Every summer, the Denver Broncos and players like Mark Dell treat fans to an up close expericence at training camp (Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE).

Start gathering your excuses now!  The Denver Broncos plan to open training camp on July 26^th at their headquarters in Dove Valley.  Take a leave day, take a sick day, make something up, or my recommendation: take a mental health day – it’s airtight (how many bosses are really going to pry into this?), it saves you from making your bumbling, nervous summary of made-up symptoms that will just end up sounding like you’re trying not to use the word “hung-over,” and it is 100% true!

The Broncos opening up their training camp to the public is truly a fabulous fan experience.  It’s free of admission, there are sessions nearly every day, and dare I even say it?  It’s plain old good for your psyche and here’s why:

• You get to spend more time with your family and friends (good for your mental health).  Broncos fans of all ages are able to take pictures, get autographs, and most importantly, get their first look at their Broncos since January.
• It’s hot.  And it’s sunny.  And you’re not in your office.  Plus, Vitamin D helps your immune system (fewer sick days when you’re not actually sick) and fights off depression (mental health day, see?).
• You’ll get to see the team prepare for the season, which will make you a better student of the game, which will make people really impressed with your superior knowledge, which will lead to promotions and the long-term success of your company.  Results may vary on this one.  But if you spend any amount of time watching the game on Sundays or any bit of energy reading about your favorite team (which I know you are), then you’ll benefit from seeing the game in the context of training camp.  You’ll see players fighting for roster spots, veterans trying to make comebacks, and perhaps even the start of something special with Peyton Manning at quarterback.

The official schedule hasn’t been announced for public sessions, but they are generally around 2 hours each and the team does a good job of mixing morning, afternoon, and evening sessions if your boss doesn’t buy my suggestions.  Check back to PredominantlyOrange.com for the schedule is announced.

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Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has been a good luck charm of sorts for his college backup, Todd Helton (Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE).

Peyton Manning is figuring out what Coloradans have known for 17 years: when it comes to summer recreation in the Mile High City, you’re hard pressed to find a better venue than Coors Field.  Whether it’s the modern-classic ballpark atmosphere, the simply perfect weather, or the LoDo Magic, Manning knows where to be found on a summer day in Denver.

Manning’s presence is certainly paying dividends for his college buddy Todd Helton.  Helton had an RBI single in Sunday’s game that put the Colorado Rockies up 2-0 over the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team with the best record in baseball.  The Rockies would go on to win 3-2 to wrap up a 6-1 homestand and revive a season left for dead.

The last time Manning was spotted in the crowd, Helton entered the game against the New York Mets with the bases loaded and two out against lefty specialist Tim Byrdak.  The results were vintage Helton, and something fans of the Rockies (and last year, the Denver Broncos) are used to.  An eight inning, pinch hit, grand slam that knotted the game at 4.

Two games, 2 hits, 5 RBI, and 3 walks for Helton when Manning is in attendance.  Not a terrible show to witness.

Perhaps you’re a baseball and football fan who gets to enjoy the nuances of each game virtually year round, or maybe you’re a Broncos fan who simply has to endure baseball to get your sports fix until the headlining  Broncos begin play in September.  Regardless of your loyalty to the black and purple, Rockies baseball remains on the short list of ways to stay busy during the Broncos’ offseason, just like Peyton Manning.

If you are simply looking for reasons to bridge the gap between the Super Bowl and the season kickoff, here are a couple to consider:

• 14ers: The quintessential Colorado experience.  Person favorites are Mount Yale and Huron Peak.
• Becoming a Vesuvius kind of Jets fan: You know, the volcano lies mostly dormant but when it erupts it’s a global catastrophe?  Okay, so maybe this is a bit of a stretch.  But don’t tell me you’re not still a little obsessed with Number 15 and will probably be rooting for his Jets just a little when CBS cuts away from another Denver Broncos blowout.
• Training Camp: Is there are better way to play hookey on an August day than to go to one of the better fan experiences in all of sports?  Seriously.  Go!  Autographs, photographs, and seeing the 2012 Denver Broncos prepare for another season.
• Preseason game on August 9 at Chicago Bears: Three reasons to watch this one are Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, and, oh yeah, the first football of any kind in eight months.
• Preseason game on August 18 vs. Seattle Seahawks: Sure it’s preseason, but it’s football in the summer!  Yes, football weather is a driving snow, but you can’t tell me you don’t enjoy it in your flip-flops as well.
• Preseason game on August 26 vs. San Francisco 49ers: See above
  
• Preseason game on August 30 at Arizona Cardinals: The Broncos have played the Arizona Cardinals so many time during the preseason, the game really needs its own name.  Perhaps “The Second-Team Hasn’t Even Been In Since The First Quarter But It’s Football And I Can’t Stop Watching Bowl?”  That’s a tough one to market.
• Seeing a young receiving corps grow up: The Broncos have a group of young receivers, specifically Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, who will be fun to watch under the leadership of Manning.
• Seeing a young offensive line grow up: This group started 16 consecutive game together during the regular season and spearheaded the Broncos to one of the most potent running attacks in the league.  They’re a year more seasoned, and their current quarterback has the release time equivalent to a lightning strike.
  
• Knowing that Merril Hoge’s sage opinion won’t be directed at your guy: Enough said.
• Your fantasy football draft: Fantasy football is best during your league’s draft.  You actually feel like you’re using your genetic General Manager skills, you aren’t fully relying on luck at this point, and you still have your 50 dolla-…er…I mean…pride.  You still have your pride.
  
• The Arrival of Autumn beers: Hoptober, Tumbler, Samuel Adams Octoberfest, and pretty much anything infused with pumpkin.
• Training for Fall marathons: If you’re into that sort of thing.
  
• The obligatory Matt Prater 70-yard field goal attempt:  During the preseason games, the air cools after sundown and causes the ball to carry exceptionally well.  Oh, that and the altitude.  Prater will probably one day get called on to try to break the NFL record of 63-yards in a regular season game, but in the mean time he’ll be tasked with trying to boom one during the preseason.  Perhaps for no other reason than fan excitement.
  
• Orange!: Orange is back!  Orange is back!  It just feels right.
• So You Think You Can Dance: Full disclosure – I can’t stop watching this show.  It isn’t even because my wife makes me watch it.  This is all on me.
• September 9: The Pittsburgh Steelers have been looking forward to this match up for months.  And so have we.  It’ll be here sooner than you think!

Remember, the arrival of June means that football activities ramp up next month.  Continue repeating it to yourself as much as necessary.

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A new NFL year is already upon us. (Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE)

The Super Bowl may be over, but the NFL will still be a buzz this off season. We don’t have to worry about the lockout or who the Denver Broncos starting quarterback will be. That means it’s business as usual for the Broncos. Let’s take a look at the off season schedule.

February 20: Franchise Tag can be applied.

NFL teams will be able to apply the franchise tag to any big name free agents that they want to secure for next season. Don’t expect tags to be slapped on players right on the 20th, however. The players and teams are going to negotiate a long term deal for as long as they can before the new league year begins.

February 22-28: NFL Combine

The combine is just the appetizer to the NFL draft. The NFL Network and NFL.com will cover the workouts live and analyze numbers to no end. This is where we will likely see some dramatic shifts in the expected draft order. A poor performance in the 40-yard dash or a failed drug test can knock players down the draft board. Numbers don’t tell the whole story, but they are a helpful indicator.

March 5: Deadline to apply Franchise Tag

If the stars aren’t signed by March 5th, teams can slap the tag on them to ensure that the player doesn’t leave in free agency.

March 13: Free agency begins at 4 PM

The beginning of free agency marks an exciting time. The Broncos may bring a backup quarterback in since Brady Quinn is likely leaving Denver. They may also look for a running back to compliment Willis McGahee.

While the Broncos want to build through the draft, they pick up experience in free agency.

March 25-28: NFL owners meetings

The NFL owners get together in Florida to sip on sugary cocktails with umbrellas and talk about how much money they have. Will they pour one out for their late homie, Al Davis?
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