Chicalorado

I awoke on New Years Day as I imagine most people did-slowly. I resisted the urge to open my eyes for as long as a possibly could, before staggering out of my room and into the main area of the cabin we were renting. And that’s when I heard the news. I didn’t know Darrent Williams. I only knew of him, and to be quite frank, didn’t know much about him until the unfortunate events that took place right after the first of the year. I knew he was a great young cornerback on the Broncos that teamed up with Champ to make a dominating secondary. And now, after reading all the articles that have been written about him, I wish I had known about him as a person before his life was unexpectedley taken from him.

Darrent did everything you were supposed to do that night. He went out in a group instead of alone. He was driven around in a limo so he didn’t drink and drive. He left the nightclub at the first sign of trouble. These were all very smart actions on his part. I cannot imagine the confusion and terror that swept through that limo as Darrent took a bullet in the neck. Reportedly, star wide receiver Javon Walker was also in the limo and held Williams as he passed. Javon is going to need a lot of support in the up and coming weeks, months and years.

What possessed the people in the white Tahoe to open fire on Williams’ limo? We may never know. The police are still investigating motives and searching for the killers. When we finally catch those responsible, one of my co-workers had a great idea; stand the killers in the middle of Invesco Field at Mile High with a stadium full of Bronco maniacs. The terror might equal what these despicable men forced into that limo that night.

To me, I think the most awful part about this whole situation is that Williams was only 24 years old, same as me. In fact, I’m four months older. Darrent had his entire life and career in front of him, and it looked incredibly promising. And in only a few short moments, his life was over. It doesn’t take a master author to write down, “Life is short,” because it goes without saying. So I won’t say it. Better advice would be for everyone to take care of each other and stop this senseless violence, be it provoked or not. Nobody wins when an outstanding young man like Darrent dies.

Just a few hours earlier, the Broncos had lost a game and been eliminated from the playoffs. Who would’ve known that in less than a day, they’d lose so much more.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought we’d look at what NFL teams are thankful for this year (other than the billions of dollars the NFL will collectively earn this year). The Colts have a lot to be thankful for, while the Raiders have, well, next year. Along those lines, we’ll start off with the AFC.   

Bills-They don’t have to worry about losing in the Super Bowl this year. And the A-Train already has double the rushing TDs as McGahee in half the carries.
Dolphins-The fact that victory is technically possible even after rushing for negative yardage. And Jason Taylor.
Patriots-Tom Brady.
Jets-Chad Pennington’s arm hasn’t fallen off yet. Those two offensive line picks in the draft didn’t hurt either.
Ravens-Steve McNair’s been healthy and Cincy and Pittsburgh keep tripping on their own two feet.
Bengals-The offense has awoken from it’s coma. Probably had something to do with Chad’s mohawk.
Browns-They can’t move the team away again. Can they? At least the Buckeyes are good.
Steelers-Last year.
Texans-Besides surpassing last year’s win total, the emergence of David Carr and Andre Johnson has been uplifting.
Colts-Peyton Manning.
Jaguars-Maurice Jones-Drew looks like a fine replacement for old man Taylor whenever he hangs them up. Also, Garrard has looked impressive filling in for Leftwich.
Titans-Despite completing less than 50% of his passes, Vince Young has still scored a total of 9 TDs.
Broncos-Champ Bailey and a solid D carrying an unimpressive offense. And that the Jake Plummer era may be approaching it’s end.
Chiefs-Larry Johnson. And Damon Huard for keeping the ship upright. But mostly Larry Johnson.
Raiders-They won two more games than anybody thought they’d win.
Chargers-The NFL Draft:1. LaDainian slipped to the 5th pick in 2001 NFL Draft 2. The Giants traded Phillip Rivers, Shawne Merriman and Nate Kaeding for Eli Manning. But mostly for L.T.