Tag: community

Justin Simmons kept commitment to speak at youth group same day Broncos cut him

After being cut by the Broncos, Justin Simmons kept his commitment to speak at youth group that same day.

This sums up the kind of person Justin Simmons was in the Denver community from 2016-2023.

Simmons was scheduled to speak at a church youth group on Thursday evening, a commitment he made before he knew the Broncos would release him. Even after news broke Thursday morning that Denver planned to cut the safety, Simmons kept his commitment to speak on Thursday evening.

Check out the photos from local radio talent Mike Rice:

Simmons released a lengthy statement on social media last night after the news of his release became official. Here’s part of it:

I hope my game and character represented everything it meant to be a Bronco. … I don’t have any regrets over the past 8 seasons, but I’m truly sorry that I couldn’t deliver on getting you back to the post season. I understand it’s a business but as a captain and leader I am disappointed that I won’t see this thing through. I will always love you, Broncos Country. 

Simmons is a class act and he will be missed in Denver. We wish him the best wherever he lands next.

Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

5 Black-led running organizations you should check out

Find community in running.

A community you feel comfortable in can make all the difference when it comes to sticking with new hobbies and habits. For Black runners throughout the United States, running clubs that recognize, celebrate, and uplift them can be an empowering and transformative experience. There is also support and safety in numbers. When you run with people who understand your identity, you can form deep connections that help strengthen your physical and mental health.

If you’re looking for a Black-led running organization to join or support, explore this list of some excellent running groups from throughout the U.S. This list includes formal associations, not-for-profit groups, and running clubs that focus on supporting Black runners. And if you want to stay connected outside of running, check out this list of six Black outdoor organizations that cover everything from hiking to camping.

Jameis Winston says he ‘would love to stay in NOLA forever’ ahead of free agency

Jameis Winston says he ‘would love to stay in NOLA forever’ ahead of free agency. The Saints quarterback has found a lot of love in New Orleans:

There aren’t many New Orleans Saints players who have enjoyed Carnival season better than Jameis Winston. The quarterback has been a common site on Mardi Gras parade routes with his young son and family, shaking hands and taking photos with fans in-between plates of smothered turkey necks and red beans. He’s embraced the city’s culture and sense of community and, he hopes, he’ll continue to do so for a long time.

“I would love to stay in NOLA forever. But whatever the Lord has planned for me, I’m going to go and do my best, wherever that is. Hopefully it’s here, because I love this, I love the energy, and I love this city,” Winston laughed during an interview with WDSU meteorologist Margaret Orr, this year’s honorary Muse of the Krewe of Muses.

Will Winston return for 2024? By all accounts he’s been nothing but a good teammate, accepting his demotion to the backup role after Dennis Allen brought in Derek Carr and okaying the offense’s decision to score a late-game touchdown for Jamaal Williams to close out the season. But the Saints reworked his contract before the 2023 season ended so that they can release him in March with a more-manageable salary cap hit. All signs point to his time in New Orleans running out.

If that’s the case, this experience is something Winston will cherish. Even if he ends up joining a rival team like the dirty birds.

“I just love the people. When I go out and meet individuals, they’re so authentic,” Winston continued, comparing the sense of community he’s found to the Southern hospitality he experienced growing up in Alabama. “New Orleans, there’s not another place in the world that’s like New Orleans. It’s the culture, and just the love that’s here. I admire it.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce, Kodiak donate 25,000 hot meals to Kansas City youth

#Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Kodiak donated 25,000 hot meals to young people in Kansas City.

The Kansas City Chiefs players and staff have continued to be involved in community support throughout the Kansas City area. The many off-season events and in-season contributions go beyond the play on the football field and are an excellent representation of the team caring about the city.

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has been one of the best examples of a player giving back to the fans and the many young kids who look up to him.

Kelce, in collaboration with Kodiak, a breakfast company known for its high-protein, whole-grain breakfast products, donated 25,000 meals to the children of Kansas City through Operation Breakthrough, an afterschool program for under-resourced youth, hundreds of families will receive hot breakfasts.

“Joining forces with my friends over at Kodiak to fuel the Operation Breakthrough families is a total privilege,” Travis stated in a press release, “Alongside Kodiak, a brand I love, we will be making a meaningful difference in the day-to-day life of hundreds of Kansas City kids, and I couldn’t be more excited to make this happen.”

The Pro Bowl tight end with the brand aims to fuel an active lifestyle and inspire more nutritious eating. Kelce and Kodiak are committed to getting kids up and outside to pursue adventure, starting with a hearty breakfast packed with protein and 100% whole grains.

“We are thrilled to work with Travis and an organization that is near and dear to his heart,” said Val Oswalt, CEO of Kodiak. “By providing nutritious breakfasts, we are giving kids what they need to be set up for success and ultimately pave the way for healthier futures.”

Kelce has worked closely with Operation Break, a nationally accredited, not-for-profit corporation that acts as a resource for parents in Kansas City on initiatives such as creating the Ignition Lab powered by his foundation Eighty-Seven & Running. “

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce expects fans to show Tyreek Hill love during Saturday’s game

Kansas City #Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce expects fans to show Tyreek Hill love during Saturday’s game.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ postseason journey gets underway against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday. The return of Tyreek Hill will headline the night alongside the freezing-cold temperature, but according to Travis Kelce, his former teammate could be in for a warm welcome.

Kelce shared his thoughts on the Arrowhead Stadium reception Hill should receive on Saturday during Thursday’s post-practice press conference.

“I expect K.C. to give him nothing but love until he’s putting up the peace sign or something,” Kelce said. “Then you might hear a few boos, but who he was for this community speaks volumes. Every single kid’s camp, he made it his effort to go out and shake those hands and give those kids an experience that never has again.

“That’s why Tyreek (Hill) is loved in this city. He will forever be loved in the city because of who he was off the field in this community as well, man, so it’s going to be electric to see him. He’s always one of the best football players in the league when he’s on the field.”

Hill hosted many community events and basketball tournaments during his tenure with the Chiefs. He garnered attention from celebrities and fellow athletes to come to Kansas City to participate and work with children.

Denver Broncos Foundation contributed more than $5 million to local nonprofits in 2023

The Denver Broncos Foundation contributed more than $5 million in financial and in-kind support to local nonprofits in 2023

While the Denver Broncos on the field have produced enough turmoil to have a documentary, their work off the field hasn’t garnered much attention but it has been noble nonetheless.

Through the Denver Broncos Foundation, the franchise contributed more than $5 million in financial and in-kind support to local nonprofits in 2023, an impressive number.

The Foundation would also more than double its financial commitment to grantees and program partners in some key focus areas: youth health and wellness initiatives, youth and high school football, dynamic in and out of school programming and equitable access to career pathways.

With the Broncos’ vision, more than 200 organizations and more than 175,000 youth in Colorado have been positively impacted by this outreach.

As aforementioned, the Broncos will end this season in chaos for what has transpired on the field between Russell Wilson and Sean Payton. But what they have done off the field is making an impact on our youth.

Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=482983128]

WATCH: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes surprises young fan with Super Bowl tickets

#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes surprised a young fan with Super Bowl tickets in a video posted to social media channels this week.

The Christmas holiday may be over, but Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes kept on giving this week when he surprised a young fan named Issac Murdock with tickets to Super Bowl LVIII.

Murdock was at the Chiefs’ facility in Kansas City for what he thought would be a routine interview about his thoughts on the reigning MVP quarterback. Midway through the interview, Mahomes walked in and presented the tickets to Murdock, creating a memory that is sure to last a lifetime.

Check out the video of Murdock’s surprise visit from Mahomes below:

Gestures like this tug at the heartstrings of fans across the country, and are a key part of what makes professional sports so special to so many people.

Mahomes and the Chiefs are known for their involvement in the Kansas City community, and this remarkable gift is yet another symbol of their commitment to making the world a better place.

Denver Broncos Foundation awards grants to eight nonprofits with Inspire Change initiative

The Denver Broncos Foundation announced grants to eight nonprofits that will positively impact an estimated 800 justice-involved youth.

The Denver Broncos are stuck in neutral with a 7-7 record with three games left in the 2023 NFL season, but the organization continues to make progress off the field.

The Denver Broncos Foundation recently announced grants to eight nonprofits that will positively impact an estimated 800 justice-involved youth through the team’s Inspire Change outreach this season.

The eight foundations the Broncos will support goes as follows:

1. Cafe Momentum

2. Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC)

3. Mile High United Way’s

4. Seeing Our Adolescents Rise (SOAR)

5. Sims-Fayola Foundation

6. The Urban Farm (TUF)

7. WellPower

8. YouthZone

The Broncos’ intent is to focus on supporting at-risk and justice-involved youth with different services. The services focuses on helping limit the negative impact of the juvenile justice system and its pitfalls.

This year, the Broncos have made an impact off the field, donating $1 million to Cafe Momentum earlier this season and sponsored training for two K9 service dogs. So while Denver has made noise on the field, they are doing the same off the field, too.

Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Broncos CB Pat Surtain named NFLPA Community MVP for Week 14

The Broncos cornerback recently gave two high schools a total of $100,000 to build two state-of-the-art STEAM rooms.

The NFLPA announced Denver Broncos’ Patrick Surtain as the Week 14 Community MVP on Friday.

The Broncos cornerback recently donated a total of $100,000 to two Title 1 schools to build Inspiration STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) rooms through his foundation, the Patrick Surtain II Foundation. According to the foundation’s Facebook page, its purpose is to “level the playing field for students in financially disadvantaged communities.” In October, Surtain held an open forum for schools to pitch how they would incorporate these rooms into their curriculums.

George Washington and Manual High Schools are the two institutions that will benefit from these new rooms, which, according to the NFLPA, will feature wall graphics, robotics, music recording equipment, coding software and other equipment to help promote the best STEAM-learning experience.

The weekly award comes on the heels of Denver left tackle Garett Bolles receiving the team’s nomination for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. The Broncos continue to be a powerful force for good in the Colorado community at large.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=482983128]

Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Broncos sponsor training for two ‘K9s for Warriors’ service dogs

The Broncos will sponsor the training of Bucky and Thunder, K9s For Warriors service dogs who will be paired with a veteran in need.

The Denver Broncos will sponsor the training of two service dogs in partnership with the K9s For Warriors organization. Spearheaded by Broncos owner Carrie Walton Penner and head coach Sean Payton, the sponsorship of the two dogs will help retired military veterans. The sponsored dogs are two 11-month-old black Labrador brothers named Bucky and Thunder.

Allie Engelken, the Broncos Vice President of Community Impact, stated how exciting this partnership will be.

“Through the leadership and support of Owner and Foundation Board Chair Carrie Walton Penner and Head Coach Sean Payton, we are excited to sponsor the training of Bucky and Thunder,” Engelken said in a press release.

“Affectionately named after two iconic Denver mascots, we are excited to see them grow into passionate and hard-working service dogs that will create a lasting impact on a Colorado veteran’s life.”

K9s For Warriors is a nonprofit organization that is committed to helping end veteran suicide while providing highly trained service dogs to military veterans who have PTSD and traumatic brain injury. Congrats to the Broncos for landing this partnership.

Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=482983128]