Rod Smith has already spent 13 years contributing to the Denver Broncos on the field. After a year on the sideline in 2007, it appears he’ll continue his contributions off it.

During this afternoon’s emotional press conference, Smith told reporters he would always remain a Bronco.

“I’m always going to be in Denver. I’ve rooted myself in this city for a reason. I never wanted to and I never got the opportunity to go anywhere else.”

Owner Pat Bowlen and Head Coach Mike Shanahan both voiced their desires to keep Rod on the team as a coach or in similar fashion. Bowlen:

“Obviously the greatest wide receiver to ever play for the Denver Broncos…. I hope there’s a way that we can keep you involved in this organization.”

Shanahan went so far as to say Smith has a job with the Denver Broncos for life, if he wants it. From the new official team blog:

“I’m just so proud to have a guy like this that I hope is with this organization for a long time…. You’ve always got a job here,” Shanahan said.

“YES,” said Rod, with a fist pump.

“We’ll have to talk about salary,” Shanahan joked and the crowd laughed.

Smith spent 14 years with the Broncos and retires with every meaningful wide receivers team record possible. A true living legend, Smith has become a fan favorite through his hard work, dedication, and unparalleled kindness to Broncos fans.

Naturally, I couldn’t be more thrilled that the Broncos will keep Smith on the team in some fashion. Thanks for everything, #80!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the live blog. You can still leave your thoughts via the comments below. As soon as video of the presser is available, we’ll be sure to post.

Programming Note:  Today’s Training Camp Preview has been delayed to focus on the news surrounding Training Camp and Rod Smith‘s retirement press conference.  Sorry for the inconvenience, but we’ll have more on Smith throughout the today.

• The Rocky posts its pre-training camp extravaganza.  Here’s the overview.  [Rocky Mountain News]
• And here’s the position-by-position breakdowns.  [RMN]
• John Elway believes Jay Cutler will be better in his third year.  [Denver Post]
• It seems the Broncos delayed Friday’s practices to get the check-ins and physicals done on Friday instead of Thursday.  [ESPN]
• Is Rod Smith a Hall of Famer?  [Denver Post]
• Still going 13-3.  [Broncos Denver Broncos]
• The Broncos Trivia segment gets an update with a few Super Bowl quizzes.  [RMN]
• One can only pray this hilarious Drew Litton animation doesn’t come to fruition.  [RMN]
• Elway’s new knee has improved his life, and his golf game.  [Denver Post]
• Smith isn’t the only one retiring.  Former Bronco Ian Gold is hanging them up, as well.  [PFT]
• AFC West: The Chiefs still have their 2 first round picks to sign, and Charger pick Antoine Cason remains a no-show after San Diego’s “final offer.”  [ESPN]
• OAK: The Raiders show more incompetence, this time involving RB Lamont Jordan.  [ESPN]
• Finally, this is why you need to visit BroncoTalk often during the offseason (courtesy RMN):

What many thought would be the ‘next step’ in Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall‘s suspension situation appears to have already taken place.  Marshall, chaperoned by teammate Rod Smith and his lawyer Harvey Steinberg, flew to New York to meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last Friday, the Denver Post reports.

A decision has not yet been made, but it is speculated that the Commish will make a ruling on the matter some time next week.  Marshall faces a possible suspension for an unknown number of games for violating the league’s Personal Conduct Policy.

The difficulty comes in determining when and where Marshall wronged – he’s never been convicted of any crime, and the vast majority of his incidents involve the stormy relationship between he and his ex-girlfriend.  Just taking a closer look at his rap sheet hammers this point home – almost the entire thing is made up of domestic dispute after domestic dispute.  That’s why it had previously been reported that Goodell would wait for Marshall’s DUI trial to make a decision – after postponement after postponement, it appears that is no longer the case.

Even with Rod Smith in his corner, Marshall hardly has a leg to stand on based on the quantity of incidents alone.  I don’t want to see Marshall suspended, as he’s the biggest playmaker in our offense, and a future star in this league.  But I want these charades to stop.  I’m guessing Goodell and his mighty sword will drop a 2-game suspension on him.

Quoting the most meaningful portions of the many tributes Rod Smith has received from the mainstream media and blogosphere in the past 24 hours, stemming from the news that he will announce his official retirement today…

Denver Post –

“Smith, who’ll make his retirement official this afternoon during a Dove Valley news conference, caught more passes for more yards and more touchdowns than any receiver in Broncos history. But he never danced. Not once. Not ever. It wasn’t him. It wasn’t who he was, how he played, what he stood for.”

Boulder Daily Camera –

“But Smith’s character surpasses even the numbers. Those are the qualities that make him a special man — not just a special player — especially when held up against the blockheads that seem to be so prevalent in today’s world of professional sports.”

Broncos Denver Broncos –

“The man was a throw back, he was Lynn Swann, Steve Largent, he was Jerry Rice to the fans of a new Bronco generation. He was my Paul Warfield– a warrior poet, a leader who took the reigns when John Elway retired and posted his best numbers despite not having a consistent quarterback. Brian Griese can thank Rod Smith for his career, as can most of the 96-98 Broncos for their Super Bowl rings.”

Click here to read the rest of this entry »

The Denver Broncos and 2008 2nd round draft pick WR Eddie Royal agreed to a four-year deal late Wednesday, leaving only first round pick OT Ryan Clady unsigned among the team’s rookies.  The Denver Post reports that the deal is worth $3.9 million, with $2.25 million in guarantees.

Royal will primarily contribute to Special Teams in year one, particularly as the team’s punt and kickoff returner.  The door is also open for Royal to earn snaps as the #2 wide receiver, a possibility that can only be strengthened if the coaches continue to be impressed with his practices.

In addition to the new contract, Royal’s number was changed from #3 (against NFL policy for wide receivers) to #19.

The Post also reports that negotiations between Clady and the Broncos are ongoing, and that the two are very close to reaching an agreement.  Originally set to report to camp today, the Broncos will now report to camp Friday morning and hold their first practice of training camp at 11:15 am instead of 8:30.

Just one more left to sign, then it’s nothing but football for five months.  You all ready to dive in head first with me?

For the latest Denver Broncos Training Camp news and notes, check out our home page,  updated multiple times daily!

The 2008 Denver Broncos report for training camp this Thursday, July 24, with practices beginning at 8:30 11:15 AM on Friday. On offense, the Broncos face several questions at different positions: Who will play wide receiver as the team’s No. 2 opposite Brandon Marshall? Will Selvin Young keep his starting running back job? Who will be the team’s starting right tackle and fullback? We break it all down for you today.

• Sunday – Overview
• Monday – Rookies
• Tuesday – Special Teams
• Wednesday – Offense
• Thursday – Defense

Wide Receiver

The Broncos have yet to find a solid one-two punch at wide receiver since Ed McCaffrey retired in 2004. Brandon Marshall is the obvious #1, a centerpiece of our offense, and, if he can stay healthy and out of trouble, a future star in this league. No one is certain who will be playing opposite him though, and the Broncos have no less than four guys who are in the mix.

Keary Colbert joined the Broncos through free agency in this year, and the early plan was that he’d fill the Broncos need at #2. Since then the Broncos brought in two other free agents and a 2nd round draft choice to compete, but Colbert is the only one who has both NFL experience and a long term commitment from the Broncos going for him. Since his rookie season, Colbert has been less than impressive. Last year, he bounced back a bit, gaining his best totals since his rookie campaign with 332 receiving yards, but that still won’t be enough for what the Broncos are hoping will come out of the #2 spot. The Broncos want him to win the job, but Colbert still has to put in a lot of work to earn it.

Click here to read the rest of this entry »

Back in February, the Denver Broncos and wide receiver Rod Smith agreed to place the aging veteran on the Reserve/Retired list. Smith believed he could return to play again in the NFL, but didn’t want to get released by the Broncos either. The Broncos even offered Smith a coaching job, which he politely declined, further indicating his desire to return to the field.

The latest from ESPN is that Smith and his agent have called a news conference Thursday. Sources indicate that Smith will announce his official retirement, although teams spokesman Jim Saccomano said he was unaware of any news conference.

Smith’s agent declined to comment.

We’ll have more on this tomorrow. Thanks for everything Rod, you rank among the Top Broncos of all time.

• Friday’s training camp opener had its schedule changed to 11:15 am and 4:05 pm respectively.  The gates are open an hour before each.  Feel free to explain to the throng of fans waiting at the gates at 7:30 am Friday.  [Rocky Mountain News]
• Jack Williams has no intentions of waiting until next year to contribute.  [Denver Post]
• Passing game coordinator Jeremy Bates talks at length about his new job as an Assistant Coach.  [Rocky Mountain News]
• Sporting News ranks the NFL’s top 25 DBs (both CB and S).  Champ Bailey ranks #1, and Dre Bly lands at #15.  [The Sporting News]
• Ryan Torain could be a shocker among rookie running backs in 08.  [USA Today]
• Power Rankings: Denver sits at 18.  [Fox Sports]
• Bill Williamson says elder Bailey is Mr. Indispensable.  [ESPN]
• MLB: Ubaldo Jiminez pitches one hell of a game; Rockies 10, Dodgers 1.  [Yahoo! Sports]

For the latest Denver Broncos Training Camp news and notes, check out our home page,  updated multiple times daily!

The 2008 Denver Broncos report for training camp this Thursday, July 24, with practices beginning at 8:30 11:15 AM on Friday. The first special teams practice will be Saturday afternoon at 3:40 PM, and the Broncos have a lot of questions to answer on a unit that looks remarkably different from last year’s squad. The Broncos will have a new kicker, a new punter, likely all new returners, and a host of incoming rookies to help out on special teams coverage.

• Sunday – Overview
• Monday – Rookies
• Tuesday – Special Teams
• Wednesday – Offense
• Thursday – Defense

Kicker – Matt Prater
The release of undrafted rookie K Garrett Hartley yesterday leaves Matt Prater as the club’s only player at the position. Can he hold the fort, or will the Broncos bring in a veteran to compete for the job? At this point, I think it all depends on how Prater does in practice. At the first signs of struggle, I imagine the Broncos will jump at one of the veteran kickers on the market. They had previously hosted Mr. Idiot-Kicker himself Mike Vanderjagt for a workout, who has since signed a contract with the CFL. The Denver Post threw out the names John Carney and Dave Rayner as possible options.
Prediction: That’s not the strongest of markets. Prater wins the job, which honestly has me shaking in my boots a bit.

Click here to read the rest of this entry »