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
Go Broncos! Love most of the moves thus far, but if Xanders and McD thought of trading Cutler for Cassel then they are crazy.
Thanks for the heads up Zinser. Sorry some of us (I mean me) lost it back there.
THAT PISSES MY OFF TO HEAR THAT ABOUT THE IF HAVING THAT TOUGHT OF TRADING J-MAN. BUT SO SORRY CASSEL IS IN KC
sess44 –
You’re very welcome, and it happens to us all. Stay tuned for Dawkins.
And we apologize for technical difficulties preventing us from streaming it live on DenverBroncos.com, but we will post the presser online as soon as possible, followed by our sit down one-on-one with the seven-time Pro Bowler.
DAWKIN IS A KILLER
How do we see the press conference im nto seeing any area on this page where it will be do we have to click on something else im confused
THANK U VERY MUCH OR HOW WE WILL SAY IT HERE HONOLULU HAWAII “MAHALO” ADAM ZINSER UR THE MAN.
Where is the video gonna be up just right on this page help please I wanna see it
This is so exciting!!! I really can’t believe we got Dawkins… all I can say is WOW!!!
And I just have to know… the rumor about trading Cutler is just a rumor right? Please for the love of God, let that be just a rumor… really bad one.
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
it sucks cassel is in kc!!!!
Mike T 26 –
We cannot stream the press conference live, unfortunately. Technical problems have prevented us from doing it. We will post the video online afterwards ASAP.
@Mike T 26: The pressconference wont be streamed live. It will start in a couple of minutes. When the press conference is finished, the guys will put it on the main site.
Man I know what jersey I’ll be getting this summer! Go Dawkins!
SORRY GUYZ I GOT TO GO “ALOHA”
BRONCOS FINEST
I hope to goodness that these rumors that Shefter is passing along are completely false. If I was Cutler, I’d be a little pissed off as well that the team would actually entertain the idea of trading me…
Adam, are there any Broncos players, who happened to be at the facility or in Denver, attending?
If you have NFL Network, I think they are broadcasting the press conference when it starts and ESPNews may as well.
I still am concerned that Denver even listened to offers for Jay…Who’s to say nobody won’t make offers on draft day…I’m startin to get a little bit worried here…other than getting Dawk, I am not too big a fan of the signings so far…still, compared to losing J, nothing would matter…that better not happen!!
Dawkins will be a huge addition to our Defense. Where is this news about Cutler coming from? I have liked most of the decisions so far this offseason, but if a Cutler trade is being considered, I am just floored by the stupidity.
Yep, they showed him on NFLN… SWEEEEET!!!! They just had someone on the phone on NFLN and they said that they thought this is one of the worst, if not the worst day in Eagles history b/c we got Dawkins!!! We got a keeper people, we needed this!!!
Adam – please help clear up the rumors. Please tell me a Cutler trade is just a rumor. This is making me absolutely sick to my stomach.
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
The Cutler trade talk is all because other teams wanted us to trade Cutler and made some offers. The Broncos did not try to trade Cutler.
I don’t get how Cutler can be mad. The Broncos didnt try to trade him, they just got called and said no.
This Cutler trade talk bull i really pissing me off I was really hopeing this McDanials thing would work out but if he is even entertaining the tought of trading Cutler I think there will be a ead coaching job availible hopfully for Shany’s son Kyle uh this is making myey twitch I’m so pissed right now somebody needs kicked in the head.
Now let’s just hope he doesnt turn into a Jerry Rice.
Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports Denver Broncos QB Jay Cutler is a bit upset that the Broncos were fielding calls – from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions – about trading for him. The Broncos say they did not initiate the calls, they simply received them.
First McDaniels comes in and scraps our system and then our play caller, now he “entertains” a trade for Cassell. I understand wanting to improve our team, but he is an idiot if he thinks Cassell is in the same league, talent-wise, as Cutler. He risks alienating our FRANCHISE QB and every other team player on this team. Bone headed!
Brian Dawkins is a BEAST! Excellent move, and one step in the right direction toward bringing the Lombardi trophy back to Denver!
I like the offensive moves, but lets put our emphasis on D!
Thanks WelcometoBroncoCountry. That cleared some stuff up for me.
It’s hard following everything from Europe, I havent heard the exact words from Schefter on NFLN. I was jumping around the room for the Dawkins signing, but if it’s true what you said, then Im definately pissed. Cutler is the man in Denver, I dont know what I’d do if they’d trade for Cassell… He’s no good to me, just had a lucky year.
Easy everyone, McDanials and Nolan and Xanders have been in the building only 3 months or so. Let’s see what happens. The Cutler thing I am sure is just Shefter spicing up the story. I’m sure that teams called and said “Hey, if we can get you Cassel, would you part with Cutler?” As any smart team would do, they looked at the pros and cons and decided it wasn’t worth it. If the Patriots called and said “Hey we will trade you Moss, Cassel and Brady along with Welker and our draft choice, for Cutler, wouldn’t you do it? Of course you would. This is a business and a business of winning NOW.
Jay is staying in Denver no matter what couch McDaniels can’t take Cutlers job.
Cassel, for Cutler Please Please make it happen.
BroncosNL –
I did not see any players in the team room, though there could have been a few in the back where I could not have seen.
Everyone –
I know there are a lot of rumors out there floating around, and as far as I know, they are exactly that — rumors. Everything is speculation at this point.
I think it was a good thing about rumor trade . Maybe it will wake Jay wake up. Work harder because I think he reads his clippings to much he still has to learn .Quite crying become the leader he is picked to be. I like the talent but not his leadership
Detroit Reggie You are so stupid.There is way cassel is better then Jay.
Cutler is no crybaby, that’s Rivers job. Cutler however does have a right to be ticked off, just like the rest of us are. This very thing, this very rumor is EXACTLY what I was afraid of with any new coach we got. Thank God they had brains and said no to trading him… so far. Our offense is and wasn’t perfect but we were one of the best in the league this past season… no need to mess with it and screw it up. We already got enough problems trying to balance out our defense, no need to make one side better and completely devastate the other side. They need to just stop messing with the offense, making things all screwy and focus focus focus on DEFENSE!!! They did that by signing Dawkins but seriously, leave Cutler alone – he is THE man, like BroncosNL said.
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
Read don’t just open mouth I never said he is better. Just Jay needs wake up call!
so awesome we got dawkins. where can u see the press confrence
Oh DenHomers U suck. If you watch Cutler play, you know that he is the reason we are successful offensively. It is his ability to avoid the sack and pick apart coverages that makes our team a top 2 or 3 offense in this league. Blame can definitely be spread around and certainly he needs to avoid those stupid picks and just accept the sack sometimes, but each player is responsible and he shoulders most of it. He is a PHENOM! And our offense is primed to bust out even bigger this year, but Cassell is way overrated! And by the way, Cut has a way better arm than Flacco!
This Team needs defense, and I think signing Dawk is an immediate step toward the Super Bowl, just a few more pieces left…
okay…so now this whole thing is starting to get a little bit uncomfortable…i was hoping this was all just rumors that were being blown to ruffle some feathers here…but if this is for real then im going to be pissed…not just because jay is a beast and could possibly go somewhere else…but if he is being shopped and doesn’t go somewhere im not liking the coach/quarterback relationship going into the season…looking like a wee bit of drama in broncos country…
Have you ever seen jay yell at a player for dropping ball or running wrong route ?But I don’t see him taking blame for wrong read on his part ! Let’s hope he is better this year.
I have no Idea what these people think they are doing. Trading Jay Cutler would go down in history as the biggest screw-up ever right along side Babe Ruth to the Yankees. Please GOD let this just be a terrible rumor. Who on earth could possibly be worth a PRO BOWL QB.
Hey B Marsh,….i think denver wants Detroits #1 pick
I have no Idea what these people think they are doing. Trading Jay Cutler would go down in history as the biggest screw-up ever right along side Babe Ruth to the Yankees. Please GOD let this just be a terrible rumor. Who on earth could possibly be worth a PRO BOWL QB. q
God I love you BleedBlue&Orange you said it best. And last season shows what can happen when you become one demitional. We lost our running game and so all the preasure fail on Cuttie. And he steped up pretty good I think.
SO I AM TYPING TO FAST. I JUST THINK YALL ARE MAD I AM TELLING THE TRUTH.
We all know that Jay is young!!! But he has the skills and abilities that every Quarterback wishes they had!!! He is going to be Elite!!! I give it to his fifth season like everyother QB to develop Leadership skills!!! I am in the Military, and I know it takes time to become a true leader!!!
Jay Cutlers numbers this year…
384 of 616, 62.3% 4526 yds 7.3per 25 tds… 11 sacks all time franchise low!
how many times did Elway have years like that, hmm… 0!
If ya wanna bash some one, look a B Marshall, dude leads the league in Drops, has more drops than entire teams this year.
DenHomers U Suck, at least have the guts to name your team if you wanna rip on a Broncos blog, coward!
Finally another true leader!!! We have not had that since ole 56 left. I feel for Eagles fans though because when Shannon Sharpe left I was shocked that the Broncos would let him go. Well Sharpe led the Ravens to a superbowl that year and I sure hope Dawkins has that same impact in Denver. I like the moves so far. We needed some safety help bad, any impovement from Nate Webster would be an upgrade, hello Andre Davis, Gaffney should complement recieving corps. As far as the Cutler trade I truly hope they would not be fool enough to let him leave, saying that though Jay needs to act more like a professional this is his team and hes going into his 4th year, its time to make an impact on the other 10 guys that play offense with him.
Vic Lombardi is an idiot and trying to start some s@#t… Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports Denver Broncos QB Jay Cutler is a bit upset that the Broncos were fielding calls – from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions – about trading for him. The Broncos say they did not initiate the calls, they simply received them… We all should have learned by now that we shouldn’t listen to anyone for facts except those who have proved worthy.. Lombardi is flipping the story….
I agree about B. Marshall!!! I like the guy and he could the best WR in the league, his problem is he is young too and he knows he is good!!!!! If he would put forth half the effort he was capable of, he would be outstanding!!! I just hope he doesn’t turn out like T.O.!!! To much talent, and doesn’t care about nothing else but him self!!! Lets go B. Marshall, you can be the best if you would try!!!!
I love U alwilson you are great. Bleedorange and blue you are my friend to. I promise to be good from now on. As for Marshall He played hurt all season. And He will get better trust
Everyone calm down! When a team has a Pro-Bowl QB in a QB defficent free agency, of course people will go after him! Why not others you might ask? Because McDaniels is the head coach and Tampa Bay and Detroit tried to use Cassel as leverage to get Cutler.
Bottom Line: The Broncos said no and Cutler is still a Bronco.