Interview With New Broncos TE Joe Don Duncan
Dec 14, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak congratulates tight end Owen Daniels (81) after his touchdown catch against the Jacksonville Jaguars at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
So what about the whirlwind of tight end signings on the opening day of NFL free agency? Obviously, the Broncos saw the tight end market heating up and they acted quickly, getting Virgil Green and Owen Daniels locked in. I wondered if Duncan had any idea the Broncos were making the move to bring in Daniels, whom Duncan describes as Kubiak’s ‘guy’.
“I heard speculation about Owen Daniels coming in which doesn’t surprise me. He’s coach Kubiak’s guy, and he’s been in coach Kubiak’s hip pocket since he’s been in the league and he’s been very successful in Kubiak’s offense. I’ve always been a fan of Owen Daniels because he’s not your typical 6’6″, 6’7″ guy that’s running downfield. He’s 6’3″, 6’4″ tops and is a hard, blue-collar worker who does his job and is very successful.
I like to think my game is pretty similar to his so I think it could be a lot of fun playing behind a veteran and learning what it takes to be successful. He’s been in the league for ten years, and if you’re doing it that long you’re doing something right.
It’s going to be a good experience for me just picking his brain and seeing what he does day in and day out and molding that into my daily routine.”
This offseason is going to be critical for Duncan, and it starts in the coming weeks as he moves to Denver, gets acclimated to the difference in elevation, and gets to know his new teammates in Denver.
I had to ask, because I know this is so important, but has Duncan heard of the Duke workouts with Peyton Manning, and is he getting in on some of that action?
“I haven’t talked to the coaches about that yet. I know he’s got Owen Daniels going out and I was trying to get ahold of the RBs and TEs coach. I’m planning on going out to Denver a week early just to get acclimated to the elevation.
If I get a chance to go to Duke, I’ll be there in a heartbeat. I’ll probably find that out in the next couple of days.”
From what I’ve seen and heard, it’s tough not to get excited for Duncan, especially hearing the kind of passion he has for the game of football. This will certainly be a player to watch as the Broncos progress through offseason workouts.