After ten seasons in the NFL, former Denver Broncos DE and SB 50 champion Derek Wolfe has decided to call it a career and retire from football.
When fans of the Denver Broncos recall memories from the Broncos’ run to Super Bowl 50 and the victory itself, one player they are likely to fondly recall is defensive end Derek Wolfe.
After being drafted in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Derek Wolfe spent eight of his 10 seasons in the NFL with the Broncos. The Broncos would make the postseason four of those eight seasons, and Wolfe played a big role in that.
https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1553047521777393664
Wolfe had the opportunity to play in two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos, but the 2013 season was a tough one for the defensive end, as he suffered a spinal cord injury in the preseason which led to numerous complications throughout the regular season, including suffering a seizure en route to a late November game against the Chiefs which ultimately ended his season, making him one of numerous defenders to miss Super Bowl 48.
Ultimately, the 2015 season would go down as one of Wolfe’s best of his career, and it capped off perfectly, making him a Super Bowl champion, along with being a vital part of a defensive unit that has since been categorized as one of the best Super Bowl defenses of all time.
Wolfe would sign a four-year extension with the Broncos in 2016, but would ultimately be let go by the team in 2020 and sign a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens.
His performance in 2020 earned him a three-year extension, but after suffering a hip injury in October 2021, Wolfe would not play again and reached an injury settlement in June 2022.
This morning, the Denver Broncos announced that they signed Derek Wolfe to a one-day contract, upon his retirement, allowing him to finish his career in the NFL back where it started (per Cody Roark).
Though Wolfe’s career certainly ended on a disappointing note, it is difficult to negate what Wolfe was able to accomplish in his decade run in professional football.
Wolfe finishes his career with 34 sacks and 350 total tackles, but what Wolfe brought to the Bronco’s defense in terms of attitude and leadership was arguably his most valuable asset.
Wolfe played a large role in providing Von Miller opportunities for his phenomenal 2015 playoff success, which perhaps has never been talked about enough.
Wolfe and his defensive co-stars were a brotherhood, and we watched Derek Wolfe put his body on the line and play through pain many times.
As Tom Brady can attest, Wolfe played with a mean streak. Along with guys like T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart, the Broncos certainly boasted one of the meanest defensive units in football.
Wolfe’s tenacity was unmatched, even in his pregame howl as he was announced during starting lineups, which is famous among Broncos Country to this day.
As Derek Wolfe steps into the next phase of his life after making a difficult decision to step away from his career, it is nothing but love for this former great, now forever a Bronco.
5 Denver Broncos players showing breakout signs early at training camp
The Denver Broncos just started training camp, but some young players are showing signs of breaking out very early on. Who is standing out?
Happy retirement to Derek Wolfe, and a million thank yous for the amazing memories he brought to all of us.