Managing Editor, DenverBroncos.com
To recognize the reach of Black people in American sports today during Black History Month, USA TODAY’s Sports, Race and Inequality Editor Mike Freeman and USA TODAY Sports staff members created the inaugural “50 Most Influential Black People in Sports” list with the help of journalists and historians.
“Of course, influence goes beyond sports or solely what happens on the field,” they wrote. “It can be money and power, or social media presence, or bravery, or fame, or being a singular example in a sport or position where there are few people who look like them. Or, it is all of those things.”
Broncos Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion China Jude earned distinction as one of those selected, as she was listed at No. 30.
“Jude is the team’s vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion,” USA TODAY Sports wrote. “Positions like hers still remain rare in the NFL. Recently, she held a virtual roundtable with NFL and HBCU cheer coaches and choreographers. The goal is to diversity NFL cheerleading teams.”
Jude’s impact also has included “Critical Conversations,” which has included remote panels with state representative Leslie Herod discussing discrimination in hair style and ESPN’s Tiffany A. Greene speaking about Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
A special shout out 2 @TiffanyAGreene 4 kicking off @Broncos Black History Month's Critical Conversation-Shorts series titled, "The Historical Significance of HBCUs." A @FAMU_1887 alumna, she provided her experiences & how it shaped her personal and professional success. Thx! pic.twitter.com/OCzNu0AWtG
Thx 2 @leslieherod 4 joining @Broncos staff in Black History Month’s Critical Conversations-Shorts:The Crown Act. Dynamic speaker! We learned how 2 support this legislation & people of color who R living thru their hair journey. Thank U being a Champion 4 Change! pic.twitter.com/tXAWtxJwcl
With the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine just a little over a week away, NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks has given us his first position-by-position top-five rankings of draft prospects. As always, the most interest is on the quarterbacks, who are led by Kenny Pickett, Matt Corral, Malik Willis and then Sam Howell, according to Brooks’ ranking.
“The former Pitt standout is the most pro-ready of the prospects due to his experience and expertise running an offense with pro-style concepts,” Brooks wrote. “Willis has boom-or-bust potential with an intriguing set of tools that will have some coaches comparing him to Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson as a possible “one-man show” at the next level. Howell flies a bit under the radar due to a slow start to the 2021 season that overshadowed a solid campaign overall.”
That’s our head coach. 👏
Coach Hackett’s spreading the #RAKWeek 🧡 tonight at the Broncos @BGCMetroDenver Club by making kindness cards with the kids. pic.twitter.com/kyQUz8CVeT
Spending #RandomActsOfKindness Week where it matters most…in #BroncosCountry! 🧡✨#BeAChampion | #DBC2021 pic.twitter.com/gPt0t3Er68
STAR is an exceptional program that accompanies calls with Denver Health paramedics and mental health clinicians with the Mental Health Center of Denver. STAR helps to reduce interactions with police and community when the situation calls for mental health professionals. https://t.co/kEDbwKo1I9
The first Black placekicker in pro football history. 👏#BlackHistoryMonth x Gene Mingopic.twitter.com/G77klPhFSK
Of the 25 players NFL.com’s Nick Shook picked, he identified six as top fits for the Broncos.
“I’m ready to meet the rest of the staff, see how everybody works together and just get this thing started,” Williams said.
“I think it’s [about] everybody feeling the progress, feeling the energy,” Hackett said.
“History’s Greatest of All-Time with Peyton Manning” is an eight-part series that will feature the Hall of Fame quarterback hosting countdown-style rankings.
“Pat was the best by far,” Alabama wideout John Metchie said.
“From Denver’s perspective, this adds a valuable top-100 pick and still keeps it in the discussion for the best edge rushers in the class,” Kiper writes.
“Exactly what we were hoping,” Paton told The Denver Post. “I think some of them can be a little better.”
The Broncos’ rookie class was beaten out by only one other team’s.
“Arguably the funniest, most outsized personality in Broncos history, Sharpe finished his career as the all-time NFL leader among tight ends with 815 catches, 10,060 yards and 62 touchdown[s],” Klis wrote.
“Being a high school coach was probably the best decision I ever made as far as going down to a lower level,” Outten said Tuesday.
Free agency and the new league year is set to begin on less than a month.
Over the next two months, the NFL will begin free agency and teams will begin their offseason workout programs.
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