How should Darrent be remembered by the Broncos?

[cpad007]

I don't know if it is appropriate to retire his number or put him on the ring of fame or something like that but maybe the team can wear #27 on their jerseys next season? Thoughts? Have the Broncos' organization announced anything in Denver? I don't live there anymore so the Mane is my source!

Did Kansas City do anything special when Derrick Thomas died?

[DennisSmithHOF]

I doubt they retire his number, since the number is much more famous in Broncos History for Steve Atwater. I would anticipate them wearing a sticker on the backs of their helmets with DW27 or something like that.

[OrangeShadow]

Im willimg to bet they honor him with stickers on their helemts as well as a patch on the uniform

i think he should get a spot in the ring of fame to.

[GonzoLays]

How does an organization mourn a current player that has just died? I don't know. How do you quantify how much 'mourning' and 'respect' a player receives? Do you go by how good he was? How much he played? How many special plays? How many years he was with the team? This is un-chartered territory.

I do know what they should do: No player should wear 27 again. It doesn't even have to be a formal announcement; just understood by the guys in the lockerroom that the number 27 is off-limits to all newcomers.

Do I expect the organization to retire his number? Nope. Do I expect the organization to put him in the ring of fame? Nope. But I do expect the organization to remember his memory by doing something special that will last; not some sticker on the side of a helmet for one season.

[minibronco]

I'm sure we can do at least helmet stickers.

[orangeatheist]

Win next year's SuperBowl.

This one's for Darrent.

I won't accept anything less.

[sgbfan]

I don't know if it would be a good idea or not, but I had the idea of someone like maybe champ wearing his number for maybe the opener of next season.

[BlaK-Argentina]

Win next year's SuperBowl.

This one's for Darrent.

I won't accept anything less.

Exactly.
And the sticker thing is a must, IMO.

I was also thinking last night that it would be great if Champ would wear his jersey next year. I think that'd be a nice way to honor D-Will. No one better to do that than Champ.

I bet D-Will would love that.

[BlaK-Argentina]

I don't know if it would be a good idea or not, but I had the idea of someone like maybe champ wearing his number for maybe the opener of next season.

You beat me to it. :thumbsup:
I think it's a great idea, and I'm guessing Champ would gladly do it.

[Stormontheplains]

I believe he should get a spot in the ring of fame without number, just name. Honorary ring member. Then when guys are tired, feeling picked on, down and out, they can look up at dwills name and pull there heads out and be thankfull for life, and what they do!!!!!!!!!!

[cousinal11]

I like that ^

[cpad007]

I believe he should get a spot in the ring of fame without number, just name. Honorary ring member. Then when guys are tired, feeling picked on, down and out, they can look up at dwills name and pull there heads out and be thankfull for life, and what they do!!!!!!!!!!

Beautiful!

[Sideburn]

I believe he should get a spot in the ring of fame without number, just name. Honorary ring member. Then when guys are tired, feeling picked on, down and out, they can look up at dwills name and pull there heads out and be thankfull for life, and what they do!!!!!!!!!!

I like this, I also think that someone should wear the number to honor him, but I think it should be Foxworth, they seemed to be the closest and I think Dwill would want Foxy to sport it.

[BigPlayShay]

.

[Kaylore]

Maybe they could name one of the practice fields or training facility buildings after him.

[BroncoMatt]

They should keep his locker up in the locker room.

[OrangeShadow]

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/attachment.php?attachmentid=18254&stc=1&d=1167779613

I like i but i doubt the NFL would allow it.

[orangeatheist]

I believe he should get a spot in the ring of fame without number, just name. Honorary ring member. Then when guys are tired, feeling picked on, down and out, they can look up at dwills name and pull there heads out and be thankfull for life, and what they do!!!!!!!!!!

This is a stellar idea.

[Garcia Bronco]

No offense to anybody, but niether his Jersey should be retired, nor should he be in the ring of fame

[Bronx33]

Ernster spoke on the fox this morning and really put what darrent meant to him (in words) i was really impressed with ernster you could tell he was having a rough time talking about it.

[Bronx33]

No offense to anybody, but niether his Jersey should be retired, nor should he be in the ring of fame


I really think something cold and should be put up in the lockerroom, i would imagine darrent would want to be with his team in mind and spirit.

[El Guapo]

I have many of the same questions (and one of them included whether or not we would get cap relief or a compensatory pick) but I think first we need to go through the mourning period. We need to let his friends and family do the same, lay the young man to rest and then we can begin discussions of this sort.

[watermock]

this is stupid. He will get either a sticker or an arm band.

[XXXII&III]

Maybe they could name one of the practice fields or training facility buildings after him.

Perfect way to commemorate him, Kaylore. I seriously doubt they'd retire #27 or put him in the ring of fame. Naming a building or field for him would be permanent... and each time it is referred to, his name would be said aloud. Lasting.

"The Broncos practiced today in their Darrent Williams facility..."

"Reporting live from Darrent Williams Field... "

etc.

[watermock]

No

[cpad007]

I have many of the same questions (and one of them included whether or not we would get cap relief or a compensatory pick) but I think first we need to go through the mourning period. We need to let his friends and family do the same, lay the young man to rest and then we can begin discussions of this sort.

We all mourn in our own ways--this was one way for me: to think about him and I wondered what the Broncos might do. Time will tell....

[chaz]

I like this, I also think that someone should wear the number to honor him, but I think it should be Foxworth, they seemed to be the closest and I think Dwill would want Foxy to sport it.

exactly my thoughts....let his best friend wear 27 as he takes over his position...no better way to honor him on the field

[DBroncos4life]

I think it would be cool if Bailey wore 27 next year then retire the number the following year.

[BroncoMatt]

I don't think Foxworth or Champ or Paymah or anyone should wear 27, that would be for the fans. They need to move on in their own lives and not follow in someone else's.

[NYBronco]

Honorary Ring of Fame recognition.

[DBroncos4life]

the main thing should be with his family and children. Take care of them, because he can't anymore.

[maven]

A moment of silence at the first Broncos home game next season. A sticker of #27 on the back of helmets for next season only.

[DBroncos4life]

I would be shocked if it was only Denver that has a DW sticker on the back of the helmets next year. Other teams may only have it for one game but everyone knows the NFL is a tight group and it would be sad if others couldn't honor him as well.

[El Guapo]

I would bet some teams have a moment of silence for him during the playoff games.

[chaz]

i hope the broncos start the foundation that d-will was planning on creating to help kids in fort worth. i think it would be a great way to keep his legacy alive forever, and bring some positive from this situation.

i have no doubt that pat bowlen will take good care of the family.

[cmhargrove]

I think an outdoor statue at the Stadium would be the most appropriate. Why not put up a cool statue of the kid outside the stadium so players and fans alike can remember him. A ring of fame is different than a memorial. Since it is something different, it seems appropriate to treat it in a different way.

I think the ring of fame idea sounds cool, but I think he was a good looking and outgoing kid, his statue could be inspirational. A cool place to visit before or after a game to put things in persepctive. Just a thought.

[Crushaholic]

I mentioned this on another thread, but there should be a one-year moratorium on #27. There will be a time for another player to wear that number, but a year off is reasonable...

[chaz]

i like the idea that someone else came up with where rod smith or al wilson or some unquestioned leader of the team sets the tone that 27 will never be worn again....nothing official just understood.

[Fusionfrontman]

I really like the notion of Foxy or Champ wearing the # for a season as a tribute. Its the ultimate compliment, players weare #7 l;ike Boller and Big Ben cuss they idolize and respect the player. Wearing 27 would be the ultimate compliment the team can do, as well as win the superbowl, in his memory.
a statue would be unbelievably touching

[Meck77]

I think an outdoor statue at the Stadium would be the most appropriate. Why not put up a cool statue of the kid outside the stadium so players and fans alike can remember him. A ring of fame is different than a memorial. Since it is something different, it seems appropriate to treat it in a different way.

I think the ring of fame idea sounds cool, but I think he was a good looking and outgoing kid, his statue could be inspirational. A cool place to visit before or after a game to put things in persepctive. Just a thought.

I'm with you. I was thinking somewhere near the Most Valuable Tailgate area. This is the area to the left of the Bronze Horses south of the stadium.

It may seem like a strange concept at first but to me Darrent was one of those guys that gave fans the time. He gave them time for a picture, time for an autograph, or just a quick conversation. I also think this area fits D-will because he was always smiling and having a good time. To me that is what the tailgating lot is all about. A good time with friends.

This is also the general area where the players use to sign autographs coming to and from their cars. From what I've heard the Broncos ended that tradition for some reason. Never the less I think a statue outside the stadium wherever the Broncos choose seems like a good idea. That way fans could pay their respects without having to pay for a ticket to the game. Fans from all over the country could pay their respects to Darrent 365 days a year.

:)

For myself I already contacted the guys who helped me build OF1. I'm going to swap the #77 above the main door that I put up there for Karl and am going to swap it out to #27. I'm also planning on doing some type of airbrush design on the outside of the bus somewhere of D-wills smile. Thanks for the message Bronx. You and I were on the same page with that idea.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I think an outdoor statue at the Stadium would be the most appropriate. Why not put up a cool statue of the kid outside the stadium so players and fans alike can remember him. A ring of fame is different than a memorial. Since it is something different, it seems appropriate to treat it in a different way.

I think the ring of fame idea sounds cool, but I think he was a good looking and outgoing kid, his statue could be inspirational. A cool place to visit before or after a game to put things in persepctive. Just a thought.

I was thinking something similar. A statue or a large well done memorial inside the stadium. Also something in the locker room for his team mates only.

[RMT]

Meck, that's a great idea (switching out the 77 for a 27 and airbrushing DWill's smile - it was contagious).

[No1BroncoFan]

I believe he should get a spot in the ring of fame without number, just name. Honorary ring member. Then when guys are tired, feeling picked on, down and out, they can look up at dwills name and pull there heads out and be thankfull for life, and what they do!!!!!!!!!!
I like everything about this but the honorary part. Make D-Dub a ring of famer. He certainly had the potential to be there on his own merit in time and it's not like we'll fill up the ring with players who die while on the team.

Ben

[BABronco]

A moment of silence at the first Broncos home game next season. A sticker of #27 on the back of helmets for next season only.

Thats the 2nd best idea on here aside from naming a building after him. Putting him in the Ring or retiring his jersey # is ludacris.

[plummershelper]

How about a flag flying over the stands of number 27 like Seattle and Texas A&M do for the 12th man. We can have the 27th man, every one of the fans keeping DWills attitude and competitive spirit alive at home games.

[Hogan11]

A moment of silence at the first Broncos home game next season. A sticker of #27 on the back of helmets for next season only.

This is the most realistic and probable of what they may do. I really don't see them retiring his number, placing him in the ROF or renaming a complex after him.

[Sideburn]

I'm sure the Broncos will do something appropriate for Dwill, his family, his teammates, and all who loved him. Here's my mini tribute.

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[Sassy]

Shanahan touched on it a bit...said there were a lot of ideas floating around but it would be premature for him to talk about...

He did say they would try to fulfill Darrent's Dream...(after they were talking about him working with kids.)

Ferguson says it well...

"You can honor a fallen teammate in traditional ways with a moment of silence or a helmet sticker," Ferguson said. "But one way to remember him is to live life as he would have lived it, without a care in the world, not letting anybody or anything get you down or pull you down.

"We all should be so full of life like he was. That would be the best memorial of all."

[RMT]

Sorry, Sideburn, I'm not on your "private list" (that's what it's saying when I attempt to view it. Am I doing something wrong?

[CSU Husker]

I think a sign on the south end zone scoreboard would be cool. Just something simple "In Memory of Darrent Williams" or the like. That way its not the ring of fame but something different and significant.

I also think it would be cool for Champ or John to wear 27 in this years Pro-Bowl.

The other thing I thought about was to make the number 27 in the ROF for Atwater black. Obviously they would need to run it past Steve, but that would be kind of cool for it to have special meaning like that.

[Steve Sewell]

Ring of Fame...period.

[easymobee]

this is stupid. He will get either a sticker or an arm band.

You are entitled to your opinion.

That said, how could someone who starts threads completely worded in some sort of Swahili-English mish mash at 2am a few nights out of every week call a DWilliams tribute idea thread "Stupid".

How could we be using this thread more effectively.

Im not going to even bother digging up an example thread. Everyone here who stays up past midnight once in awhile probably had about 4 or 5 instances pop into mind already.

I like the idea of Champ changing his number to 27. That would be a personal decision though, and maybe someone should write a letter ( or something ) to run that idea by him. Can't guarantee that it would occur to him naturally.

I for one would like something better than a sticker ( which is the admitedely most likely scenario )

Oh, and how about getting K-Mart shipped out of town before some more stuff like this goes down JK. ........ somewhat.

[maher_tyler]

Im willimg to bet they honor him with stickers on their helemts as well as a patch on the uniform

i think he should get a spot in the ring of fame to.

I agree with stickers and a patch...but i doubt he'll go in the ring of fame...i think they should retire the jersey though and maybe display the jersey he wore in his last game somewhere at a memorial at the stadium somewhere...that'd be cool IMO!!

[maher_tyler]

I like this, I also think that someone should wear the number to honor him, but I think it should be Foxworth, they seemed to be the closest and I think Dwill would want Foxy to sport it.

If anyone was to wear it, it'd be T.Bell they were teamates at Oklahoma State to...maybe it'd inspire him to play with more heart and determination...who knows...

[BroncoMatt]

I don't want to get this thread off track but Kenyon Martin didn't kill D-Will. He or Melo or any of the other hosts are not responsible for his death. It was the schitbag with the gun who fired into a limo who did it and who is responsible. Kmart could be a little more sensitive maybe but we also don't know how he is feeling either and he certainly has a rep for let his emotions get in his way of rational thought. Also for the randomness that the shooting went down it could have potentially just as easily been him as the killers had no regard for anyone as they shot blindly into the limo. No need to hate anybody here but the pillowpants who did the shooting.

[Sideburn]

Sorry, Sideburn, I'm not on your "private list" (that's what it's saying when I attempt to view it. Am I doing something wrong?

Switched it to public, maybe that will fix it.

[bronco6maniac84]

Tatum wouldn't be the one to wear the jersey. He might not even be here next year. It should be Champ.

[cpad007]

Lottsa great ideas here. I'm sure the Broncos will do something with his locker but that is a private team matter up to them. For the fans, I think a sign somewhere or a plaque or some kind or a small statue. Something every fan whether they have a ticket or not can have access to whenever they wish.

[bendog]

http://www.olemisssports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=2600&ATCLID=590263&SPID=737&SPSID=12792

I don't know about someone wearing his number. Ole Miss did this to remember Chucky Mullins for awhile and then retired the number. I don't know about ring of fame, cause that's supposed to relate to performance rather than a senseless tragedy. I like the idea of a bust or statue someplace, which is what they ultimately did with Chucky's memory, but also I hope they give some yearly award or banquet type thing, and use it for a fundraiser to help kids or something DWill may have wanted.

[toad]

My guess is retiring the number or renaming a building after him are a bit extreme (not to take away from the tragedy however).

I also personally don't think any other players will take his number.

They'll probably do a moment of silence before the first (or perhaps each) home game and I'm sure they'll do something on the uniform (helmet sticker, patch, arm band, etc).

It also wouldn't suprise me if they do some sort of memorial somewhere in the stadium (a bust, #27 flag, career-retrospective display, etc) and they may in fact "retire" his locker (at least for next season).

Perhaps Champ and/or Lynch will wear 27 in the ProBowl this year.

I just hope D-Will's family and friends the best during this.

[The Moops]

Each club handles retiring numbers differently. The cowboys don't retire jerseys; they just don't hand out 74, 12, 33 or 8. The Redskins are the same. They've only retired Sammy Baugh's 33. But you won't see 9, 44, 7 or 81 on any uniform. I've heard Bowlen only wants to retire jerseys for players of Elway's equivalent. So unless you're Elway or Floyd Little it might not happen. Then you've got the Bears who retire lots of jerseys. They retired Brian Piccolo's 41.

The sticker on the helmet is a no-brainer. But I think they should definitely establish the Darrent Williams courage award or fearless award. At 5-8, he played with both on every play.

[BroncoBen]

I like this idea the best, having a flag for both the fans and players to look at and reflex on. It would make me feel like Darrent is looking down on the field and smiling.. Maybe something like 'DW27' or 'DW82-07'.

How about a flag flying over the stands of number 27 like Seattle and Texas A&M do for the 12th man. We can have the 27th man, every one of the fans keeping DWills attitude and competitive spirit alive at home games.

[chawknz]

William's Field at Mile High.

(Won't happen, but I hate Invesco)

[bendog]

I thought the league weighed in on retiring "too many" bronco numbers, when there was talk about retiring TD's? I'm not big on retiring numbers anyway. 7 of course, and I think 44's retired ... or it should have been.

[Broncoman13]

I don't know if it's already been mentioned, but perhaps they stripe the 27 yard line accross the entire field and annotate it with a #27... from now on. Don't know if the league will allow that, but I think that would be a great reminder. 27 yard line along the south side of the field.

[The Moops]

I like the idea of the 27 yard line too . . .

I suggested the following in another post about DW and got a favorable response. What do you think: "I'd like to see the first play of preseason with no cornerback flanking Champ. Kind of like the riderless horse at presidential funerals. Maybe just his helmet or jersey lying in his spot. Oblige the other team to throw incomplete to his side for the first play."

[Smiling Assassin27]

DWill will be fondly remembered but there's no reason to 'retire his number' or do the ring of fame thing, IMO. I realize your in a city where the Avs retire numbers of water boys and assistant scouts and such but it's not appropriate a)to retire a number that Steve Atwater made legendary in Bronco-lore, not DWill, and b)put him in the ring of fame, reserved for those who have a distinguished body of work on the field. The kid will represent what could've been to Broncos fans, much like Len Bias represented the same to Celtics fans. Granted, the circumstances of death are totally different but they both stood for youth and potential sadly cut short.

[BroncoBuff]

Moops got it right. Whatevere we do, sticker, patch, moment of silence, whatever .... THIS would be the most moving:

I'd like to see the first play of preseason with no cornerback flanking Champ. Kind of like the riderless horse at presidential funerals. Maybe just his helmet or jersey lying in his spot. Oblige the other team to throw incomplete to his side for the first play.
Moops, that is very moving, completely appropriate, even genius. I'm all on board. Start a thread with that, maybe we'll get some critical mass. Hopefully the first pre-season game is in Denver, and that play coincides with honoring his memory.
Very nice...

[Fusionfrontman]

Personally i think the idea of hjis helmet on the side of the field for a snap during preseason would be too much, emotionaly, on a lot of people. For me, while maybe its a nice idea, just seems downright creepy.
My personal favorites are the renaming a building/Fox or champ wearing 27 for next season then putting that # away.

[Fusionfrontman]

But the more i think about it to tell u the truth, its very touching. im not sure whewre i stand on that

[Broncoman13]

It's an awesome idea and a gesture the Broncos should extend to whomever they play to open at Invesco next preseason. I can't think of a team in the NFL that wouldn't indulge us that moment. Great idea!

[BroncoBuff]

It is a great idea. Moops should start a thread and get it stickied on top. Maybe we'll get some momentum.

I dunno about a helmet on the field, that sounds weird. But the 27-yard line high-lighted somehow - at least during pre-season - and a first-snap empty CB spot with an incomplete pass thrown there. They could give the ball to his kid.


Anybody remember that petulant-child referee last year against the Bolts at Invesco? He bumped into Stephen Alexander - who was maybe TWO YARDS off the sideline - and he threw a flag that called back a D-Will punt-ret-TD. I remember Logan saying D-Will would have a lot more in the future ....

[Fusionfrontman]

It is a great idea. Moops should start a thread and get it stickied on top. Maybe we'll get some momentum.

I dunno about a helmet on the field, that sounds weird. But the 27-yard line high-lighted somehow - at least during pre-season - and a first-snap empty CB spot with an incomplete pass thrown there. They could give the ball to his kid.


Anybody remember that petulant-child referee last year against the Bolts at Invesco? He bumped into Stephen Alexander - who was maybe TWO YARDS off the sideline - and he threw a flag that called back a D-Will punt-ret-TD. I remember Logan saying D-Will would have a lot more in the future ....


I remember DWill kept the ball saying it was his first not TD in his career, and wasnt worried as there would be more to come.
Stories and quotes that were said really put things in perspective now, how you can say how you'll have all the time in the world to do something, but never truely know when it will be your time to move on.

[defenseman]

Number 27 was Steve Atwater's number. If a jersey is to be retired , it should be atwater's not DWill. An annual donation or drive by the broncos , in the name of DWill, to support kids that need the help would be honorable and help the kids DWill tried to help. In any case, a life has been lost, the best way to remember him would be to aide the local community kids on an annual basis similar to what he was trying to accomplish. Don't think any statues or jersey's fit the mold in this case....dman

[Sassy]

Number 27 was Steve Atwater's number. If a jersey is to be retired , it should be atwater's not DWill. An annual donation or drive by the broncos , in the name of DWill, to support kids that need the help would be honorable and help the kids DWill tried to help. In any case, a life has been lost, the best way to remember him would be to aide the local community kids on an annual basis similar to what he was trying to accomplish. Don't think any statues or jersey's fit the mold in this case....dman

I agree...#27 is Atwaters.
From what I heard on Shanahan's press conference...it sounds like they will do something like this. He talked about fulfilling "Darrent's Dream".

[The Moops]

The patch and helmet stickers are no brainers. Other ways to remember Darrent are perhaps a Foundation for kids, a team Courage award given to the Bronco who demonstrates Darrent's fearless play, a school or rec center named after him in Denver or Ft. Worth.

Along with my idea of an absent corner and incomplete pass to Darrent's side on the first play of preseason, I like Champ wearing 27 at the Pro Bowl or perhaps the first home regular season game; or the 27-yard line highlighted; or a flag indicating the 27th man. I'm sure we can think of some more good ones too.

[Steve Sewell]

DWill will be fondly remembered but there's no reason to 'retire his number' or do the ring of fame thing, IMO. I realize your in a city where the Avs retire numbers of water boys and assistant scouts and such but it's not appropriate a)to retire a number that Steve Atwater made legendary in Bronco-lore, not DWill, and b)put him in the ring of fame, reserved for those who have a distinguished body of work on the field. The kid will represent what could've been to Broncos fans, much like Len Bias represented the same to Celtics fans. Granted, the circumstances of death are totally different but they both stood for youth and potential sadly cut short.

A living person's accomplishments on the field PALE in comparison to the tragedy of a young life cut short. Retiring the #27 would be an honor to both of them IMO.

[chaz]

Tatum wouldn't be the one to wear the jersey. He might not even be here next year. It should be Champ.

i still think it should be foxworth, his best friend...wouldn't complain if champ did it tho

[PortisFanForever]

I agree with Garcia 100%.. I totally am upset just as the next with the horrible loss of life etc nd he should be remembered with a sticker or jersey patch or even the idea of Champ wearing his jersey was a nice touch. But just because a second year player got killed shouldnt give him special treatment of the ROF when so many Broncos greats who were so much better players than Dwil are not up there.. And the talk about possibly retiring his number is ridiculous.. not to be coldhearted but cmon now.. They dont retire broncos greats like TD, Atwater etc who gave their heart and soul to the team but just because a guy dies he gets special treatment

like I said he deserves to be remembered and it was horrible what happened, truly horrible but all these accolades just because of a tradgedy shouldnt be

SHould the Yankees retire Corey Lidle's number and put him in the outfield on a plaque with the imortals like the Babe and Mantle etc??? Of course not.. Horrible whathappened to Lidle but he shouldnt be retired by the Yanks and same goes for Dwil

[Hogan11]

I agree with Garcia 100%.. I totally am upset just as the next with the horrible loss of life etc nd he should be remembered with a sticker or jersey patch or even the idea of Champ wearing his jersey was a nice touch. But just because a second year player got killed shouldnt give him special treatment of the ROF when so many Broncos greats who were so much better players than Dwil are not up there.. And the talk about possibly retiring his number is ridiculous.. not to be coldhearted but cmon now.. They dont retire broncos greats like TD, Atwater etc who gave their heart and soul to the team but just because a guy dies he gets special treatment

like I said he deserves to be remembered and it was horrible what happened, truly horrible but all these accolades just because of a tradgedy shouldnt be

SHould the Yankees retire Corey Lidle's number and put him in the outfield on a plaque with the imortals like the Babe and Mantle etc??? Of course not.. Horrible whathappened to Lidle but he shouldnt be retired by the Yanks and same goes for Dwil

I think everyone deep down knows this but what you're reading here is the outpouring of over the top memorials because of this terrible tragedy. It's the inital reaction of people who are trying to come to terms with what happened and it's fairly common for everyone when death happens to someone close or revered to them. Usually proper perspective comes well after a period of shock and mourning, never during it.

[watermock]

A black sticker is enough.

[Broncos4tw]

A sticker or patch for long as they will allow would be great. His name put up somewhere.. perhaps in the Broncos locker room (In Rememberance of Darrent Williams, etc..), would be enough I think. There is no need to wear his jersey, put his name on a building, or in the Ring of Fame.

Show respect in a classly, subdued manner. There is no need to broadcast to the world what can be done in private for the player and coaches.

[Sassy]

A sticker or patch for long as they will allow would be great. His name put up somewhere.. perhaps in the Broncos locker room (In Rememberance of Darrent Williams, etc..), would be enough I think. There is no need to wear his jersey, put his name on a building, or in the Ring of Fame.

Show respect in a classly, subdued manner. There is no need to broadcast to the world what can be done in private for the player and coaches.

I agree! The coaches/players/Bronco organization/fans will always have Darrent in their memory...

[El Guapo]

they're starting off on a darn good foot by having the entire organization attend his funeral.


http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2718793

DENVER -- Police have zeroed in on an SUV they believe might have been used in the drive-by slaying of Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams, who was eulogized in a private memorial at team headquarters Wednesday.

Police spokeswoman Virginia Quinones said officers were focusing on a 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe, which might have been used in the killing early Monday. A gunman sprayed a white stretch Hummer limousine with at least 14 bullets, one of which struck Williams in the neck.


A Broncos fan adds flowers to a makeshift memorial for slain cornerback Darrent Williams.

State confidentiality laws prevent the police from saying who a vehicle is registered to, but the Rocky Mountain News and The Denver Post, citing sources they didn't name, reported the SUV belongs to Brian K. Hicks of Denver.

Hicks has been jailed since Nov. 9 on a charge of possessing drugs with intent to distribute, the papers reported. He is also accused of shooting at a woman who was later killed a week before she was to testify against him.

Hicks' wife, Kimaya James, told the Rocky Mountain News that police were looking for her husband's vehicle but that she didn't know who had been driving the Tahoe while he's been in jail. She declined to talk about Hicks or the Williams slaying.

Two other people were wounded in the attack and have been released from the hospital.

Investigators are pursuing other tips but have not identified any suspects, spokesman Sonny Jackson said.

Police aren't saying whether they know the motive for the slaying but have said there was a disturbance at a nightclub where Williams attended a New Year's Eve party shortly before he was killed. Investigators also are reviewing surveillance video from the club and footage from traffic cameras.

Williams' uncle, Demond Williams, said the cornerback was at the club to promote a rap group for his fledgling independent recording label, Ryno Entertainment.

The gathering at the club in downtown Denver also was billed as a birthday party for Denver Nuggets star Kenyon Martin, who has said he and other Nuggets left the club before any trouble arose.

Williams' teammates and coaches, along with owner Pat Bowlen and other team personnel gathered with Williams' relatives at the team's training complex on Wednesday for a private memorial in which all the players got a chance to say what Williams meant to them. There was also a slideshow of his career, a team spokesman said.

Also in attendance was former teammate Trevor Pryce, who plays for the Baltimore Ravens.

The group assembled in the team's conditioning center as a stream of mourners continued to add flowers, balloons and even a bottle of Orange Crush to a makeshift shrine at the team's complex. Other memorials were set up at the site of the killing and at Invesco Field, where the Broncos' season ended with a 26-23 loss to San Francisco on Sunday night, hours before the shooting.

Some of the players wore sweats, others jeans and others suits as they solemnly filed into the building.

"I would like to thank you all for the love and support that our family has received during this sad time," Williams' mother, Rosalind Williams, said in a statement afterward.

The Broncos will charter a flight to Fort Worth, Williams' home town, where the funeral will be held at Great Commission Baptist Church this weekend. It will be open to the public.

"I think it will be very special for our football team to be there as a group and to not only support Darrent's memory but his mom, and we're going to have everybody in the organization go," Shanahan said.

Although only 5-foot-8, Williams was full of confidence. He had 88 tackles and four interceptions in 2006 and returned two punts for 50 yards in his final game hours before his death.

Williams had a 7-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter who live in Fort Worth. A memorial fund was set up in their honor, and Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony said he wanted to honor his friend, possibly by setting up a college fund for Williams' children.

In 2003, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joey Porter was shot outside a Denver sports bar, and last April, Nuggets guard Julius Hodge was shot while driving on Interstate 76 in Denver. Both shootings occurred after disturbances at nightclubs.

"Especially if you're out in a club or a bar and you see commotion like that you want to get out," Anthony said. "They always say bullets have no names."

Both of those earlier cases remain unsolved.

Hodge, who played Tuesday night for the first time since he was shot five times nine months ago, said Williams' killing brought back nightmares of the night he was attacked.

"I pray every night for him and his family and friends," Hodge said. "They haven't found who shot me and I've pretty much let it go, but I pray that they find whoever shot him."

[Sassy]

Also in attendance was former teammate Trevor Pryce, who plays for the Baltimore Ravens.
Very nice!

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Also in attendance was former teammate Trevor Pryce, who plays for the Baltimore Ravens.
Very nice!

Despite the abuse he takes here, Trevor is a very decent human being who still lives in the area.

[CHEF LUIGI]

create a memorial from his sealed locker.
a boys club named in his honor, a bronze of his leap in oakland outside the stadium, the ring of fame, not appropriate, retiring the #127, also not appropriate.
all proceeds from the sale of his jersy should go to his family, the NFL, however, failed to do this fi or tillman, and they wont have enough class to do it now, either.

[RunSilentRunDeep]

The best thing would be to win and win big. That way his memory will keep getting discussed all season long. It would also be cool if after everytime a player found the end zone, they did the double-low five hand slap as if Darrent was doing it with them.

[Crushaholic]

Despite the abuse he takes here, Trevor is a very decent human being who still lives in the area.

I STILL don't have any problem with Pryce. I just think he was asking for too much money...

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I STILL don't have any problem with Pryce. I just think he was asking for too much money...

Probably true, but it is his right to try and get that money. If the Broncs did not think he was worth it and someone else does, so be it. He and the Broncs made a good faith effort to resolve it and agreed to part ways. Happens every day in every business.

[The Moops]

Pryce was a big part of those 2 Super Bowls. He was a number one pick who played at a Pro Bowl level. He delivered. From what I've read about him and seen in interviews I think he's a pretty decent guy. I'll put him in my top 50 all-time favorite Broncos anyday.

[OrangeShadow]

Also in attendance was former teammate Trevor Pryce, who plays for the Baltimore Ravens.
Very nice!

Not suprised at all, he always seemed like a great guy

[ozomulsion]

The best thing would be to win and win big. That way his memory will keep getting discussed all season long. It would also be cool if after everytime a player found the end zone, they did the double-low five hand slap as if Darrent was doing it with them.

You read my mind. This upcoming season is for Darrent.

[cutthemdown]

how about by winning the next 3 superbowls.

[chaz]

how about by winning the next 3 superbowls.

i think darrent would like that.....

i am also starting to like the idea of a statue...ring of fame and retired number wont happen, but i think a statue/memorial outside the stadium would be a good idea as well as naming a boys club after him. from what i've read he used to show up all the time unannounced at the boys club just to hang out for a while

[OrangeShadow]

We've all thought of great suggestions, the stickers, having champ wear his jersey,having fox wear his jersey. I think the team will do whatever it deems suitable and i trust them to make the right choice.Whatever it may be.

[toad]

Despite the abuse he takes here, Trevor is a very decent human being who still lives in the area.

Amen to that...I always liked Big Trev.

[jbiel]

I think Shanny should tell the players to point to the sky or heaven every time they get into the endzone. It would be classy tribute to Darrent and his family, teammates, and fans would be proud of this gesture every time there was a broncos TD.

[broncocalijohn]

I believe he should get a spot in the ring of fame without number, just name. Honorary ring member. Then when guys are tired, feeling picked on, down and out, they can look up at dwills name and pull there heads out and be thankfull for life, and what they do!!!!!!!!!!


Nice idea but i dont see it. The Ring of Fame is for what the name implies. Broncos will have a patch or sticker IMO. #27 jersey, if retired, will be for Steve Atwater not DWill. It would be nice for his family to be honored either preseason game or first regular season.

[Crushaholic]

I think Shanny should tell the players to point to the sky or heaven every time they get into the endzone. It would be classy tribute to Darrent and his family, teammates, and fans would be proud of this gesture every time there was a broncos TD.

Better yet, the Mile High Salute to the heavens...

[cpad007]

You read my mind. This upcoming season is for Darrent.

Yes, I am hoping the secondary plays "lights out" for DWill next season. That would be quite a memory!

[Bronco Yoda]

how about a second 'thunder' as a riderless mount with 27 on the saddle or on the flag for the home games?

[SimonFletcher73]

http://www.scottfowlersports.com/photos/sammills.jpg

A statue like this.

If they're going to ring of fame or retire #27, please don't wait 20 years like the Chefs did with Delaney.

[bap454]

I like the idea of the 27 yard line too . . .

I suggested the following in another post about DW and got a favorable response. What do you think: "I'd like to see the first play of preseason with no cornerback flanking Champ. Kind of like the riderless horse at presidential funerals. Maybe just his helmet or jersey lying in his spot. Oblige the other team to throw incomplete to his side for the first play."

Absolutely awsome idea!! I love it. Also a statue outside the stadium as suggested earlier. Would have to be the side shot of DWILL and the frohawk . This picture just embodies the passion that made DWILL. Last of all, the greatest cornerback of all time wearing #27 at the probowl and season opener is a must. No greater respect than that. These three have to get done!!

Last of all i wanted to thank everyone that has posted here these last five days. I really found comfort in knowing that I wasnt the only one feeling so strongly about the tragedy. I could not believe how much DWILLS' death affected me. Everytime I think about never seeing DWILL in the orange and blue again makes me want to cry. The more I read on the OMane the better I felt. I am also proud to be a Broncos fan on the way the organization has handled everything so far. Thanks everyone!!!

[bap454]

http://www.scottfowlersports.com/photos/sammills.jpg

A statue like this.

If they're going to ring of fame or retire #27, please don't wait 20 years like the Chefs did with Delaney.

A statue like this would be ideal somewhere around the stadium. The frohawk picture reminds me of the picture of Pat Tillman that was ultimately made into a statue (was going to include photos, just kind of a tard when it comes to that). Something about that hair on Monday Night that really stuck in my mind and always comes to mind when I think of DWill. FROHAWK OR NOTHING!!!

[Meck77]

http://www.scottfowlersports.com/photos/sammills.jpg

A statue like this.



Yup South Side of the stadium for all fans to pay their respects anytime of the year. I think more should be done as well but it would be a good start IMO.

Are there any mural artists out there? I own a couple of huge concrete walls adjacent to LOT M tailgating lot that would make a great D-will mural. Alot of you guys know where it is. I'm open to suggestions on what we could do with those walls to honor him.