Kircus has an admirable work ethic - The Orange Mane

Aardvark · 08-16-2006, 04:37 AM

Kircus is going to make this team and contribute immediately. I predict he will become the "feel-good" story of the year, and his Subway days will be told and retold ad nauseam.

A breadwinner
Kircus trying to make Broncos after sandwiches
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer

Broncos wide receiver David Kircus can t get enough of Subway sandwiches, even at training camp. He worked for Subway after being cut by the Lions last September.

When wide receiver David Kircus signed with the Broncos in January, there was little time to get acquainted with the Denver area, find a place to live or even grab a quick sandwich.

He had an apron, visor and disposable gloves awaiting him in Michigan. The sandwich artist had to get back to work. Football had to wait.

Before his salad days in the preseason with the Broncos - catching a touchdown pass from Jay Cutler and rising up the depth chart - Kircus was a sandwich-making hero in Howell, Mich. Now, trying to become the biggest Subway product since Jared - the sandwich chain's popular TV pitchman - Kircus wouldn't mind having a sandwich named after him instead of having his name called to make one.

"Yes, I'm a Subway guy," said Kircus, an easygoing former Division II star at Grand Valley State in Allendale, Mich. "I'm proud of it. Everybody may think it's funny, but it helped me make a living while I was trying to hold onto this dream."

The Broncos may be giving Kircus more lettuce than he ever shredded at Subway. While the preseason still is young and the final roster cuts are 17 days way, Kircus has made a good impression. With rookie wideout Brandon Marshall out for the next two to three weeks because of a knee injury, Kircus and Darius Watts have been running with the Broncos' second-team offense.

Kircus improved his chances of making the roster Friday night in the Broncos' preseason opener at Detroit. His game-high six catches for 76 yards included a 26-yard touchdown pass from Cutler. The breakout performance came against the Lions, who cut him four times in two
years.

Kircus also is helping his chances by being a punt and kickoff returner in the preseason, which for the Broncos continues Saturday night at home against the Tennessee Titans.

Denver probably will keep six wide receivers. With Todd Devoe, Charlie Adams and David Terrell on the bubble, Kircus stands out. Tuesday morning at practice, the Broncos' quarterbacks went to Kircus extensively.

Kircus first impressed the Denver coaches with his effort and speed in offseason workouts. A natural deep threat, Kircus has steadily become more consistent catching the ball. His hustle has made him a favorite among the Broncos' veterans.

"The thing you can't coach is effort, and the guy is putting a lot of effort into it," wide receiver Rod Smith said. "Everybody worries about the big plays downfield, but there are a ton of other things, such as the running game, position on the field and making sure our guys are all in the right spot. Those things are very important on this team, so you have to stress a lot of the small things to our guys. David is doing a good job and he is working hard, and you can't take that away from him."
Perhaps building meatball sandwiches contributed to the work ethic of Kircus, 26. When he was one of the Lions' final cuts last September, he needed work. He also needed a flexible schedule to stay in shape and work out for NFL teams on a moment's notice. Enter Cindy Hefner, a family friend and owner of several Subway stores in Michigan.

"We thought it was a perfect way for David to make some money and stay focused on football," Hefner said. "He was a perfect employee. At first, we thought it would be beneath him, but he is a very humble person. He worked very hard for us. We'd hire him again."

Kircus had no shame working in the fast-food world days after the Lions sent him to the chopping block. He said customers occasionally recognized him. A college friend once stopped in for a hero and saw, standing in front of the veggies across the counter, the man who set a school record with 80 touchdowns.

"I laughed and said, 'What do you want to eat, man?"' Kircus recalled. "It was a fun deal."

Kircus said while honing his football skills remained a priority, he took seriously his 25 hours-a-week job slapping turkey on whole wheat. In fact, he wouldn't mind doing it again.

"If I make this team, I could see myself working at a Subway in the offseason," Kircus said. "Why not? It's free food, and I'm not above anything. If I become a Pro Bowl player, I'll still be the guy who was working at Subway."

Link: http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_4187322

sbchampbronx · 08-16-2006, 04:45 AM

I sure hope your right!

Odysseus · 08-16-2006, 04:51 AM

The whole article reduced the word of Rod Smith:

The thing you can't coach is effort, and the guy is putting a lot of effort into it," wide receiver Rod Smith said. "Everybody worries about the big plays downfield, but there are a ton of other things, such as the running game, position on the field and making sure our guys are all in the right spot. Those things are very important on this team, so you have to stress a lot of the small things to our guys. David is doing a good job and he is working hard, and you can't take that away from him."

Wants big plays - Devoe
Wants big plays downfield - Lelie

fontaine · 08-16-2006, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiettiger

The whole article reduced the word of Rod Smith:

The thing you can't coach is effort, and the guy is putting a lot of effort into it," wide receiver Rod Smith said. "Everybody worries about the big plays downfield, but there are a ton of other things, such as the running game, position on the field and making sure our guys are all in the right spot. Those things are very important on this team, so you have to stress a lot of the small things to our guys. David is doing a good job and he is working hard, and you can't take that away from him."

Wants big plays - Devoe
Wants big plays downfield - Lelie

Exactly. Burger Bill is on fire once again. In the rest of the article Burger Bill offers no insider info, real analysis, or talks about Kircus' strenghts/weakenesses.

He does however, mention food/sandwiches/subway 20 seperate damn times.

Other beat writers probably have posters of John Elway, TD in their work space. Burger Bill probably has the Pillsbery Doughboy in full frontal.

Aardvark · 08-16-2006, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fontaine

Burger Bill probably has the Pillsbery Doughboy in full frontal.

Tredici · 08-16-2006, 08:30 AM

Now there's an Adoptive Parent doing his duty by his boy.

Mile High Salute to Aardvark!

worm · 08-16-2006, 08:46 AM

A lot of teams talk about bringing in quality individuals as well as being great ballers..

Thanks Ted for living up to that promise...JC, DK, MB and on and on....

i really like the make-up of the Denver Broncos circa 2006.

bendog · 08-16-2006, 08:47 AM

How'd that guy NOT make the Lions? oh, wait, millen's drafts, never mind. roflmao

ward63 · 08-16-2006, 08:51 AM

Can Shefter come back? Or even Woody? Bill and Armstrong aren't good reporters at all.

fdf · 08-16-2006, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aardvark

With Todd Devoe, Charlie Adams and David Terrell on the bubble, Kircus stands out.[/url]

Kircus has a roster spot. The guy devoe, adams and terrell need to watch out for is Brian Clark. I was really impressed with his returns last Friday. I think devoe and adams are gone. The last spot will come down to terrell or clark.

ward63 · 08-16-2006, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdf

Kircus has a roster spot. The guy devoe, adams and terrell need to watch out for is Brian Clark. I was really impressed with his returns last Friday. I think devoe and adams are gone. The last spot will come down to terrell or clark.

Well being an UDFA, I don't think many teams would take him, so I think he gets stashed on the PS.

Aardvark · 08-16-2006, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tredici

Now there's an Adoptive Parent doing his duty by his boy.

I know he's four years out of college, but take a look at his school stats/records. He was very productive and holds all sorts of records:

COLLEGE: In addition to helping Grand Valley State University make two appearances in the NCAA Division II National Championship Game, Kircus’ career numbers virtually rewrote the Greater Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference record books and ranked among the best in NCAA history. He tallied 482 points during his collegiate career, the sixth-best total in college football annals and second best in Division II history. The previous record at Grand Valley was 362 points. He recorded 212 points in 2002, a season total topped only by Barry Sanders’ (Oklahoma State) 234 points in 1988. Kircus set school records with 241 career catches for 4,523 yards (18.8 avg.) with 80 touchdowns, and his 241 catches also established the GLIAC standard. His 4,523 receiving yards ranked sixth in college football history and second in Division II annals while Kircus’ 80 career touchdowns (all receiving) set a collegiate record, passing the previous record of 75. He was a twotime All-American and All-Greater Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference first-team choice and was the Daktronics All-Northeast Region and 2002 GLIAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year. As a senior in 2002, he established a college record with 35 touchdowns. He finished his collegiate career with 11 catches for a school single-game record 270 yards with touchdowns of 54, 67 and 10 yards to help Grand Valley State win the NCAA Division II National Championship against Valdosta State.

Broncoman13 · 08-16-2006, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tredici

Now there's an Adoptive Parent doing his duty by his boy.

Mile High Salute to Aardvark!

I echo that!

watermock · 08-16-2006, 10:36 AM

Hey, at least he wasn't baggin' grocieries like Warner.

dbfan4life · 08-16-2006, 10:53 AM

I think it's pretty sad that a player who can't make it in the NFL would have to work at Subway. All that college and nothing to fall back on when they can't cut it in the NFL. Not something to be "proud" of, IMO. That being said, I'm optimistic that Kircus can come in and have an impact.

baja · 08-16-2006, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbfan4life

I think it's pretty sad that a player who can't make it in the NFL would have to work at Subway. All that college and nothing to fall back on when they can't cut it in the NFL. Not something to be "proud" of, IMO. That being said, I'm optimistic that Kircus can come in and have an impact.

Maybe he majored in basket weaving

-Slap- · 08-16-2006, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bendog

How'd that guy NOT make the Lions? oh, wait, millen's drafts, never mind. roflmao

I love it.

-Slap- · 08-16-2006, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbfan4life

I think it's pretty sad that a player who can't make it in the NFL would have to work at Subway. All that college and nothing to fall back on when they can't cut it in the NFL. Not something to be "proud" of, IMO. That being said, I'm optimistic that Kircus can come in and have an impact.

Maybe Subway was willing to give him a flexible 25 hour a week schedule, so he could continue pursuing his NFL dream. You're right, though, anyone with a low paying job should be ashamed of themselves.

orange 4 life · 08-16-2006, 11:21 AM

here's to hoping he makes the squad (and i think he will)

i dont really care about the subway thing, but i DO care about his reported work ethic AND his humble attitude.
sound anything like another receiver that was struggling to make the team some years back?

it does to me, and that other guy worked out pretty well.

ZachKC · 08-16-2006, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbfan4life

I think it's pretty sad that a player who can't make it in the NFL would have to work at Subway. All that college and nothing to fall back on when they can't cut it in the NFL. Not something to be "proud" of, IMO. That being said, I'm optimistic that Kircus can come in and have an impact.

Alot of people take low key jobs while putting themselves in positions to do what they love.

baja · 08-16-2006, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Slap-

Maybe Subway was willing to give him a flexible 25 hour a week schedule, so he could continue pursuing his NFL dream. You're right, though, anyone with a low paying job should be ashamed of themselves.

Well not can be a successful handicapper/gambler

Aardvark · 08-16-2006, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbfan4life

I think it's pretty sad that a player who can't make it in the NFL would have to work at Subway. All that college and nothing to fall back on when they can't cut it in the NFL.

The point is he knew he could make it in the NFL and took the Subway job to hold him over until the opportunity arose (which it did.) If he had spent the time to get a "real" job, he wouldn't have had time to keep in shape and explore his options. Getting a full-time job would have ben admitting defeat.

Also, keep in mind he was a friend of the owner, and they were paying him $15 an hour for 25 hours a week...plus free sandwiches. Maybe $400 a week was all he needed to get by.

bendog · 08-16-2006, 02:02 PM

Tuna's the sandwich of the month. Last month was ham. I like the one with Roast beef, turkey, ham with provelone and lettuce, toms, picked banana peppers, green peppers, and green olives. Sunday you can get 2 footlongs for 8 bucks.

Aardvark · 08-16-2006, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bendog

Tuna's the sandwich of the month. Last month was ham. I like the one with Roast beef, turkey, ham with provelone and lettuce, toms, picked banana peppers, green peppers, and green olives. Sunday you can get 2 footlongs for 8 bucks.

Merlin · 08-16-2006, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aardvark

Also, keep in mind he was a friend of the owner, and they were paying him $15 an hour for 25 hours a week...plus free sandwiches. Maybe $400 a week was all he needed to get by.

I bet you he ate far more than he earned. He is a frigging football athlete. They commonly eat more than twice your avg healthy male. In that context he was getting the equivalent of +$40K/yr for halftime work! You see, college education does pay

08-16-2006, 04:37 AM	#1
Aardvark Rabid Bronco Fan Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 61 Adopt-a-Bronco: David Kircus	Kircus has an admirable work ethic Kircus is going to make this team and contribute immediately. I predict he will become the "feel-good" story of the year, and his Subway days will be told and retold ad nauseam. A breadwinner Kircus trying to make Broncos after sandwiches By Bill Williamson Denver Post Staff Writer Broncos wide receiver David Kircus can t get enough of Subway sandwiches, even at training camp. He worked for Subway after being cut by the Lions last September. When wide receiver David Kircus signed with the Broncos in January, there was little time to get acquainted with the Denver area, find a place to live or even grab a quick sandwich. He had an apron, visor and disposable gloves awaiting him in Michigan. The sandwich artist had to get back to work. Football had to wait. Before his salad days in the preseason with the Broncos - catching a touchdown pass from Jay Cutler and rising up the depth chart - Kircus was a sandwich-making hero in Howell, Mich. Now, trying to become the biggest Subway product since Jared - the sandwich chain's popular TV pitchman - Kircus wouldn't mind having a sandwich named after him instead of having his name called to make one. "Yes, I'm a Subway guy," said Kircus, an easygoing former Division II star at Grand Valley State in Allendale, Mich. "I'm proud of it. Everybody may think it's funny, but it helped me make a living while I was trying to hold onto this dream." The Broncos may be giving Kircus more lettuce than he ever shredded at Subway. While the preseason still is young and the final roster cuts are 17 days way, Kircus has made a good impression. With rookie wideout Brandon Marshall out for the next two to three weeks because of a knee injury, Kircus and Darius Watts have been running with the Broncos' second-team offense. Kircus improved his chances of making the roster Friday night in the Broncos' preseason opener at Detroit. His game-high six catches for 76 yards included a 26-yard touchdown pass from Cutler. The breakout performance came against the Lions, who cut him four times in two years. Kircus also is helping his chances by being a punt and kickoff returner in the preseason, which for the Broncos continues Saturday night at home against the Tennessee Titans. Denver probably will keep six wide receivers. With Todd Devoe, Charlie Adams and David Terrell on the bubble, Kircus stands out. Tuesday morning at practice, the Broncos' quarterbacks went to Kircus extensively. Kircus first impressed the Denver coaches with his effort and speed in offseason workouts. A natural deep threat, Kircus has steadily become more consistent catching the ball. His hustle has made him a favorite among the Broncos' veterans. "The thing you can't coach is effort, and the guy is putting a lot of effort into it," wide receiver Rod Smith said. "Everybody worries about the big plays downfield, but there are a ton of other things, such as the running game, position on the field and making sure our guys are all in the right spot. Those things are very important on this team, so you have to stress a lot of the small things to our guys. David is doing a good job and he is working hard, and you can't take that away from him." Perhaps building meatball sandwiches contributed to the work ethic of Kircus, 26. When he was one of the Lions' final cuts last September, he needed work. He also needed a flexible schedule to stay in shape and work out for NFL teams on a moment's notice. Enter Cindy Hefner, a family friend and owner of several Subway stores in Michigan. "We thought it was a perfect way for David to make some money and stay focused on football," Hefner said. "He was a perfect employee. At first, we thought it would be beneath him, but he is a very humble person. He worked very hard for us. We'd hire him again." Kircus had no shame working in the fast-food world days after the Lions sent him to the chopping block. He said customers occasionally recognized him. A college friend once stopped in for a hero and saw, standing in front of the veggies across the counter, the man who set a school record with 80 touchdowns. "I laughed and said, 'What do you want to eat, man?"' Kircus recalled. "It was a fun deal." Kircus said while honing his football skills remained a priority, he took seriously his 25 hours-a-week job slapping turkey on whole wheat. In fact, he wouldn't mind doing it again. "If I make this team, I could see myself working at a Subway in the offseason," Kircus said. "Why not? It's free food, and I'm not above anything. If I become a Pro Bowl player, I'll still be the guy who was working at Subway." Link: http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_4187322

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08-16-2006, 04:45 AM	#2
sbchampbronx Tanzanian Devil whack em and stack em Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Tanzania Posts: 37 Adopt-a-Bronco: None	I sure hope your right!

08-16-2006, 04:51 AM	#3
Odysseus Fan of the home team Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Durango, Colorado Posts: 12,107 Adopt-a-Bronco: Mark Schlereth	The whole article reduced the word of Rod Smith: The thing you can't coach is effort, and the guy is putting a lot of effort into it," wide receiver Rod Smith said. "Everybody worries about the big plays downfield, but there are a ton of other things, such as the running game, position on the field and making sure our guys are all in the right spot. Those things are very important on this team, so you have to stress a lot of the small things to our guys. David is doing a good job and he is working hard, and you can't take that away from him." Wants big plays - Devoe Wants big plays downfield - Lelie

08-16-2006, 08:30 AM	#6
Tredici Ring of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 10,010	Now there's an Adoptive Parent doing his duty by his boy. Mile High Salute to Aardvark!

08-16-2006, 08:46 AM	#7
worm Great moments are born... ...from great opportunity Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,947 Adopt-a-Bronco: #20	A lot of teams talk about bringing in quality individuals as well as being great ballers.. Thanks Ted for living up to that promise...JC, DK, MB and on and on.... i really like the make-up of the Denver Broncos circa 2006.

08-16-2006, 08:47 AM	#8
bendog Marginally Continent David Bowens, he'd be an upgrade Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Folsom Prison Posts: 19,935 Adopt-a-Bronco: David Bowens	How'd that guy NOT make the Lions? oh, wait, millen's drafts, never mind. roflmao

08-16-2006, 08:51 AM	#9
ward63 The Burner Returner Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,160 Adopt-a-Bronco: Quincy Morgan	Can Shefter come back? Or even Woody? Bill and Armstrong aren't good reporters at all.

08-16-2006, 10:36 AM	#14
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	Hey, at least he wasn't baggin' grocieries like Warner.

08-16-2006, 10:53 AM	#15
dbfan4life Ring of Famer Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Las Cruces, NM Posts: 2,499	I think it's pretty sad that a player who can't make it in the NFL would have to work at Subway. All that college and nothing to fall back on when they can't cut it in the NFL. Not something to be "proud" of, IMO. That being said, I'm optimistic that Kircus can come in and have an impact.

08-16-2006, 11:21 AM	#19
orange 4 life Old School Orange Home team qb homer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Anywhere, CO. Posts: 8,642	here's to hoping he makes the squad (and i think he will) i dont really care about the subway thing, but i DO care about his reported work ethic AND his humble attitude. sound anything like another receiver that was struggling to make the team some years back? it does to me, and that other guy worked out pretty well.

08-16-2006, 02:02 PM	#23
bendog Marginally Continent David Bowens, he'd be an upgrade Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Folsom Prison Posts: 19,935 Adopt-a-Bronco: David Bowens	Tuna's the sandwich of the month. Last month was ham. I like the one with Roast beef, turkey, ham with provelone and lettuce, toms, picked banana peppers, green peppers, and green olives. Sunday you can get 2 footlongs for 8 bucks.