Elijah Alexander, who spent three seasons with the Broncos from 1993-1995, died Wednesday night after a nearly five-year battle with cancer.
He was 39.
Alexander was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow, in 2005. After the diagnosis, he started a foundation, which you can visit at http://www.tacklemyelomafoundation.com/
Alexander played in 41 games as a Bronco and was a 16-game starter in 1994. He accumulated three interceptions and 1.5 sacks during that time.
He also made stops in Tampa Bay and Indianapolis, and closed out his nine-year career in Oakland. His final season in the league was 2001.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
-Gray Caldwell, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Elijah Alexander
Thats the problem I was having to TRB . We are in need of an ILB. It just goes to show that we need more draft picks lol.
yup, like i thought
for those who care, i was right. Brandon spikes stock dropped after slow 40, projected at 3rd maybe 4th round which could be good news for us if he wasnt such a character question mark….Still a McClain fan, but im all for whatever makes us good….
yup we could definitely use more draft picks…as long as it doesnt involve the beast i am happy lol
Hey guys, does anyone know when we play the Rams this coming year??? My cousin and I will be going to the game and it will be my first HOME Bronco game and I am just soo excited but would like to know when it is. My cousin is a die hard Rams fan so we will both have a lot of fun. It will also be cool to see Bradford in his first NFL year b/c there is no way that St. Louis can pass on another star QB. Especially one of Bradford’s talent!
broncofreak, you are couldnt be more right about your statement regarding college players.
Ultimately, its the individual players desire, drive and work ethic that will be the determinite whether or not they will go on to have success at the pro level. Players like Meck, Rod Smith, TD- heck even the entire back to back superbowl championship teams had 8 of 11 offensive players that were sixth round picks or less.
Even Cooper brought up the point about the coaching and talent around you can be a key to a successful career.
Even first round picks can be a crapshoot- case in point 1999. #1 pick Manning/ #2 pick- Leaf. We all see how that worked out.
Point is no one knows for sure if a college player will be a sure fire success, something we are all aware of Im sure.
TRB, know I know why youre so anti-Larsen. I will say this though, he is less of a question mark than any of the college prospects. You can take that to the bank.
One more thing- the Gerhart talk. The only reason it is remotely credible to consider using a high draft pick on him, is because McD saw fit to trade Hillis (Gerhart is less of a question mark than Scott). Just like McD will see fit to trade Marshall. Who is less of a question mark than Bryant, Shipley or any other college player available. It doesnt make sense. But that is the reality of it. Then again, what do I know? Im just purely an interested spectator!
Hope Orton is playing some tennis…
BTW, broncofreak, the NFL hasnt released the schedule. Only thing known for sure is we are the away team for a Halloween tea party in London!!!
GO BRONCOS IN LONDON 2K10!!!!!!!!!!
Yea, I didn’t think so, I am glad you agree with me on the Gerhart thing. With so many people loving Hillis I am surprised there aren’t more people who want Gerhart on board. I would just love a great OL for our first pick, hopefully Iupati, and Gerhart with the second pick! That would also give Moreno some running room. I love buckhalter and he has great running talent but with how much he got banged up last season, it scares me that if we don’t get someone like Gerhart, we could have another running bang up season like two years ago when we went through like 7 rb’s.
sndvl….
Haha, were becoming more and more friends on here everyday bud! But just like you said above, I obviously agree that we should get Gerhart over Scott because just like me and you said, Gerhart has higher percentage to have more success than Scott and he is less of a Question Mark than Scott is. I also think Scott will be good but I see Gerhart running people over the way Hillis did and even the one and only TD BABY!! It’s great because every time I saw him get the ball in college, he nearly had about an 8-10 yard gain from the time he first got touched by the first defender! Amazing speed and trucking!
I think we have to get a power back to bust up the defense and convert our 3rd and short yardage situations. Last season we settled for a lot of 3 and outs or FG. As we all saw that doesn’t win a whole lot of games for you. I’d sure like to see Gerhart in a Broncos uniform. However as we all have been saying we need to get “nastyness” in the center of our o-line too.
Obviously Quinn has a better chance at being the QB of the future out of all three of them. I think this season will be the tell of the tale if Orton doesn’t get the job done then Quinn will start and Orton and Brandstater will be battling for the #2 spot on the team for next season, the loser getting released. Even though McD said Orton “is our guy” I think if Quinn stuns the coaches then give ‘em a shot.
McNabb going to the Raiders is kind of scary. We can’t beat the Raiders with Gradowski (*spelling) as their QB now they have the chance to add McNabb, that could very well make them contenders again. He also doesn’t have an WR to throw to either. LOL! Maybe the AFC West is coming back to what it once was????
Waiting “impatiently” for the draft in April…LOL!
all these things
sndvl and boncosfreak30, read my earlier posts. I totally agree on Gerhart. I know his Dad and will coach with him next year at the same school Toby went to. Not only is he an awesom talent, he is very intelligent, and has a ton of character. He would be an awesom addition.
But lets get some help on the interior offensive line for sure.
Ive read all of your posts BigD, congratulations on the coaching opportunity! Too bad the workout was moved. That would have been neat to see.
I held reservations about Gerhart, for the simple fact that we had Hillis. But now we dont, and Im pretty certain Moreno is not an everydown back. And it seems to be pretty clear that we will be without Marshall, so our running game will HAVE TO PRODUCE.
Plus it would really tick me off if we have to see him go to any of the other AFC West teams.
Then like I posted earlier, we cant afford to draft a project, as Bobby Turner is no longer our running backs coach.
That 14th pick overall would have been nice. I hope Phonzee Smith can make a big improvement this year.
sndvl, I agree. I know San Diego is interested. It would not be a good thing for us if they have Sproles and Gerhart.
I didnt wanna adress Gerhart again, but I like how I have said a million times that Gerhart is a complete back and i think he will do well in the NFL but all people keep hearing is that i think he is gonna suck, think he is a question mark, and don’t like him…Wateva
I agree we need a powerback,but we need to concentrate on Oline 1st,and Moreno CAN be an every down back,but we just need a punisher to run 8-10 plays a game,no sense using a #2 pick on a 3rd down back when there are going to be so many in later rounds.Everybody acts like we need a #1 RB,we don’t we drafted Moreno #1 last year,I say we wait on a powerback,and take care of Oline,ILB 1st.IMHO
TRB, no one is disagreeing with you. I am not totally convinced that Moreno is a complete back. Only time will tell. I sure hope he is.
I understand you point and it is valid. We have other pressing needs and you feel Gerhart requires a high pick that we could use on one of our big needs.
I feel we could use both backs. Other teams have had success splitting carries between two backs. Gerhart and Moreno are different types of running backs and would complement each other well. Coaches could feature either running back depending on the defense we are facing. But I understand your position, that we should use those high picks on a ILB or a interior lineman. I don’t really disagree but I still want Gerhart to be a Bronco. Just one man’s opinion.
If we don’t fix our Oline I don’t care who the RB is,were not going to have the running game we want.
I don`t see McNabb as a raider and for one year. 6.5mil. All smoke screens. I`m a true raider hater. I wore my ORANGE AND BLUE at the L.A. Collisium during the 80`s. And i was proud. GO BRONCO`s!!
Agreed Beastfromtheeast.
Big D
I respect that. I like Gerhart, really, I do. And if thats the directions the Broncos choose to go, ill be fine with it. At this time I just feel we need a situational pounder, not a second RB. As you saw last year, Moreno did darn near everything. If we get Gerhart, it would be like if someone got spiller in the first round this year, and then Gerhart in the second round. 2 potentially great RBs with neither of them being the premiere back. I think McD has made it clear the Moreno is the Premiere back and will do everything except when he is completely out of breath. Thats why i want us to take care of OL first and foremost and maybe ILB cuz i like McClain. But i have no problems with the broncos getting gerhart, just wouldn’t consider it an efficient use of picks. And i believe with the right OLINE, Moreno can be the next TD. For a rookie with a half way decent line, whack blocking scheme and plays…He did really well. THe only time he struggle was for situational pounding. which is what i say we need. Not a 1,2 punch of Moreno and Gerhart, even tho that would be awesome as well…..but like u said, just one mans opinion….
We all agree we need a C,ILB,RB,and maybe LG……..just disagree on which picks to use on them,which is fine,everybody can’t think alike,that’s what the Blog is for to discuss opinions.Some of the mock drafts still have us taking Dan Williams NT,because Jamal Williams is injury proned and old,plus San Diego was talking about replacing him anyway,what does that tell you?????we need depth on Oline and Dline,too many needs and not enough picks,like a kid in a candy store with only 1 dime.LMAO
I dont care if we draft Gomer Pile. Just win baby. AFC WEST CHAMPS….
Big D 44: Deep down inside that’s how we all feel. LOL!
I don’t care how, I do care when, I sort of care with who, but just win.
Duke all the way Babyyyyyyy!!!
wow,, I just saw an highlight reel on this Charles Scott. He is an absolute beast up the middle could be a fine pick in the mid-rounds..
NFL Draft scout reports Dan Williams went from a mid-round prospect to a potential 1st round or early 2nd round pick. Some say his success was attributed to the arrival of Defensive Coach Monte Kiffin, who joined his sons’ staff (Lane Kiffin) at Tennessee.
His strength his best trait as he has a low center of gravity which helps with leverage up front. Good upper body strength and hands to stack and shed in the running game. A strong bull rusher to collapse the pocket in the interior. We need a young motor to give blows to our Vets.
Report sounds good… NFL a different arena, no doubt.
Monte Kiffin did nothing for Dan Williams,I know he was one of the best DC in the NFL,but when he came to Tennessee their defense dropped from 3rd in the country to 14th,Dan Williams would suit us good though,since Jamal Williams is 34,and injury proned.
Jason Elam to sign a one day contract so he can retire a Bronco,good for him,I’ve always liked him,and he was always MONEY…wished he never left.
Yea, I agree all. As long as we win im happy. And Dan williams will work here as well since we need a future NT if it aint gonna be baker.
Broncos20, glad you like charles scott as well. He is the situational pile moving 3rd and short converter we need in my opinion. nothing more nothing less. but he has potential to be much more.
Glad about Jason Elam…one of the best broncos ever…He gets a mile high salute from me….
You’d think some credit would go to Coaching since Williams wasn’t really known before his Senior year. BFE92 – who gets the credit for developing Williams then… obviously you seem to know…right?
Jim Turner, Rich Karlis, David Treadwell were very good placekickers for the Broncos. No doubt Jason Elam was the best !
Couldn’t agree with you more TRB.
rbf1 I watched every game he played in college I outta know something about the man.You can’t give credit to someone when you don’t even keep up with the team,so whadda you know about developing,can’t a guy have a breakout year without giving the credit to some overrated coach.
BFE92: If you believe Kiffin was/is overrated, that’s fine. You’re entitled to your own opinion. You’ve previously posted you were a Vounteer fan so I assumed you knew who brought Williams along, if not Kiffin.
In answering the second part of your post, I know enough about developing talent as I’ve coached football for many years.
I also played the game many years ago.
The media will always give credit to the Def Coord or Head Coach, as I referenced NFL Draft Scout on previous post. No doubt the Volunteers have been successful over the years as they recruit some of the top players in the Country. A player could have a breakout year, especially if he’s in the right system & looking to take it to the next level…the NFL.
rfb1 sorry for the misunderstanding,I don’t know if you are aware of all the facts when Lane Kiffin left,but it left a bad taste in a lot of peoples mouths,but that’s not why I am not giving Monte Kiffin credit for Williams success,maybe a different defensive scheme helped him or maybe he just stepped it up,but John Chavis was the best Defensive Cord. Tennessee has ever had,Monte inherited a gifted Defense,and a lot of people didn’t realize how good they actually were before Monte Kiffin took over,by the way Chavis was gladly accepted as LSU’s new Def Cord.By the way I respect your opinions.
I do hope we both agree he would be a good fit,since Jamal Williams ain’t the fix for long.
i agree bfe. fix o line first before drafting a rb of fb. also sndvl why do you say marshall wont be here this season. havent heard anything yet. only 3 + weeks to draft. and no offers. seatle is out and no one wants to give up a first. if mcd sticks to his guns and only takes a first. looks like #15 will be back. Go Broncos.
BFE92: No problem, I respect your views and enjoy reading your blogs. You bring up some valid points and provide resourceful insight. I did read about Kiffin and viewed some updates on ESPN. I was surprised we signed Jamal Williams considering the many years he’s had in the league. He really didn’t play last year, so hopefully he’s good to go. Yes, I would like to see the Broncos select Dan Williams or Rolando McClain. I’m leaning more towards Williams. Not sure what Coach McD will do this year, as he surprised us all last year. Looking forward to this years draft.