Broncos, Lions share many connections

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno were Bulldog teammates at the University of Georgia before entering the NFL.

 Long time no see, Buddy.

When the Detroit Lions take on the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High this weekend, it will be a reunion of such for many players.

Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas played with Detroit’s Calvin Johnson at Georgia Tech; the two are still good friends to this day.  Thomas noted that he and Johnson had talked as recently as last night.

Denver running back Knowshon Moreno and Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford were Georgia’s top recruits in 2006 and played together for three seasons before both entering the NFL Draft in 2009.

Lions cornerback Alphonso Smith and tight end Tony Scheffler once played for the Broncos, before being traded in the 2009 and 2010 respective seasons.  About twenty players remain on the Broncos roster from the 2009 team that Smith and Scheffler played on during their time in Denver.

Broncos defensive end Jason Hunter played in Detroit for one season (2009) and Broncos cornerback Andre’ Goodman was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft.  Goodman played for Detroit from 2002-2005 before joining the Miami Dolphins in Miami for three more seasons.  Since joining the Broncos in 2009, Goodman has started in 30 games and recorded five interceptions, one sack, and defended 26 passes.

Hunter spent time in Green Bay with Lions defensive tackle Corey Williams.  In all, over twenty Broncos players crossed paths with Lions players either at the collegiate or professional level.

Kickoff is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. (MT) on Sunday afternoon.  The game will be broadcast on Fox.