one of the great players of my time.But unfortunatly that wont happen.I was looking forward to it. My heart goes out to the family and friends and to my team and to all of us Bronco fans. You will be missed.
that sucks, he was an extremely talented player, and a very positive man. this type of stuff should never happen, it is a sad fact that it does. people need to realize that killing is not the way to go about doing things, Darrent Williams will always be a Denver Bronco– #27, you will be remembered for years to come
if u have read my earlier posts it will explain everything but for this post i would just like champ bailey to wear darrents number 27 at the pro bowl and the Broncos to retire his jersey and make him one of the Broncos ring of famers, plz if u could do this it would bring light upon darkness for a short while, ty R.I.P. #27 Big D Will (Darrent Williams)
#27, Darrent Williams should be enshrined into the hall of fame, for what he brought to the table, a smile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
i remember those mornings when id wake up and see darrent in the newspapers flexing and smiling with his different hair dos, man youll be missed 4 evr, hopfully good will come from tradgedy, ill miss u man evn though i nvr got to meet u
R.I.P. DWill
Your were a great football player but an even better person. May the good Lord be with your family and friends. Hope to see you again someday, God bless and rest in peace #27.
Champ wear #27 in the probowl. My prayers are also with Javon who witnessed this horrific event.
yo ima man and almost cried…im going to miss DW sooo dam much man RIP man u will always be in my heart and all the other broncos fans hearts live on DW ima catch up wit u later my man PEACE
Now living on the East Coast, my time as a Broncos fan can be lonely, but that has not stopped the dedication I feel to this team; now even more than ever. As I read the dedications and words of love and hope for the family of Darrent Williams I am once again brought to tears. The loss of this young man is devastating.
My only hope is that his family and friends find the peace in their hearts that they will need to get up every morning and face the day, as D-Will would have wanted. I too lost my brother at a young age, that hole never seems to be filled but the kinds words from a stranger can mean so much. I thank our rival teams fans for standing with the Broncos community and showing the world what real sportsmanship is all about.
The Williams’ family will forever in my thoughts and prayers.
Chrystie
Fairfax, VA
God Bless. You will be missed
Darrent was a good man. He always warmed everyone up with a smile, no matter what they were going through. He was not only a great football player, but a great person as well. Always helping kids. He could have probably been one of the greats. Why he was taken, I and many others do not know. All I know is its all a part of God’s plan, and Darrent is in a better place now. R.I.P. - you were an inspiration to all of us…
You will always be in thoughts and prayers, God Bless.
Life has such a cruel way of doing things. Darrent Williams was a special man. Talented on the field, and a loving caring young man off the field. I still can’t believe he is really gone. A senseless act took a life. R.I.P Darrent…We will miss you
Darrent was most definetly one of the best young corners in the league, he will be greatly missed. R.I.P 27
My prayers and thought are w/ everyone that knew or loved Darrent including family, friends, teammeates and fans. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
Darrent you seemed like a great guy i love the Broncos dearly and all my thoughts go out to Darrents’s family and of course the whole Bronco orginization. RIP Darrent. This year will be for you! you will always be remembered! BRONCO for LIFE!!!!……..
Goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye
January 1st, a cold dark night
You could feel that something wasn’t right.
That night many hearts did cry
When we learned we had to say goodbye.
All embraced under one common song
the body is dead but life lives on.
All embraced under one common song
the body is dead but life lives on.
Goodbye Darrent. Goodbye you friend.
You were so young. You were so young.
Goodbye Darrent. Goodbye you friend.
You were so young.
The Cars lined the streets, as it was coming to an end.
The sun shined so brightly the day we buried our friend.
All embraced under one common song
the body is dead but life lives on.
All embraced under one common song
the body is dead but life lives on.
Goodbye Darrent. Goodbye you friend.
You were so young. You were so young.
Goodbye Darrent. Goodbye you friend.
You were so young. You were so young.
Losing in the fall, lost innocence came down
A 24 year old boy was buried in the ground.
A family’s broken hearts, a friend’s streaming tears.
The light lost in death, the living’s growing fears.
Of Eternal darkness or is it spiritual light
To come with terms with death on the darkest night.
A brother lost a brother, a friend lost a friend,
a mother lost a son but Darrent’s soul will never end.!!…
Darrent you will be missed…but NEVER forgotten!
David
B-port, NY
hello im david i love darrent he was my model he will greatly be missed in my heart even though he did not make it into the hall of fame in my hear he has been there forever
Darrent will long remembered both for what he did on and off the field. Seeing what a special man and player he was. I think this horrible situation calls for the retiring of his jersey number,during the first game of next season.
Darrent was a great player on this defense. He was one of the main reasons why i loved to see our defense out on the field. He is my inspiration. I dont want to let his spirit or memory die. And I think that none of us should let it. He was going to be one of the greats. Right next to Champ. But i think we should reitre his number. It would be the right thing to do. Not only for him but for his family. So they know that he meant something to this orginization. R.I.P. Darrent! We will miss you!
First and foremost,
To the family of Darrent Williams, I send my heart felt prayers, thoughts, and love in this time of grief and sorrow. The only words of comfort I can offer you is to know that Darrent brought so much inspiration and pride to so many all over the nation and especially in the state of Colorado.
To the fellow teammates and fans, we have lost a prodigy. Darrent Williams 1982 – 2007 R.I.P he will.!
I just want to say that Darrent Williams was fun to watch and that my heart is truely shattered to actually realize he’s gone from this life. I hope there is a god and that he is up in heaven. The people who did this will get what is coming to them. I just really am devastated emotionally and would like to send my love from the heart to all of his family, teamates, and all of the Darrent Williams fans abroad. I think that Champ B. or John L. wearing #27 in the pro-bowl would be an everlasting class act, and I know that Darrent would want that. He was only 24, he had his whole life ahead of him. God this hurts…………….
Kevin
I’m deeply saddened by the tragic death of Darrent Williams. My condolences go out to his family and friends, and the Denver Broncos organization. In his brief career, I enjoyed watching him play, I loved his enthusiasm, and the tremendous heart and inspiration that he played with. I will definitely miss him.
Mike
An Angel has risen!!!!!
The family of Darrent i want to send out my deepest condolences. I know that this is the most difficult time for you right now, but please remember to trust in God our creator for he has a plan for us all, one in which we might not understand but have faith in him and he will give you and us all strength. To the team, to coach and to the rest of my Bronco family, we all know that we lost a very special person. One who lit up the tv with his smile and charm and young warm heart. I didnt know him personally, but i can see that he had learned a very important motto in life.” That is smile and the world smiles with you”. I will certainly remember his smile and enthusiasm. I will continue to pray for his mom, kids, family, friends, coach, teammates , and fans.Live life with a smile on your face to keep his memory alive.Celebrate the life of such a young great person who i am sure touch the lives of many.
“Darrent #27 Williams love ya and miss you bro see you at heavens gates!!!!!!!!!!
BahamaBronco
God bless. You will be missed #27
R.I.P. Darrent Williams
I am heartbroken by this tragedy. I feel like I am a part of this family and when 1 suffers we all suffer. My prayers go out to the entire Williams family and Bronco family. If anyone has details of the funeral in Fort Worth, Texas please e-mail the information at kkrymorg@aol.com!!
leaving my last post of the night, once again let me send out my condolences to everyone who knew darrent through watching the TV or actually being a part of his life.
Even though your gone, you’ll always be a Bronco in my heart and every one else who bleeds blue and orange and even though your gone youll still be number 27 man.
You made me smile, whether seeing you smile in a interview or waving that flo hawk all over.
You were truly the inspiration for many kids trying to make a better life for themselves.
Itz sad he had to take you man, but as we all kno GOD has a true soldier up there and a true BRONCO! I WILL NEVER FORGET U! DENVER WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!
When i heard the news about darrent williams it crushed my heart i am a huge broncos fan. I went to the game aganist the bengals i was third row saw all the players and i especially saw darrent he was soooo full of joy and had the greatest smile. Its very tragic that his life was taken from him he didnt deseve it but like shanahan said he is in a better place now. I have been crying ever since i heard the news i was in a sport store buying his jersey the day i found out he was killed and as i put his jersey on in the store after i bought it my eyes just started filling up with tears. We will nvr forget # 27 darrent williams!
rest in peace may you fly away with the angels.
We will all miss you DW. you will never be forgotten. I wont forget you. You always brought joy into the games. You made the game interesting. I always loved to see the reactions he made when he got an int. There wont be another cb to replace him.
Darrent we miss you alot and love you for the joy you brought to the city of Denver. You brought a passion to the game that no one had ever scene before. I give you a Mile High Salute for all you have brought to us. My condolences go out to his family and friends and the Denver Broncos. Again we love and miss you and your mile high smile.
wow i was abosolutely speechless when i found out the news. i was logging on nfl.com monday afternoon to check on the game stats an to my disbelief i saw an article on Darrent Williams and that he was shot and killed in a drive by around 3 am and i was in complete shock and devastation. he was a great player and person on and off the field an will be missed greatly by family, friends, fans and evryone else out there. i want to send out my condolences to his wife and children, and to all of his family and friends. and he has constantly been in my mind since the time i heard of the tragedy and i am constantly praying for him.
Darrent you were a great player and you will definitly be missed by many. there was no other 27 out there like you and you served as a huge inspiration in my football career. Now every time i step on the field i will try to walk in your footsteps and hopefully you can b ther w/ me and i will play every single one of my games for you wether its only for my last 2 years in high school or if i will even have a chance in college or evn the nfl from my next game to my last its for you.
R.I.P Darrent Williams #27
1982-2007
you will never be forgotten
sincerely your #1 fan
#88 Matt Holowko
Darrent - words can not express the pain, sadness, and confusion that has been tearing through my heart and mind - since the hour that I heard about your tragic death. How someone can take another life, and be able to live with themselves is beyond me. Why does God always have to take the people that contribute so much to the community? Someone that spreads joy and love to every heart that they touch? You were a great man! And I just know that you were a wonderful father to your children! And from goal post to goal post, you were truely a great athlete! You will be missed, my friend! God Bless your family! Rest in peace #27!
I am a diehard Patriots fan and I am in complete and utter shock. To the Denver fans, the organization, and most importantly, Darrent’s family, my condolences for this terrible loss! He was entertaining to watch. I rooted for Darrent even though he was playing for the Broncos. He was that type of player you could like no matter where he played and he was classy.
R.I.P. Darrent Williams!
My husband and I are both diehard Raiders fans, but when it comes to a tradegy like this, ANY TRUE football fan feels the sadness. Darrent was an amazing cornerback. He will be remembered for everything he brought to the game. My 12 year old son, who is one of the biggest Bronco fans I know, was just amazed at the talent and dedication that #27 showed. Most importantly, he showed that if you work hard enough (size doesn’t matter), you can achieve your dreams. Our condolences and our hearts go out to Darrent’s family, fans and anyone who truly admired his talents. R.I.P #27
It was wonderful to hear that D-Will is human to and that he was man enough to let it roll with the punches, and come back harder. His enthusiasum will be missed.
R.I.P and keep watch over the team that you love as they love you.
Im just going to be sad about this for along time god bless the Williams family and please bless Darrent as I know he is now with you ………..:(
R.I.P. Darrent
My heart and prayers go out to the Williams family, the Denver Broncos, friends, and all the Bronco fans. I just hope the people involved are found soon and punished to the fullest extent. I am still in shock, and have a hard time expressing what I all want to say. I’m so sorry this happened to a wonderful and great athelet. GOD BLESS you! You are dearly going to missed!!!!!
May you Rest in Peace Darrent Williams!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
im just going to say that darrent was my idol…i will miss watching him blow up receivers and dissapointing qb’s…hes one of the best cb’s out there…and god bless the Williams family…WE WILL ALL MISS YOU DARRENT R.I.P….miss ya #27
I can’t believe what happened. I was in shock all yesterday and unable to grip the reality that one of my favorite players is dead. It disgusts and saddens me that this occurred and i know how i as well as other fans feel so i can only imagine the pain and suffering that darrents family friends teammates and coaches must be going through.
All i can offer is my deepest condolences and prayers for those individuals. i know that hes in a better place and hopefully looking down and seeing how many cared for him. although im simply a fan who never even met d will, he was and will always be remembered as one of my favorite players who i always looked up to for his personality and toughness that he brought to the game.
I dont even know how to explain the feelings i have for those involved in his senseless murder and only hope they are caught and punished where they will have to later on deal with god. This opens people eyes up to the ugly world around us and what has become of this society. its seems as if this is a daily occurance somewhere around the world and it hurts even more when u feel like you knew the person killed.
GOD BLESS and RIP Darrent Williams. you will ALWAYS be remembered 1982-2007
Ive been a huge Broncos fan and football fanfor a long time, and Darrent Williams untimely death has been a huge blow to myself and thousands of Broncos fans everywhere. I wish all my heart to Darrents family and to all who knew him the best. Its so unfortunate and unfair that such a gifted alethlete and person has to leave this earth too soon. Darrent Williams will always be remembered.
Rest in Peace Darrent Williams
R.I.P. You Will Be Missed!!! Thanx 4 Everything!!!
My heart and prayers go out to the Williams family and the bronco family. Darrent quickly became one of my favorite broncos. I liked how he carried himself and he seemed to have a strong character which I find so important in not just football but in life. You couldn’t help but just like the guy. And he was such a skilled player. I don’t know how many times I told friends and family you watch this kid. He has it. He always seemed to be giving 150% on the field. When something like this happens it just doesn’t make sense. Its just senseless and I don’t understand how somebody could do this to somebody. I don’t even know Darrent Williams other than from my tv but since I heard the news my heart has ached. Not only for the loss of a character player but for his family, his friends, his team, his coaches and anybody that knew and loved him. My heart aches for everybody in this horrendous tragedy. My prayers will be with you all. And it doesn’t make it any easier but I like to think God just thought he was special too and wanted him with him. It was just way too early. I will always remember him. FOREVER#27
I knew that you were going to be something special just because of the number they let you wear. my prayers are with the williams family may god help you find a way to cope with such a tremendous loss. Darrent would have been all pro it was just a matter of time. rest in peace Darrent Williams #27
PS CHAMP BAILEY if you read this please wear #27 in this pro bowl for darrent who could not be there next year.
I send all of my heart to the Denver Broncos, the Williams family, and the NFL. This was a huge tragedy that happened to such a talented person. You will be missed but remain in our hearts forever.
Rest In Peace Darrent Williams #27