It might seem like a miracle to some, but tight end Jake Butt made the Denver Broncos final roster.
In some ways, the famous quote, “The impossible has happened,” by Vin Scully applies to Jake Butt and the Denver Broncos in 2020.
The phraseology of this is due to those who doubt Butt’s talent enough for him to stay on the roster. However, his inability to make an impact in the NFL has been simply due to the injury bug.
Even though Butt has not played in many games, the impact of his presence helps the quarterback. In his limited game action, Butt proved to be a reliable guy very early on with Case Keenum in 2018. In fact, you can make an argument Keenum might have played better if Butt was present that entire season.
Battling adversity is something we all face. It is not just football or sports in general. Therefore seeing someone show no quit and tremendous fight to still be a valuable contributor on a football team says a lot about Butt’s talent, but more importantly his character.
Hearing TE Jake Butt is gonna make the 53. His teammates love him. Drew Lock said there’s nobody in the locker room the team is pulling for harder than Jake. It’s a testament to his resilience and hard work. Can’t wait to see him get in the end zone a few times! @KOAColorado
— Brandon Krisztal (@BKDenverSports) September 5, 2020
One of the things he said himself a month ago was that he could have quit, but due to advice from other players and his support group, Butt maintained a level head to push forward to the finish line. In fact, mental toughness should never be in question for him. The reason to keep a player on your roster like Butt is that Butt is plenty talented to be the number two tight end this year.
It will certainly be a crowded tight end room for the Broncos, but one that will be the deepest it has ever been. Noah Fant is the potential superstar of this group who fits the mold of great tight ends in this league. Albert Okwuegbunam is a receiver threat who works comfortably as an option in the passing game.
Of course, a previous relationship with quarterback Drew Lock helps.
Nick Vannett who hails from Ohio State replaces Jeff Heuerman’s spot on the roster and will be used as blocking tight end.
Then there is Andrew Beck who had a whirlwind off-season and camp. From the COVID list to injuries, Beck has dealt a bad hand but since the Broncos need a FB, it makes some sense to keep Beck on the final roster.
All in all, Butt making the team might be a surprise bringing it back to the Vin Scully line because everyone brings up his injury history and lacks the faith in him staying healthy going forward.
Butt making the roster is one of the most impressive stories of the 2020 NFL season. Is that a possible stretch? Maybe, but it is heartwarming to see Butt make the final roster and keep living the dream.