Denver Broncos: Phillip Lindsay, Kyle Freeland share local connection

The Denver Broncos have a gem in local Denver product Phillip Lindsay, who shares ties with Colorado Rockies pitcher Kyle Freeland.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that the best athletes in the world had favorite players growing up in their favorite sports just like every other sports fan. Growing up in Colorado, athletes had plenty to look up to. This is what makes players like Denver Broncos rookie Phillip Lindsay easy to cheer for.

The in-state community always wants to see their “favorite sons” achieve great things.

What is crazy is this is not just happening with Lindsay and the Broncos. The Colorado Rockies are seeing a product from Thomas Jefferson High School (in Denver) that they drafted in the first round perform as one the best pitchers since entering Major League Baseball.

Kyle Freeland, a childhood Rockies fan, even has a tattoo on his arm saying, “My city told me it needed me, so I’m grindin’ for that.” Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay does not have a tattoo like that (at least not that we know of), but he is embraced by the Colorado sports faithful.

Freeland finished seventh in National League rookie of the year voting in 2017, and is 14-7 in 29 starts so far in 2018 with a stellar 2.91 earned run average. He’s helping potentially lead the Colorado Rockies to a division title for the first time ever.

Like Freeland, Lindsay went to local high school in Colorado — Denver South to be exact. It was there Lindsay provided college teams with the first look at his versatility. Lindsay stayed local after high school attending the University of Colorado. While with the Buffaloes, he became one of the all-time favorites and one of the most productive in school history.

He was the heart and hustle of the football team. It even translated to the field.

Once his time ended with the Buffaloes it left a lasting impact. Fast forward to the NFL Draft and NFL Combine, where teams passed on seeing Lindsay’s skill set. This allowed him to choose his destination as an undrafted free agent.

Once the 2018 NFL Draft came to a close, the Broncos were making plans to contact Lindsay to see about his interest in joining the team. He obviously didn’t hesitate accepting an UDFA deal to be with his favorite team as a child.

As a member of the Denver Broncos, Lindsay is impressing the coaches every single day. It’s been rumored the team is throwing everything at him, but he keeps answering every test. The mark of a tremendous football player is overcoming every obstacle. This is nothing new to Lindsay. Lindsay has been victorious over all his doubters since high school.

When the Broncos cut their roster down to 53 players, there was never a doubt he’d make the team. The question was which number Lindsay would change to.

In a search of a new number, Lindsay reached out to a Hall of Famer. Of course, Broncos legend Terrell Davis said yes. It’s surreal witnessing Lindsay don a legendary team number. At this particular time, there’s one person that deserves to wear it and it’s Lindsay.

Lindsay had a great quote found in an ESPN article a few weeks ago.

"“Before high school, I just focused on high school; in college, I focused on college; and now I’m here and I just want to make the most of it all. I’m trying to get a job, just like everybody. Just trying to do the right things and get a job. It’s just humbling to be a part of it.”Phillip Lindsay (via ESPN)"

Lindsay is not just wearing Terrell Davis’ number 30 jersey. He carries the love of every fan along with it.

Both Freeland and Lindsay were given an opportunity of a lifetime to play in front of thousands of hometown fans who have seen them grow up. Freeland has a few seasons under his belt. Lindsay is entering his first, but both are embracing this chance and doing quite well.