Great Story about DWill from Andrew Mason...

[bpc]

Really deep and it really hits the core of why we will miss him so badly next year and years following that.

Remembering a Shining Light: Darrent Williams
To say the least, this has been an emotionally draining day here at Dove Valley, and I apologize for not posting here sooner.

There are candles lit outside the front entrance of Broncos headquarters now. The office is silent; the hallways desolate. In other words, it’s the precise antithesis of any room into which Darrent Williams entered.

That was evident from the moment he arrived.

I have never seen anyone walk into a building in his first day on the job with the enthusiasm that this fast-talking Fort Worth native showed.

It was April 24, 2005, and the final four rounds of the draft chugged along. It is Broncos custom to bring their first-day draftees into Dove Valley on this day to meet the coaches and staff, answer questions at press conferences and display their newly-minted jerseys. Some players handle the event with distant, almost dour stoicism. Others bound from stop to stop in the building with the giddiness of someone barely one-third his age.

You could count Williams among the latter category.

A broad smile seemed tattooed to his face as he moved about the building with his fellow rookies — two of which shared his position: Domonique Foxworth and Karl Paymah. They drank the proceedings in sips with cool professionalism. Williams, on the other hand, quaffed the environment in gulps, grinning all the way, seeming to lead his fellow rookies along their quick trip around Dove Valley.

Perhaps I should have seen his unbridled joy coming, because Williams was never the kind of fellow who was going to slink meekly around. Three months earlier during Senior Bowl week, I chuckled as he high-stepped after an interception — in practice! Granted, Senior Bowl practices are about the most intense imaginable because each player hopes to impress the hundreds of coaches and scouts on hand, but that showed an ebullient, excitable spirit that would become his calling card any time he donned a helmet — whether it was in front of 76,000 onlookers at INVESCO Field or 76 media observers at a mini-camp practice during the horse latitudes of the football year.

Two years in the NFL wilds seemed to harden Williams just a smidgen. It does that to many; it is, after all, a collection of the best of the best at the game of football. Many players arrive in the NFL having known nothing but peaks on the football field; traversing the valleys and doing so with dignity and resolve is a lesson that not all are able to learn and a condition to which some cannot fully adapt.

Williams found those extremes on the field in 2006 — and he did indeed adapt.

The Oct. 29 loss to Indianapolis in particular was crushing for him, so much so that the usually talkative cornerback didn’t meet the media following the game. A day later, though, he did, and even though the blame for the big day that Colts wideout Reggie Wayne had at the Broncos’ expense was shared by many, it was the second-year cornerback who owned up to what happened.

“I’m cool with taking the heat, because it just makes me mentally tough,” Williams once said to me.

In this case, Williams vowed to make changes in the game’s wake, even when the reasons for Wayne’s receptions went well beyond his realm of responsibility.

“I’ll play a little more aggressive,” he said at the time.

But even when assessing frustration, he did so with a bounce in his voice and optimism in his heart. Sure, he’d been beat, but like the great cornerbacks he sought to emulate, he forgot about it and soldiered onward. Six days later, as though he wanted to underscore his point, he became the first Bronco in a decade to recover two fumbles in a single game in the win at Pittsburgh, pouncing on the football on a kickoff return and again after a deep reception to stifle a Steelers threat.

It was almost as though Williams declared to the world, “Is that aggressive enough for you?” as his procurements of the football sparked the Broncos to a six-takeaway day. Two weeks later, he bounded into INVESCO Field’s south end zone with his second NFL touchdown via an interception return during the home loss to the Chargers.

A month later, though, I crossed paths with a more introspective Williams in the locker room following the win over Cincinnati. In the course of answering queries from a horde of inquisitors, he’d referenced some criticism from the media, and how he didn’t worry.

“I don’t care what nobody says about me,” he said. “My teammates have got my back.”

I don’t know why, but I sensed something below the surface of his remarks, so I waited until the crowd thinned to ask him more about the subject — to find out just how aware he was of what was written and spoken about his play. I figured he’d brush off the topic with a laugh and a smile. Those were the two best arrows in his satchel; with those at his disposal, nothing seemed to faze him.

But when the question was posed, something different happened. For the first time since I’d met Williams, I heard a quiver of pain in his usually upbeat voice. It was not for what the public assessments of his play did to him. Rather, it was for those he held closest, and how they absorbed everything that was said and written about their beloved young NFLer.

“You know, I hate it when my mom and people in my family call me and say, ‘Keep your head up; don’t worry about what they say,’ and I’ll (reply),’ ‘What did they say?’ They tell me stuff they say,” Williams said on Christmas Eve. “It’s kind of sad, just how people think that way.

“It’s really hurting my family more than anything. That’s why I come out here and give it my all every week, because I’m playing not only for me, but my family, my teammates and my coaches. I really don’t care what people say about me, but ultimately, (my family) does.”

That day, Williams was feted by Broncos observers for his end-zone interception of Cincinnati’s Carson Palmer. But what meant more to him was how his teammates embraced him … just as they always did. It seemed like Williams was always at the epicenter of any on-field celebration, whether it was slapping hands with Champ Bailey after one of his many interceptions or getting a hug and a ride from John Lynch after scoring against San Diego six weeks ago.

His enthusiasm and disposition made him a sterling teammate — whether the team was the Broncos, or his family back in Fort Worth. He would do anything to protect and support both without hesitation.

Without hesitation … really, those words encapsulate the Darrent Williams to whom I asked many a question. He spoke boldly and honestly. Some might have construed his words as cockiness. But he always spoke from the heart — the same heart that bled just a tad on Christmas Eve when he spoke of how his nearest and dearest reacted to what was written and said.

It’s still hard to believe that we won’t hear that voice around here again.

Late this afternoon, as the building had mostly emptied of the staff and players who gathered here today, I hobbled into the darkened, silent locker room just to glance at the spot where Williams held court so many times with the press, staff members and teammates.

Yet even if the room were filled, it would still seem desolate without Williams around.

A lively, engaging, bright light at Dove Valley has died. It shone with every smile that Williams shared with a teammate, a coach, a staffer or an interviewer.

All the while on this sad night here, candles burn out front, giving hope that the light burns on somewhere else.

But that light is no longer with us, and for this, my heart — and I surmise, the collective heart of Broncos Country — breaks tonight.

[SpringStein]

Thanks, for sharing - maybe the best article I've read.

[i4jelway7]

I remember the last couple games ppl in the chat room getting on dwill for his play.... I always liked the chin up attitude of him... and I've never had a problem w/ Darrent's play.. it shows that family's do read these threads, players read these threads.. I for one will be more mindful and thoughtful of my critism of players.

[BizzyBone7]

Very well written... man im gonna miss him

[ludo21]

i have hated DW's play over this past year, but i never hated his attitude.

Whenever i heard him talk he was smileing and upbeat, we are gonna miss him in that lockerroom, this sucks.

[SportinOne]

We all got on DW just the same as we got on every player when they struggled. I think the reason we were so hard on Darrent is because we saw the talent and we saw him playing his heart out and we all just wanted so badly for him to turn that corner. He plays a position where a small mistake is greatly exploited. DJ Williams hasn't been spectacular this year either but it's just not as visible when he messes up.

With a solid defensive line DW could have been a force this year and i believe over time he would have been a force without one.

I still can't believe this happened... I wonder maybe if 27 isn't retired that Foxworth will consider making the switch to honor his friend throughout the rest of his career.

[16-JakE-16]

good article. I remember reading one where Williams' uncle last spoke with him on Thursday and Darrent was upset because of all the criticism he was receiving. No matter, he was a hell of a player and person

[Rascal]

Great article. As fans we expect the players to witstand the criticisms that we and the media throw out, but as this shows it affects them even somebody as positive as d-will.

God bless you Darrent.

[Mtbrncofn]

Great article. Very touching.

[DomCasual]

Man, this whole thing just sucks.

[broncos love]

Great article and every one I read just breaks my heart even more,

[bpc]

I thought the criticism was stupid as hell. First of all DWill defied all expectations as a 1st year corner by playing as well has he did last season. Then this season, he gave up some completions and he had a couple of bad games but that happens from time to time. I still thought he did a great job playing opposite of Champ Bailey. I think his play was excellent barring a few stretches. As it was, his worst game was against Reggie Wayne... I think we all would agree that he is an excellent WR.

I thought the criticism was unfair but this is the age we live it.

I think the outpouring of sorrow for DWill is not only because he was such a great guy and person in our locker room, it was also because he was one of the best young players on this team.

He will be missed off and ON the field.

RIP - DWill.

[Pendejo]

Originally Posted by bpc

I thought the criticism was stupid as hell. First of all DWill defied all expectations as a 1st year corner by playing as well has he did last season. Then this season, he gave up some completions and he had a couple of bad games but that happens from time to time. I still thought he did a great job playing opposite of Champ Bailey. I think his play was excellent barring a few stretches. As it was, his worst game was against Reggie Wayne... I think we all would agree that he is an excellent WR.

I thought the criticism was unfair but this is the age we live it.

I think the outpouring of sorrow for DWill is not only because he was such a great guy and person in our locker room, it was also because he was one of the best young players on this team.

He will be missed off and ON the field.

RIP - DWill.

The criticism on this board of Darrent William's play was as just as that aimed at any player. The majority of it from fans comes out of nothing more than frustration.

Of course pro athletes are going to get criticized by their fans when things don't go their team's way. A couple of times this year Darrent was the target du jour. Similarly his good buddy Dominique Foxworth took a beating on this board after the AFC championship game last year. Not very fair either.

I'm pretty sure that anyone with even a rudimentary grasp of the search function on this board could find the posts in which I said that I thought that Foxworth was more sound than Darrent. I believed it too.

But I didn't want him to die.

[Kaylore]

Today was the hardest for me. I was easily agitated and went off on a friend of mine blaming Denver for allowing organized crime to thrive and for us to become one of the worst cities for murders in the country. I just started screaming at him and it was really dumb. He understood, but it's frustrating and I want to find those guys and take a tire iron to their skulls.

[OrangeShadow]

i think this quote sums up DW perfectly.
"A broad smile seemed tattooed to his face "

[Broncoman13]

That was probably Andrew's best piece of work ever. Shanny was 100% right when he said, "God got a good one in 'D'."

I think it would be neat for Nique to wear #27. But I also think it would be neat for the Broncos to retire that # and perhaps even highlight the 27 yard line on the field. We have to do something so that he is ALWAYS remembered.

I feel bad for guys like Shanahan. The team is looking up to him to be the strength in this trying time. Meanwhile, he still has to run a business and he has to account for not only losing a great friend, a great person, but a great player. Pray for Shanahan just like you would Javon Walker or Darrent's family.

[ol number 7]

Originally Posted by SpringStein

Thanks, for sharing - maybe the best article I've read.

Number 1 post of all time. Thanks Andrew

[Meck77]

Man I feel like I just got the news all over again....Powerful article....

[watermock]

I always tried to explain that Darrent's job opposite Champ might been the hardest in the NFL, considering our pass rush.

I'm not saying that I never critiqued him, but he had a tough job for obvious reasons. I always liked him...ALOT...because he played bigger than his size and had an infectious smile.

It's all so senseless. These thugs are long gone by now.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Many people on this board were extremely critical of Darrent. It was just as disgusting as this board's attitude towards other players like Jake Plummer.

We all should take a lesson from this, and Darrent will have left a legacy with us here at the orangemane and with other Bronco fan communities around the world. CHEER your team on. Support them. It makes a difference. They are our players, our team. Our football hopes rest in them, and they are real people.

Rarely have I ever seen the booing and jeering of players result in anything good. If you are upset with the Broncos, boo the organization by keeping your wallet shut when you want to buy a jersey.

[smalltowngrll]

I must have missed this article yesterday. Well written and definitely lets the fans in on what goes on inside the person.

He will be missed by so many!

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Originally Posted by bpc

But when the question was posed, something different happened. For the first time since I’d met Williams, I heard a quiver of pain in his usually upbeat voice. It was not for what the public assessments of his play did to him. Rather, it was for those he held closest, and how they absorbed everything that was said and written about their beloved young NFLer.

“You know, I hate it when my mom and people in my family call me and say, ‘Keep your head up; don’t worry about what they say,’ and I’ll (reply),’ ‘What did they say?’ They tell me stuff they say,” Williams said on Christmas Eve. “It’s kind of sad, just how people think that way.

“It’s really hurting my family more than anything. That’s why I come out here and give it my all every week, because I’m playing not only for me, but my family, my teammates and my coaches. I really don’t care what people say about me, but ultimately, (my family) does.”

.

This speaks to my biggest complaint about the Mane. Constructive criticism and discussion of the issues is fine, but some of the stuff posted here crosses the line and is nothing but hate mongering and character assasination. Some of it has been directed at Darrent and some at other players and coaches. My hope is that all here learn a lesson from this tragedy and realize these are real people with real feelings and family and friends that care about them. Let's try to keep it a little more civil in the coming year.

[bpc]

I remember how highly touted Shawn Springs was coming out of Seattle and how he was supposed to be the next HUGE shut down corner...

Denver travelled to Seattle that year in the 2nd or 3rd game of the season in 97' and Ed McCaffrey just literally took him behind the woodshed. He ran routes and Springs was literally 5-10 away from him each time, I think he also had a couple of scores. I remember Logan being quoted on the air as saying "thats about as easy as it comes in the national football league..."

Ever since then my expectations for CB's were tempered. We all want them to succeed but I wasn't expecting DWill or Fox to hit their stride until their fourth year. The fact that they came on and took the bull by the horns in their first season was amazing. They both played huge roles in our AFC West championship season.

As good as they played last season, they played better this year! DWill's INT's and tackles were up this year. I know that against Indy, DWill had a tough game. I didn't think he played bad overall though. A couple of those passes were just perfectly thrown and DWill was too short to get to it. Some people here on the Mane were ready to string him up. He is a 2nd year corner!!!

Anyways, I was also the guy who didn't blast Roc Alexander after he had a terrible game against Wayne in the playoffs, hell, he was a first year corner.

Back in the day players were allowed to grow. In today's NFL, you produce now or people are calling for your head.

I don't compare the situations to Jake Plummer though as he is a finished product as a 10 year vet. He was good enough to get the offense functional occationally but not much else. DWill was a corner taking his lumps in his 1st meeting with Peyton Manning... a QB who has shredded the best of the best. If he was in his 10 year, maybe I would have been a little more critical. At this stage though I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

[Los Broncos]

I love and will miss you "D"