Denver Broncos Host Military Members For USAA Boot Camp

On Monday, the Denver Broncos, USAA, and the NFL teamed up to host 50 active-duty military members for a unique, NFL “Boot Camp” experience.

Monday morning, before the Denver Broncos held their fifth training camp practice of the year, they hosted 50 active-duty military members for an NFL “Boot Camp” experience. This event was put on by USAA in collaboration with the NFL as part of Military Appreciation.

These military members took part in numerous drills that NFL players are put through. These drills included the 40-yard dash, vertical leap, pass and catch, 4-cone drill, and the vaunted “gauntlet” drill. Additionally, these folks got a VIP seating experience to view practice after the boot camp concluded.

I was on the scene to witness the event. It was quite the experience for these heroes in the Denver community.

This event took place inside the fieldhouse at UC Health Training Center prior to practice Monday. There were numerous members on the Denver Broncos staff, as well as members of USAA to help show these military members the ropes. We also saw a very familiar face pop in to grace the troops with his presence in all-time Broncos great, safety Steve Atwater.

I asked USAA Vice President, and General Manager of the Colorado Springs Campus, Kent Fortune what it was like to put on an event like this;

“It is awesome.  It’s an amazing thing that our company does. It is really about recognizing the men and women that serve our country.”

The Broncos and the NFL are very well known for working actively to support the fine folks in all branches of the miliary. They risk their lives so that we can enjoy the every day freedoms that we have. Kent Fortune has been with USAA for 28 years and they have been hosting this event with the Broncos since 2012. When I asked him how he would do in these drills, he was honest;

“Not as good as them,”  Kent said jokingly.

“It reminds you that you have to be in great shape to play in the NFL, but also reminds you that you have to be in really good shape to be in the military. We ask a lot of our men and women and I think they are actually knocking it out of the park today,” he added.

I also had a chance to catch up with one of two Marines that took place in the event. Ty Lampe has served in the Marines for the past 14 years.

“This has been an awesome time so far, seeing everybody trying to do these events that you see at the NFL Combine and stuff,” Lampe said.

More from Predominantly Orange

• Broncos chances of landing Sean Payton dwindling, but not gone
• Denver Broncos dream coaching staff for DeMeco Ryans
• Denver Broncos: “Sleeper” David Shaw checks every box
• The Broncos’ coaching search likely has not gone to plan
• Special Chiefs Suck Offer: Bet $5, Win $150 if Joe Burrow Passes for ONE YARD vs KC

I asked him how he did. Despite doing very well, he doesn’t think that the NFL teams will be calling him any time soon;

“We’re doing alright.  We are definitely not getting recruited,” he joked.

He also thought that there was one drill they did that was similar to what they do in the military. I asked him which drill was his favorite, and it was no surprise the answer;

“I’d say the gauntlet. It’s just an all-around challenge. It’s a lot like the Marine Corps CFT that is just an all around events that test your entire body.”

All around this was a very fun event for myself and all of the military members who got to attend. Some of these folks were no slouches as there were 40-yard dash times as quick as a 4.80. There is no doubt that the NFL and the Denver Broncos do a great job in the community to support the troops. They make them feel welcome around the complex. Of course the VIP treatment they got at practice was also a great experience for the troops as well.

I’d like to give a big thanks to USAA, the NFL, and the Denver Broncos for inviting me to cover this event. It was a great time and certainly won’t be the last time this year that the Broncos host members of our military to take part and be around the team.