1:15 p.m. MST: We’re 15 minutes away from the start of the press conference, and the media is starting to trickle in.
1:21 p.m. MST: We’ve got some print reporters filing into the team room and more video cameras being set up in the back.
Right now we’re just testing to make sure all the audio/video equipment is working, and pretty soon we’ll be listening to Dawkins.
1:31 p.m. MST: We should be just a few minutes away, as the press conference was scheduled to begin now. There are more reporters and Broncos staff members in the team room now.
1:34 p.m. MST: Members of the Dawkins family have entered the room and sat down up front, so I expect we’ll start any minute.
1:36 p.m. MST: And we will apologize in advance. All the traffic on the site has slowed things down, but I’ll get all the information to you from the press conference as quickly as I can.
Dawkins has entered the room and taken the podium.
1:36 p.m. MST: Head Coach Josh McDaniels is at the podium, introducing Dawkins.
“Brian Dawkins is a special, special person and an even better player.”
“One of the things I realized once free agency opened is he’s exactly what the Denver Broncos are looking for. He’s dedicated and serious about the game,” McDaniels said. “He wants to come to a place where he can win. It’s our priveledge to add him as the newest Denver Bronco. He’s going to provide us with great leadership, great attitude.”
1:39 p.m. MST: Dawkins has taken the podium, and McDaniels has presented him with an orange No. 20 Broncos jersey.
Now Dawkins has made his opening remarks.
“This is an absolute blessing. I’m a blessed man… I’ve been blessed to play for a great organization and to come to another great organization… I was able to meet some of the young guys that I’ll have the priveledge of playing with. I’m kind of jumping around with my words right now because I’m so emotionally excited.”
1:42 p.m. MST: He has started taking questions now and was asked about his level of play.
“This is a day to celebrate. We’ve been blessed to be with this organization. (I will play) as many as he blesses me to play at a high level.”
On what he’ll do to get the defense back on track — “We’re going to get on this right away. The thing about it is you try to gel as quickly as possible. Once you gel, you just do your role. If that’s the mentality and everybody is taking care of their gap, we’re going to be a pretty good defense, creating turnovers along the way.”
1:45 p.m. MST: On the challenge in the secondary — “The challenge for me is to, first of all, I’m not going to think my guys up front can’t get pressure. I’m going to believe they will whoop the guys in front of them. IN those instances that they get blocked or whatever, we’re going to have to do our job in the backfield — give them a second or two to get to the quarterback. If we’re both doing our jobs at the same time, it’s a dominant defense.”
On his leadership — “I only know how to be one thing — I genuinely care for the guys that I play with. That’s the kind of relationship I build with guys. We have conversations about everything, not just football. We get ot know each other on and off the field. The thing that I’ve always believed in a defense is you have 100 percent trust the guy next to you. But not just trust them, you have to respect them. We’re going to have respect for one another… Everyone is going to come in and do their job, but not just do it — be excited about it.”
1:47 p.m. MST: On what it was about McDaniels that enticed him to come to Denver — “I drank the orange kool-aid. It’s all about winning. It’s about his passion and his leadership, and I bought into it right away.”
1:48 p.m. MST: On what was important about a destination where he could end up, in terms of his family — “You see my family here — they mean the world ot me. I want to make sure they’re somewhere they’ll be happy. I want them to flourish and bloom. I was in Philadelphia for 13 years. I could practically drive to work with my eyes closed. From everything I’ve heard of this place and once I got here and saw the beautiful surroundings, I think I’m going to love this place. I wasn’t skeptical — it was just a lot of deep thought.”
1:49 p.m. MST: On playing at INVESCO Field at Mile High — “It didn’t end too well (laughs). When I’m on the road, I’m not paying attention to the fans there. My focus is on the job at hand. I know about the tradition here, the winning tradition. I know about the safeties that have come through here and been flat-out terrors. Hopefully I’ll be able to jump right in there.”
1:50 p.m. MST: On when he first thought of himself as a Denver Bronco — “I think when I first got over here today and saw the orange jersey. I went to Clemson and wore orange, so I’m going to wear orange again with this defense. I’m going to wear it with pride and hold it up high.”
1:52 p.m. MST: On the importance of community work — “I’ve been blessed so much with my time in the NFL that that’s a part of who I am. I believe, with my faith, that that’s what it’s about — to give. Once I get out here with my feet on the ground, I’ll be able to step out and see what areas the Lord wants me to go to.”
1:53 p.m. MST: On if he’s excited to play Philadelphia in 2009 — “Do we know who we’re playing in our first game? That’s who I’m excited about playing. That first preseason game, I’m excited about that.”
1:54 p.m. MST: On what made him decide to come here, knowing he wants to win now at this point in his career — ” Just lisetening to Josh and his excitement. They’re reaching out to start something and do something now. You didn’t hear any wavering in what they said. They weren’t searching for words. What they felt is what they told me, and I believed it.”
1:57 p.m. MST: He said he has not yet spoken with any of his new defensive teammates but he looks forward to talking with all of them very soon.
That ends the press conference, and now he’s taking photos with his family. His kids are all wearing Broncos gear, and Dawkins just put on his orange No. 20 jersey.
2:00 p.m. MST: We will have the video online as soon as possible, followed by a one-on-one interview with the newest Bronco.
Tags: 2009, Adam Zinser, Brian Dawkins, Live Blog
BucknBronco, thatdude807, champ24crush, and broncos14441 I feel the same as yall!
bronc fan in WA…. I agree that JJ Arington would help us on the return end so Royal would be a after thought as far as kick and punt return.
Ok I get it that Jay is “Suppose” to be the face of the franchise, but he lacks in the matuirty and leadership department. While people talk about Coack McDaniels working on his relationship with Jay! How about Jay works on his relationship with himself and realize it’s not always just about him!
Wow broncos14441 thanks for the post on what Mc D said..makes me feel a bit better, but now i am still worried about Cut..I hope something comes up where he releases a statement calmed down.
And hotsizzle, shut up. All you are doing is trying to be cute and start drama =-/
This might calm you guys down, visit this link:
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_11810505
It would be devestating to see Cutler go because he is one of the best in the league in the pocket and the best in the league out of the pocket. As for his imaturity yes he needs to work on that, but that comes with age and time. If McDaniels is a good coach he will make this thing disappear and make the relationship better again, if not Jay probably will be gone and we can prepare for next year, and hope Bowlen makes the right desicions about GM’s and Coaches next year.
Oh yeah,
Dawkins is a great addition
GO BRONCOS!!!
Heres how i see it, right now, who the hell would we get in a trade for cutler anyways!! theres no chance of this guy leaving denver JAY CUTLER IS THE REASON HALF OF US WAKE UP IN THE MORNING!!!!! I just wish he wouldnt make a big deal out of it. Yea maybe they fished around an offer or two but HEY: UR STILL IN ORANGE AND BLUE. so lets calm down just a little and talk about some positives. WE landed 2 talented safeties and a stud inside backer. Our front office is doin some WORK!! we even got a DT from indy but hell i know nothing about him so idk what to say about him. Were also going to have a great RB competition which i think is great. Personally, im rooting for either hillis or torain both r studs. Now lets get one more inside backer and a big DT. Id like to c us get shaun rogers but ive been gone all today and most of yesterday so i dont even know if hes still a FA. as for inside we can either move D.J. in and get cushing or another stud, or why not try liek this. Boss, D.J. Andra Davis, Woodyard. I kinda like the sound of 2 healthy baileys on the field im not gonna lie
Has anyone heard anything on Derrick Ward’s visit today ?
here we go guys. Chris Mortonson strait up video. Heres ur answers and so far its good new…… so far
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=3943257
don’t blame josh for this he was the one receiving the offers he wasn’t sending them out. all the coaches didn’t even consider the trade offers. as for dawkins thank god we’re actually making a splash in free-agency!
Bronco Nation needs to chill for a few! Cutler is not going anywhere, he simply asked to shop himself if he was on the block. The big issue is McD needs to talk with Cutler. I think Bowen should make it happen if both sides refuse to get together. Moving on, has anyone heard about D Wards visit? I would LOVE to see him in blue and orange! Just imagine Hillis, Buck, and Ward pounding D’s all game long. What about S Springs? I read he is going to visit the Patsys, why not Denver?
Spings might land in New Orleans since they have Greg Williams as their new Defensive coach. They have history together from their days in Washington. It’s not a sure thing! If we get D. Ward I wonder what role would Hillis play with all of these RB’s on the team.
McDaniels offense doesn’t use the FB a whole lot. At least I don’t remember them using the FB alot.
In order for any of the trade scenarios to be true it is absolutely necessary that the NE Patriots turn down a first round pick for only Cassell and instead of the “better” deal they got from the Chiefs, a 2nd round draft pick for Cassell and Vrabel. IF YOU BELIVE THIS, I’VE GOT SOME SWAMP LAND IN DEATH VALLEY I’D LIKE TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT!!!!
GGAAAAHHHHH!!!!!! IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think Hillis earned a spot in the rotation! He should be our red zone back, he is a punishing runner and can gain yards when he needs to. I will be amazed if he doesn’t get touches. Hillis helped this team as running back and McD better realize that! It would be a great backfield having Buck and Hillis in at the same time!
We have all heard the rumors. I think this is dumbest thing ever for Mcdaniels. Culter is going to be a great QB getting better every year and putting up better stats than Elway in his first 3 years. If Cutler leaves we will get to watch him become one of the best QB’s in the league and will look like idiots for letting him go. One of the best Offense’s in the league last year with no RB. Keep the unit intact. Mcdaniels if you want to make this team better here a few positions you dumb*ss (DT, DE, LB, and CB).
Fire Mcdaniels bring back Shanny.
Cutler is going to retire a BRONCO!!!!!! Our owner is one of the best in the biz. Do you all really believe Pat would let this happen? I say NO! Cutler needs to take this and use it next season! MAKE McD LOOK LIKE A DIP FOR EVER THINKING ABOUT TRADING ONE OF THE BEST!!! If teams could go back to the draft when Cut was taken, it would have gone different! He has out performed all the other QB’s!
gdingle man your harsh……….you have not even given the new squads plans a chance to unfold yet. I’m just as big as a Cutler fan than anyone else and would be pissed if he was traded…but at the end of the day we can’t control what happens!
I think our Broncos are gonna have a hell of a season next year and can’t wait to see us crack Cassell on his @$$….oh yeah and I’m loving Dawkins on the squad hopefully next season Dawk will be bringin back those ridiculous Atwater hits (27 best FS in history!!!).
Can we all just get along? Ha, Ha . Seriously, Cutler needs to shut up and wait and see if his agent calls. He is not helping matters any by talking to the stank media. Be professional and just be patient. I like Cutler and we all know he is not perfect. I would rather him throw an incomplete pass than an interception, but he thinks he can make every throw, and I don’t mind some of that. But our problems, for the most part has left. Do you remember that special play when we get in the red zone and their defense is nervous and we will help them out and call a time-out. Then after the time-out throw an int. or fumble the ball. That play has been Shanny’s play since Elway left and it was used hopefully for the last time in Denver, so I can’t put all the blame on Cutler for those red zone int’s.
I’m tired of knowing what play will be called next, lets look forward to next season with Cut-em-up Cutler and the new CRUSH.
Welcome Dawkins , this guy is a top notch class act MAN. We need all he has to give.
BRONCOFOLIFE
Broncofolife-Thank you, it is about time some blame falls on Cutler. I love the guy, but he needs to grow up! Dawkins will make our D scary and if we draft right we could see something amazing! SUPERBOWL BOUND!!!!
Mr. Bowlen,
If you are at all paying attention to the pain and anger you’re causing out in Broncoland by letting McDaniels and Xanders dangle Cutler, PLEASE PAY ATTENTION.
TAKE BACK YOUR TEAM.
Call a press conference right now, or call the Post.
Make a statement saying Cutler will not be traded as long as your the owner.
Confirm that the Broncos are dedicated to Cutler as the franchise QB.
Personally call Jay and explain whatever the hell has happened, and tell him what a huge mistake and misunderstanding it’s been. Tell him – as owner – you are PERSONALLY COMMITTED TO HIM.
That’s the only course of action. If you don’t move, it’s over. The Broncos are broken. McDaniels will never work out because fans will lynch him, and Cutler will be gone – either now, or as soon as his contract is up.
PLEASE DO SOMETHING. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DO SOMETHING.
Your inaction so far only illustrates you really have no comprehension of the wave of fury, frenzy, and lost fans this situation has the potential to cause. It will be huge. It will never be forgotten.
TAKE BACK YOUR TEAM,
A lifelong fan – and a concerned fan
you guys are idiots jay is a good leader and more mature then lets say a phillip rivers. i would say jay will be the best quarterback for years to come. he has a right to be mad but i think its a big misunderstanding between cutler and the organization and it will blow over.
2009 stats for jay 5138 yards 38 touchdowns 14 ints, 4 rushing touchdowns to boot. i know they are big but jay will hit 5000 yards this year or next
we sign goodman-nfl network. after all this bull about trades we have over looked or just forgot about the big signing of the weakeend (i wish i could type) b. dawkins. well, i am glad to have him aboard for the next few years. and we just sign goodman from mia. this will cover all of our backfield. now all we have to get is really just d-line help. weather it is 3-4 or 4-3. my son said it id for sure wer will go to the 3-4, is that in stone or just more rumors. and after that, all we need is to trade a QB. that was a joke, just trying to littin up things a little bit. but on that subject we do need a good back up for jay. i liked what i have seen from hackney, give him more time and he will be really good i think.
so here is what we have going into the draft so far ( still one more F/Ato sign):
QB COVERED
RB COVERED
WR COVERED
TE COVERED
OL COVERED
DL need help as of now
LB maybesome help- not back-ups
DB COVERED
KR ANY ONE BUT ROYAL
PR see above
p bring in some comp
k see above
i could not say this last dec. so i give the new org. a thumbs up so far. we need to see his new play callin and his RED ZONE PLAYS. b/c that is where we sucked the most. with all of our high powered off we could not score when it counted the most. and good luck to the D. the fans don’t think much of you, but you have the best d/c we have had in a heck of a time so ti is time for you to shape up or ship out. and as you have seen McD will do it.
back to the point i tryed to make is we will have a good draft b/c we will not be desperate for any possition. we got a GOOD draft last year and thats is why, except for ss and fs they were just plug ins anyway.
i hope noone gets upset when we draft a qb or bring in one as more back up. but we need atleast 3 to even go into trainimng camp
While I don’t defend Jay’s reaction to the trade rumors, I understand them. The Bronco’s community and fans associate the franchise with Jay as much as Elway was during the 80′s and 90′s.
Personally I would be very disappointed to see Cutler go anywhere right now. This franchise needs to keep its face and franchise player. I hope that I can get behind the new coaching staff I am not impressed with their decisions so far. My son and I think it would be a shame to stop being Bronco fans after 38 and 8 years respectively.