thedenverpost--2020-05-29--Five-star recruit Antonio Alfano no longer with CU Buffs football team

Antonio Alfano ’ s brief time as a Colorado Buffalo has come to an end .
A former five-star recruit who transferred from Alabama last winter , Alfano is no longer enrolled in school and therefore is not a part of the football team , CU confirmed to Buffzone on Friday .
Alfano , a 6-foot-5 , 280-pound defensive lineman , enrolled at CU in January , recruited to Boulder by former head coach Mel Tucker .
In early March , new head coach Karl Dorrell told Buffzone that Alfano had been suspended indefinitely for a violation for team rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the roster .
Alfano , who grew up in New Jersey , went to three different high schools , playing two years at Bergen Catholic , his junior year at Rahway High School and his senior year at Colonia High School .
In the 2019 recruiting class , Alfano was once rated the nation ’ s No .
1 prospect by 247Sports.com and he signed with Alabama , enrolling in January 2019 .
He had two sacks in the Crimson Tide spring game last year and went through fall camp before leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NCAA transfer portal in October .
Tucker , who spent just one season at CU , recruited Alfano while at Georgia and reached out to him in October .
In November , Alfano announced he was transferring to Colorado , becoming the most highly-anticipated newcomer to the program in more than a decade .

Antonio Alfano’s brief time as a Colorado Buffalo has come to an end.
A former five-star recruit who transferred from Alabama last winter, Alfano is no longer enrolled in school and therefore is not a part of the football team, CU confirmed to Buffzone on Friday.
Alfano, a 6-foot-5, 280-pound defensive lineman, enrolled at CU in January, recruited to Boulder by former head coach Mel Tucker. In early March, new head coach Karl Dorrell told Buffzone that Alfano had been suspended indefinitely for a violation for team rules. Now, he is no longer on the roster.
Alfano, who grew up in New Jersey, went to three different high schools, playing two years at Bergen Catholic, his junior year at Rahway High School and his senior year at Colonia High School.
In the 2019 recruiting class, Alfano was once rated the nation’s No. 1 prospect by 247Sports.com and he signed with Alabama, enrolling in January 2019. He had two sacks in the Crimson Tide spring game last year and went through fall camp before leaving the team in September and entering the NCAA transfer portal in October.
Tucker, who spent just one season at CU, recruited Alfano while at Georgia and reached out to him in October. In November, Alfano announced he was transferring to Colorado, becoming the most highly-anticipated newcomer to the program in more than a decade.


thedenverpost--2020-05-29--Live a life of luxury in this incredible coastal-style home

East Coast meets the West at this Hamptons-inspired estate .
Located at 1701 East Tufts Avenue – and listed by LIV Sotheby ’ s International Realty ( LIV SIR ) broker , Janet Kritzer , for $ 4,500,000 – this captivating Cherry Hills Village home is the perfect , pastoral escape from the city .
Spend your summer enjoying everything this stunning estate has to offer .
The 10,666-square-foot home is situated on 2.3 acres in one of Denver Metro ’ s most prestigious neighborhoods .
The design of the home exudes classic , coastal style , from the cool-toned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stonework accents on the exterior to the abundance of natural light and designer finishes on the interior .
“ This home brings East Coast charm to Colorado , ” explained Kritzer .
“ When it comes to amenities , style , and location , there is no other home like 1701 East Tufts Avenue in Denver.
” Every room of the home is exquisitely engineered to create an elegant and inviting ambiance .
In the chef ’ s kitchen , an oversized eat-in island , dual sinks , and high-end appliances give one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gourmet dish at home .
The master bedroom , with its gorgeous ensuite bathroom , is a serene setting in which to start and end the day .
In total , there are six bedrooms and nine full bathrooms , including the detached guest cottage , providing plenty of space to host friends , family , and loved ones .
The guest cottage is a two-story loft and features its very own kitchen .
What ’ s more , guests can open the cottage ’ s French doors and walk right out onto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The house features other bonus spaces that make this residence a must-have .
Work from home in the office space and set up a recreation or entertainment room on the lower level .
When the weather is warm and the sun is shining , bring the fun outdoors .
Outdoor living has become so valuable as more homeowners seek spaces to relax and entertain at home .
Cook a meal outside in the full patio kitchen complete with a grill , oven , refrigerator , and even pizza oven .
Then enjoy your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fire .
On warm summer days , enjoy a dip in the pool or spend some time soaking and relaxing in the hot tub .
There ’ s plenty of room to roam at this estate .
The expansive grounds are lush with greenery and offer the ability to keep a horse on the property .
Additionally , the small playground can keep children entertained year-round .
For the buyer looking for style , sophistication , and superior amenities , this is the perfect home .
To learn more about this residence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For all of your real estate needs , contact your LIV Sotheby ’ s International Realty by calling 303.893.3200 or visiting livsothebysrealty.com .
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

East Coast meets the West at this Hamptons-inspired estate. Located at 1701 East Tufts Avenue – and listed by LIV Sotheby’s International Realty (LIV SIR) broker, Janet Kritzer, for $4,500,000 – this captivating Cherry Hills Village home is the perfect, pastoral escape from the city.
Spend your summer enjoying everything this stunning estate has to offer. The 10,666-square-foot home is situated on 2.3 acres in one of Denver Metro’s most prestigious neighborhoods. The design of the home exudes classic, coastal style, from the cool-toned siding, bright white columns, and stonework accents on the exterior to the abundance of natural light and designer finishes on the interior.
“This home brings East Coast charm to Colorado,” explained Kritzer. “When it comes to amenities, style, and location, there is no other home like 1701 East Tufts Avenue in Denver.”
Every room of the home is exquisitely engineered to create an elegant and inviting ambiance. In the chef’s kitchen, an oversized eat-in island, dual sinks, and high-end appliances give one all the tools needed to cook a gourmet dish at home. The master bedroom, with its gorgeous ensuite bathroom, is a serene setting in which to start and end the day. In total, there are six bedrooms and nine full bathrooms, including the detached guest cottage, providing plenty of space to host friends, family, and loved ones. The guest cottage is a two-story loft and features its very own kitchen. What’s more, guests can open the cottage’s French doors and walk right out onto the stunning pool deck and patio.
The house features other bonus spaces that make this residence a must-have. Work from home in the office space and set up a recreation or entertainment room on the lower level. When the weather is warm and the sun is shining, bring the fun outdoors.
Outdoor living has become so valuable as more homeowners seek spaces to relax and entertain at home. Cook a meal outside in the full patio kitchen complete with a grill, oven, refrigerator, and even pizza oven. Then enjoy your evening on the flagstone deck next to the fire. On warm summer days, enjoy a dip in the pool or spend some time soaking and relaxing in the hot tub.
There’s plenty of room to roam at this estate. The expansive grounds are lush with greenery and offer the ability to keep a horse on the property. Additionally, the small playground can keep children entertained year-round.
For the buyer looking for style, sophistication, and superior amenities, this is the perfect home. To learn more about this residence, contact Janet Kritzer at 303.883.2474. For all of your real estate needs, contact your LIV Sotheby’s International Realty by calling 303.893.3200 or visiting livsothebysrealty.com.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-05-29--NCAA offers plan to bring athletes back to campus

The NCAA released a long and detailed plan Friday to help schools bring athletes back to campus during a pandemic @ @ @ @ @ Sports : Action Plan Considerations was announced as schools across the country prepare for the @ @ @ @ @ early as June 8 .
The NCAA ’ s Division I Council voted last week @ @ @ @ @ on athletic activities starting Monday .
That cleared the way for voluntary workouts and training @ @ @ @ @ .
Schools have already started putting plans in place to test athletes , coaches and @ @ @ @ @ social distancing .
The NCAA says its plan is offered as guidance , consistent with @ @ @ @ @ guidelines .
Shortly before the NCAA released its guidelines , the University of North Carolina @ @ @ @ @ plan to bring athletes back to campus .
The college football season is scheduled to @ @ @ @ @ , with a few games being played the Saturday before the holiday weekend .
There @ @ @ @ @ slate of games from Sept. 3-7 .

The NCAA released a long and detailed plan Friday to help schools bring athletes back to campus during a pandemic.
The Resocialization of Collegiate Sports: Action Plan Considerations was announced as schools across the country prepare for the return of football players as early as June 8.
The NCAA’s Division I Council voted last week to l ift a moratorium on athletic activities starting Monday. That cleared the way for voluntary workouts and training to begin at team facilities.
Schools have already started putting plans in place to test athletes, coaches and staff for coronavirus and implement social distancing. The NCAA says its plan is offered as guidance, consistent with federal and local public health guidelines.
Shortly before the NCAA released its guidelines, the University of North Carolina posted on social media its plan to bring athletes back to campus.
The college football season is scheduled to start around Labor Day weekend, with a few games being played the Saturday before the holiday weekend. There is to be a full slate of games from Sept. 3-7.


thedenverpost--2020-05-29--At least 11 MLB teams pledge more stipends to minor leaguers

NEW YORK — At least 11 major league franchises have informed minor leaguers they will continue to provide allowances after the May 31 expiration of Major League Baseball ’ s policy guarantying those players $ 400 per week .
The San Diego Padres , Miami Marlins , Minnesota Twins and Seattle Mariners are promising payments through August , and the Los Angeles Dodgers , New York Mets , Chicago White Sox , Tampa Bay Rays , Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles have pledged to do so through at least June .
The White Sox are even providing those stipends to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Philadelphia Phillies also plan to continue allowances through June , but likely at a reduction from the $ 400 per week rate .
The amount is to be determined , the team said .
Oakland said Tuesday it will suspend pay for all minor leaguers at the end of the month .
The Athletics are the only team to announce an end to the allowances .
MLB suspended spring training and postponed the start of the minor league season in March due to the novel coronavirus , leaving low-paid minor league players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy March 19 that provided most non-40-man roster players signed to minor league deals with stipends through April 8 , and it later extended the policy through May 31 .
The allowances were a pay raise for many players , with minimum salaries ranging from $ 290 per week at Class A to $ 502 per week at Triple-A over the five-month season .
MLB and the players ’ association are negotiating terms to start the major league season later in the summer , but it seems likely there will not be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly begun to release players who aren ’ t top prospects and won ’ t figure into their 2020 MLB rosters .
The White Sox are the only club to say it will extend allowances to players recently released .

NEW YORK — At least 11 major league franchises have informed minor leaguers they will continue to provide allowances after the May 31 expiration of Major League Baseball’s policy guarantying those players $400 per week.
The San Diego Padres, Miami Marlins, Minnesota Twins and Seattle Mariners are promising payments through August, and the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles have pledged to do so through at least June. The White Sox are even providing those stipends to 25 minor league players recently released.
The Philadelphia Phillies also plan to continue allowances through June, but likely at a reduction from the $400 per week rate. The amount is to be determined, the team said.
Oakland said Tuesday it will suspend pay for all minor leaguers at the end of the month. The Athletics are the only team to announce an end to the allowances.
MLB suspended spring training and postponed the start of the minor league season in March due to the novel coronavirus, leaving low-paid minor league players in lurch. The league launched a policy March 19 that provided most non-40-man roster players signed to minor league deals with stipends through April 8, and it later extended the policy through May 31.
The allowances were a pay raise for many players, with minimum salaries ranging from $290 per week at Class A to $502 per week at Triple-A over the five-month season.
MLB and the players’ association are negotiating terms to start the major league season later in the summer, but it seems likely there will not be a minor league season. Some teams have reportedly begun to release players who aren’t top prospects and won’t figure into their 2020 MLB rosters. The White Sox are the only club to say it will extend allowances to players recently released.


thedenverpost--2020-05-30--Debit cards loaded with stimulus money are landing in Colorado mail boxes

The U.S. Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service have mailed out 4 million Economic Impact Payments in recent days , trying to reach those who weren ’ t part of the first round of direct deposits .
But the stimulus money is coming in a format that is confusing people who were expecting paper checks with U.S. Treasury or IRS stamped on them , maybe even President Donald Trump ’ s signature .
Instead , they are receiving nondescript VISA debit cards issued by MetaBank , not exactly a household name , in plain envelopes from Money Network Cardholder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Omaha , isn ’ t that what Peyton Manning used to shout when calling plays as the Denver Broncos quarterback ?
Financial website MarketWatch and other media outlets are reporting that recipients are shredding the cards , thinking they are bogus , or pitching the envelopes in the trash , missing out on the federal payments of up to $ 1,200 a person .
“ Our understanding is that Treasury made the decision to distribute EIP funds via debit cards to Americans for whom it did not have bank account information , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ hands sooner than would be possible by cutting paper checks from the Treasury , ” said Amanda Averch , a spokeswoman for the Colorado Bankers Association .
Because the maximum number of checks Treasury can cut in any given week is 5 million , it could have taken some people as long as five months to receive their payment , Averch said .
But for older adults not familiar with a prepaid card , they can be confusing .
For years , consumers have been told not to share personal information with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ envelope arrives telling them to go online or call a toll-free number during a time when scammers are seeking people ’ s personal information so they to “ free up ” their EIP money .
“ Being older , I am in the category of those being at risk of the coronavirus as well as every scam in the world , ” said Bill , a Golden retiree , who asked that his last name not be used .
.
And while he is familiar with using cash , checks and credit cards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of prepaid and debit cards .
He has delayed activating his card because he was uncomfortable handing over the last six digits of his social security number to a firm he didn ’ t know from Adam .
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides a handy Q & A page for those with questions about the cards and how to use them without incurring fees .
Activation can be completed safely online at EIPCard.com or by calling the one authorized number : 1-800-240-8100 .
The cards can be used to make purchases anywhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can provide cash back , and the cards work at automated teller machines .
Daily withdrawal limits apply , as well as fees if transactions are done outside an ATM that is part of the AllPoint network .
Bank and credit union tellers can also provide funds from the card , Averch said , although it is important to know the balance ahead of time .
People can go online and provide routing information to transfer their funds to an existing bank account .
Using the cards to pay for gas at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some stations place a pre-pay hold that can tie up funds for several days .
Go to the attendant and prepay a specific amount .
And for anyone who might have unwittingly pitched a card in the trash , not all is lost .
Call 1-800-240-8100 and select the lost/stolen option and ask to have the card reissued .

The U.S. Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service have mailed out 4 million Economic Impact Payments in recent days, trying to reach those who weren’t part of the first round of direct deposits.
But the stimulus money is coming in a format that is confusing people who were expecting paper checks with U.S. Treasury or IRS stamped on them, maybe even President Donald Trump’s signature.
Instead, they are receiving nondescript VISA debit cards issued by MetaBank, not exactly a household name, in plain envelopes from Money Network Cardholder Service with an Omaha return address.
Omaha, isn’t that what Peyton Manning used to shout when calling plays as the Denver Broncos quarterback?
Financial website MarketWatch and other media outlets are reporting that recipients are shredding the cards, thinking they are bogus, or pitching the envelopes in the trash, missing out on the federal payments of up to $1,200 a person.
“Our understanding is that Treasury made the decision to distribute EIP funds via debit cards to Americans for whom it did not have bank account information, in order to get the money into Americans’ hands sooner than would be possible by cutting paper checks from the Treasury,” said Amanda Averch, a spokeswoman for the Colorado Bankers Association.
Because the maximum number of checks Treasury can cut in any given week is 5 million, it could have taken some people as long as five months to receive their payment, Averch said.
But for older adults not familiar with a prepaid card, they can be confusing. For years, consumers have been told not to share personal information with unknown parties. Now, a mysterious envelope arrives telling them to go online or call a toll-free number during a time when scammers are seeking people’s personal information so they to “free up” their EIP money.
“Being older, I am in the category of those being at risk of the coronavirus as well as every scam in the world,” said Bill, a Golden retiree, who asked that his last name not be used. .
And while he is familiar with using cash, checks and credit cards, he isn’t a fan of prepaid and debit cards. He has delayed activating his card because he was uncomfortable handing over the last six digits of his social security number to a firm he didn’t know from Adam.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides a handy Q&A page for those with questions about the cards and how to use them without incurring fees. Activation can be completed safely online at EIPCard.com or by calling the one authorized number: 1-800-240-8100.
The cards can be used to make purchases anywhere VISA Debit cards are accepted. Merchants can provide cash back, and the cards work at automated teller machines. Daily withdrawal limits apply, as well as fees if transactions are done outside an ATM that is part of the AllPoint network.
Bank and credit union tellers can also provide funds from the card, Averch said, although it is important to know the balance ahead of time. People can go online and provide routing information to transfer their funds to an existing bank account.
Using the cards to pay for gas at the pump is more complicated, given that some stations place a pre-pay hold that can tie up funds for several days. Go to the attendant and prepay a specific amount.
Those who might have unwittingly pitched a card in the trash can call 1-800-240-8100 and select the lost/stolen option and ask to have the card reissued. But consumers are complaining that they are being asked to provide a card number to have a card reissued.


thedenverpost--2020-05-30--Denver 2020 valedictorians reflect on their lost spring and bright futures

I will never forget our legendary spirit days that brought laughs to all our classes , surprise fireworks after winning the homecoming game , freezing soccer games when we huddled together under blankets , people falling all over the place after getting too excited during the senior run or the confetti that showered over our heads at the winter pep rally .
Even though senior year ended much sooner than we expected , we created memories that we will cherish forever .
I also want us to remember that we didn ’ t get here on our own .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me breakfast almost every day before school ( I will definitely miss that in college ) and for always encouraging me in everything I do , and my teachers for not only struggling to get us through online school but reading my many college essays and always making their classrooms and offices a safe place for all of us .
I know this wasn ’ t the way we wanted to leave our mark .
I know we had many more late nights and senior pranks yet to be had , but even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun senior year while it lasted .
We will be remembered not only as an energetic spirited class who set the bar for others , but as a class who , in the face of global adversity , were able to show our communities what it truly means to be a North Viking .
Our teachers are truly the ones who made our high school experience the best !
They are the ones who helped us grow into who we are today .
Our teachers are the ones who made us believe we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could .
They are the ones who have taught us how important education is .
Today they will see us graduate , today they will have to let go of us because through high school they were there holding our hand to show us the right path , but today they are rewarded for their work by seeing us walk into the world with all the wisdom they have provided us .
I also want to appreciate our greatest supporters .
Our parents .
( I would like to say this part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Me encantaria dar mis gracias a todos nuestros padres , que en verdad han sido nuestro mejor apoyo .
Les quiero dar gracias a todos nuestros padres que por ustedes es que estamos aquí hoy graduándonos , por sus sacrificios .
Que en verdad no fue fácil en dejar su pais , pero aun lo hicieron porque como me dicen mis padres “ queremos que logren más que nosotros ” .
Seniors , as we all know , the majority of our memories happened throughout the way and we were certainly waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second and final semester .
However , here we are today .
At home .
Quarantined .
Yeah , our 3.5 years weren ’ t all that bad but I can guarantee that each and every one of us here awaited for the final semester .
All of our lives we waited to live our senior year and those fantastic events that come along with it .
More than anything , we waited to walk the stage .
The stage we saw our older siblings walk across .
The stage we would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the older sibling .
But we have to reflect upon this and from now on , we can never just await for our goal to get to us , or for us to live that moment .
Instead , we must enjoy each and every step of the way : That we got a B in the math exam , let ’ s celebrate that ; that we won all soccer games junior year , let ’ s celebrate that ; that our basketball team made it to semi-finals , let ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us proud because we rejoice for you , BASKETBALL season !
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Every step of the way , enjoy and celebrate where you get to your goal and have no regrets of what you didn ’ t do .
I ’ m sorry if I look at my phone I ’ m not good at memorizing things .
I also hope to not cry because this makeup took me an hour , and I ’ m not about to let it get ruined .
Let me start off by saying that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imagined myself giving my Valedictorian speech .
I don ’ t think any of us ever imagined that such an unprecedented event would take place .
No one imagined that the last three months of our high school journey would be changed in an instant .
My anxiety is thankful right now that I don ’ t have to do this on a bright stage looking at people I ’ ve never met .
I ’ ve never been good at giving speeches and I also get stage fright right at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today ’ s not about me , it ’ s about us , the class of 2020 , even if this isn ’ t the graduation we dreamed or imagined of .
Our high school experience might have not been what we imagined , from teacher protests last year to COVID-19 this year .
But these experiences are what make the Class of 2020 unique and it ’ s also things that are going to separate us from future generations .
The main thing that I have learned over quarantine is that life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your last day on earth will be , so every day should be lived as your last .
I want to say some words in Spanish , because I don ’ t think I am able to express them in English .
Las personas con quien estoy más agradecida son mis padres ya que se que sin ellos no podía estar aquí .
Esto lo digo por mi papa que empezó desde cero y siempre ha tratado de hacer lo mejor que pude para sus hijos aunque se indique que solo lo podemos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tenemos suerte .
El se ha convertido en mi mejor ejemplo hasta el dia de hoy , También estoy agradecida con mi mama ya que no hay ni un dia sin que su motivación esté presente , no creo haber llegado hasta donde estoy hoy si no fuera por sus esfuerzos aunque haya veces en las ella no entienda la tera ella trata para que vea a sus hijos seguir adelante .
Muchas gracias , thank you .
Class of 2020 , this is not how we expected or wanted our senior year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a prime example that life can change within a short amount of time .
So , enjoy every moment of your life .
Before this time occurred , throughout high school and even middle school , we all shared our memories with each other .
Good and bad , happy and sad moments and all in between .
Although we may not be able to relive those positive memories , we will always cherish them for the rest of our lives .
This is not the end of our story , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our lives .
We begin a new chapter the moment we all move our tassels to the left .
We are the ones to choose and walk our own paths .
We will not walk the same pathway to success , so it is okay if yours seems to be different from everyone else ’ s .
It can also change as you go along the way .
There will be points in your life where you may slip or fall off of your path .
It is important that you get back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work we put in will lead to great outcomes Also , embrace those failures and learn from them .
Live life to the fullest and enjoy every day .
Remember that life is not a race to the finish .
Enjoy every moment because the minute you forget to , you will miss the important things and regret it .
Appreciate the people in your life that support you and be grateful for what you have .
Do not let time slip away from you .
To be honest with everyone , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech , I really wanted to avoid talking about everything we have missed as a class .
It would be way easier to reminisce about the Homecoming bonfire being in the back parking lot .
When people tell me they ’ re sorry that my whole senior year was turned upside down , I just shrug it off and say , “ It ’ s not that big a deal.
” It is a hard thing to talk about .
And not talking about it seems less painful .
But it is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prom and graduation , our BBQ and awards .
I wish I had known on that day in early March that I wouldn ’ t be coming back to South .
I would have hugged my friends goodbye and thanked my teachers for everything they ’ ve done for me , but instead I was unaware and scrambling to leave for a horse show ( of course ) .
I would even go back for one more class meeting just to sit in the auditorium another Thursday .
For all of us , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in mind for our senior year , and that can evoke all kinds of feelings , which is okay .
Maybe you ’ ve been ready for what comes next since December , or maybe you ’ ve wished high school would last a few more months .
Whatever you ’ re going through , it ’ s valid .
Numbing out or ignoring how we really feel can often be our go-to , but this is ultimately a large part of our individual and class experience .
Feeling pain and loss on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others , celebrating victories big and small as they come our way… that is the beauty of being alive .
Spring 2020 will not define our class .
Don ’ t let it .
Class of 2020 , we had to come to terms with not experiencing prom , senior prank , senior ditch day but more importantly a graduation ceremony .
I am sorry to those who dreamt of walking down the stage as their families cheer them on .
I am sorry to those who worked endlessly to achieve awards of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am sorry that we said our goodbyes without knowing that it would truly be our final .
No one could have guessed that our senior year would end abruptly due to a global pandemic .
It saddens me that we will forever be known as the high school graduating class that never actually “ graduated.
” While we could mourn the loss of the memories that could have been ; let ’ s adopt a more positive outlook and take this as a learning lesson : Unexpected things will always happen in life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be bad .
But what is important is how we choose to react and take action afterward .
After all , I believe that tough experiences , as we are currently exhibiting , can strengthen our personal growth .
Whether you move forward with your education or jump straight into the workforce I encourage you all to adopt this outlook .
I won ’ t negate it , we deserved to have experienced prom , ditch day , a graduation ceremony and everything else that a high school senior looks forward to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never pan out exactly as we envisioned them to .
May what we perceive as a setback or let down , be treated as an opportunity to grow….I say this all not to be dismissive of your emotions but to flip this negative situation into a positive .
We can cry , yell , and be angry at the situation but let ’ s come out of this stronger than before .
“ Well guys , we made it .
We ’ ve finally finished that thing that was required of us by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m not talking about quarantine .
Whether or not we ’ ve saved ourselves from a life of living in our parents ’ basements or from a life of becoming a manager at McDonald ’ s remains to be seen .
On a more serious note , this day marks the end of a 13-year-long journey that not all of us were meant to take .
Many of us , including myself , are first-generation students .
We ’ ve taken the road less traveled and managed to overcome all the obstacles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personally congratulate everyone for making it this far and taking the next step in furthering your education .
I also want to thank our wonderful teachers and support staff as well as our amazing principal Ms. Lofaro .
Although not everyone we started with is here with us , we carry the hopes of those who made an impact in our lives .
We carry the hopes of our families and the hopes of those who believed in us .
We ’ ve proven ourselves to be more than our circumstances even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was against us .
Looking back at all the blood , sweat and tears we ’ ve poured into these last four years , it ’ s amazing to think that is what allowed us to be here right now .
We all struggle in some way , shape or form and that ’ s what makes us human .
Struggling allows us to realize what ’ s truly important in our lives and that life gets better ; it ’ s all up to you and what you believe you are capable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a chance at redemption tomorrow .
I would first like to recognize the East community that got us where we are today .
It is a community rich in diversity and embodies a cohesion that is unlike anything I have ever seen .
Unfortunately , communities like East are extremely rare .
You can usually find communities that are either diverse or cohesive but rarely do you find communities that harbor both .
East is a prime example of what we should aim towards and although it is not impeccable , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are headed next year it is vital that you remember your roots at East High School and try to replicate the unity that is East .
So how do you represent this outstanding group of people ?
This class is filled with talented musicians , singers , actors , DECA geeks and Con law freaks , talented athletes , people who make robots to run over teachers , speech and debate title holders , activists , and most importantly , people who will take charge of their futures .
I like to think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As you may know , an arrow must be pulled back before it is shot .
Our class has been pulled back numerous times .
We are being dragged back by politicians who refuse to take action to secure a sustainable future .
We were dragged back when we had to help our teachers fight for fair compensation for their extraordinary work as educators .
And finally we were dragged back when our senior spring was stolen from by a microscopic virus .
However , our class is resilient and strong .
Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times , we always launch ourselves into momentous accomplishments .
So focus , aim , and try your best class of 2020.
” To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

Editor’s Note The senior class of 2020 missed many of the traditions that accompany graduating from high school. Perhaps the biggest was walking across a stage and receiving their diploma while proud families snapped photos from the stands. But despite the upheaval, the tradition of the valedictorian’s speech went on, even if the delivery wasn’t what they imagined. The Denver Post wanted to both celebrate these students and help them celebrate, so we asked the Denver Public Schools to help us collect the speeches. We’ve listed excerpts of a few of them here, edited for space. Congratulations, class of 2020.
I will never forget our legendary spirit days that brought laughs to all our classes, surprise fireworks after winning the homecoming game, freezing soccer games when we huddled together under blankets, people falling all over the place after getting too excited during the senior run or the confetti that showered over our heads at the winter pep rally. Even though senior year ended much sooner than we expected, we created memories that we will cherish forever.
I also want us to remember that we didn’t get here on our own. I want to thank my family for making me breakfast almost every day before school (I will definitely miss that in college) and for always encouraging me in everything I do, and my teachers for not only struggling to get us through online school but reading my many college essays and always making their classrooms and offices a safe place for all of us.
I know this wasn’t the way we wanted to leave our mark. I know we had many more late nights and senior pranks yet to be had, but even so, we sure did have a fun senior year while it lasted. We will be remembered not only as an energetic spirited class who set the bar for others, but as a class who, in the face of global adversity, were able to show our communities what it truly means to be a North Viking.
Isla Anderson, Denver North High School
Our teachers are truly the ones who made our high school experience the best! They are the ones who helped us grow into who we are today. Our teachers are the ones who made us believe we could do more than we thought we could. They are the ones who have taught us how important education is. Today they will see us graduate, today they will have to let go of us because through high school they were there holding our hand to show us the right path, but today they are rewarded for their work by seeing us walk into the world with all the wisdom they have provided us.
I also want to appreciate our greatest supporters. Our parents. (I would like to say this part in Spanish instead because of my parents). Me encantaria dar mis gracias a todos nuestros padres, que en verdad han sido nuestro mejor apoyo. Les quiero dar gracias a todos nuestros padres que por ustedes es que estamos aquí hoy graduándonos, por sus sacrificios. Que en verdad no fue fácil en dejar su pais, pero aun lo hicieron porque como me dicen mis padres “queremos que logren más que nosotros”.
Ellos dejaron a sus sueños para darnos la oportunidad de tener los nuestro. “Ellos cortaron sus alas para vernos volar” (unknown). Gracias por siempre estar ahí para nosotros diciéndonos “si se puede mijo”. En verdad sin ustedes no estaríamos aquí ninguno de nosotros.
Seniors, as we all know, the majority of our memories happened throughout the way and we were certainly waiting for more to be made during our second and final semester. However, here we are today. At home. Quarantined. Yeah, our 3.5 years weren’t all that bad but I can guarantee that each and every one of us here awaited for the final semester. All of our lives we waited to live our senior year and those fantastic events that come along with it.
More than anything, we waited to walk the stage. The stage we saw our older siblings walk across. The stage we would be proud to walk as first-generation students or as the older sibling.
But we have to reflect upon this and from now on, we can never just await for our goal to get to us, or for us to live that moment. Instead, we must enjoy each and every step of the way: That we got a B in the math exam, let’s celebrate that; that we won all soccer games junior year, let’s celebrate that; that our basketball team made it to semi-finals, let’s let them know that they made us proud because we rejoice for you, BASKETBALL season!!!! Every step of the way, enjoy and celebrate where you get to your goal and have no regrets of what you didn’t do.
Marina Bañuelos Villagrana, Abraham Lincoln High School
I’m sorry if I look at my phone I’m not good at memorizing things. I also hope to not cry because this makeup took me an hour, and I’m not about to let it get ruined. Let me start off by saying that this is not the way that I imagined myself giving my Valedictorian speech. I don’t think any of us ever imagined that such an unprecedented event would take place. No one imagined that the last three months of our high school journey would be changed in an instant. My anxiety is thankful right now that I don’t have to do this on a bright stage looking at people I’ve never met. I’ve never been good at giving speeches and I also get stage fright right at the moment when I begin to talk. But today’s not about me, it’s about us, the class of 2020, even if this isn’t the graduation we dreamed or imagined of. Our high school experience might have not been what we imagined, from teacher protests last year to COVID-19 this year. But these experiences are what make the Class of 2020 unique and it’s also things that are going to separate us from future generations. The main thing that I have learned over quarantine is that life is short and you never know when your last day on earth will be, so every day should be lived as your last.
I want to say some words in Spanish, because I don’t think I am able to express them in English. Las personas con quien estoy más agradecida son mis padres ya que se que sin ellos no podía estar aquí. Esto lo digo por mi papa que empezó desde cero y siempre ha tratado de hacer lo mejor que pude para sus hijos aunque se indique que solo lo podemos ver dos días a veces cuatro si tenemos suerte. El se ha convertido en mi mejor ejemplo hasta el dia de hoy, También estoy agradecida con mi mama ya que no hay ni un dia sin que su motivación esté presente, no creo haber llegado hasta donde estoy hoy si no fuera por sus esfuerzos aunque haya veces en las ella no entienda la tera ella trata para que vea a sus hijos seguir adelante. Muchas gracias, thank you.
Ashley Sanchez, West Leadership Academy
Class of 2020, this is not how we expected or wanted our senior year to end. These occurrences of events are a prime example that life can change within a short amount of time. So, enjoy every moment of your life. Before this time occurred, throughout high school and even middle school, we all shared our memories with each other. Good and bad, happy and sad moments and all in between. Although we may not be able to relive those positive memories, we will always cherish them for the rest of our lives.
This is not the end of our story, but an end to an important chapter of our lives. We begin a new chapter the moment we all move our tassels to the left. We are the ones to choose and walk our own paths. We will not walk the same pathway to success, so it is okay if yours seems to be different from everyone else’s. It can also change as you go along the way. There will be points in your life where you may slip or fall off of your path. It is important that you get back up and not give up. The work we put in will lead to great outcomes Also, embrace those failures and learn from them.
Live life to the fullest and enjoy every day. Remember that life is not a race to the finish. Enjoy every moment because the minute you forget to, you will miss the important things and regret it. Appreciate the people in your life that support you and be grateful for what you have. Do not let time slip away from you.
Edith Moreno-Dominguez, Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy
To be honest with everyone, when I first sat down to write this speech, I really wanted to avoid talking about everything we have missed as a class. It would be way easier to reminisce about the Homecoming bonfire being in the back parking lot. When people tell me they’re sorry that my whole senior year was turned upside down, I just shrug it off and say, “It’s not that big a deal.” It is a hard thing to talk about. And not talking about it seems less painful.
But it is a big deal. We missed our senior prom and graduation, our BBQ and awards. I wish I had known on that day in early March that I wouldn’t be coming back to South. I would have hugged my friends goodbye and thanked my teachers for everything they’ve done for me, but instead I was unaware and scrambling to leave for a horse show (of course). I would even go back for one more class meeting just to sit in the auditorium another Thursday.
For all of us, this was not the end we had in mind for our senior year, and that can evoke all kinds of feelings, which is okay. Maybe you’ve been ready for what comes next since December, or maybe you’ve wished high school would last a few more months. Whatever you’re going through, it’s valid. Numbing out or ignoring how we really feel can often be our go-to, but this is ultimately a large part of our individual and class experience. Feeling pain and loss on some days, joy and hope on others, celebrating victories big and small as they come our way… that is the beauty of being alive.
Spring 2020 will not define our class. Don’t let it.
Barrie Barto, South High School
Class of 2020, we had to come to terms with not experiencing prom, senior prank, senior ditch day but more importantly a graduation ceremony. I am sorry to those who dreamt of walking down the stage as their families cheer them on. I am sorry to those who worked endlessly to achieve awards of recognition, without being recognized. I am sorry that we said our goodbyes without knowing that it would truly be our final. No one could have guessed that our senior year would end abruptly due to a global pandemic. It saddens me that we will forever be known as the high school graduating class that never actually “graduated.”
While we could mourn the loss of the memories that could have been; let’s adopt a more positive outlook and take this as a learning lesson: Unexpected things will always happen in life, they may be good or they could be bad. But what is important is how we choose to react and take action afterward. After all, I believe that tough experiences, as we are currently exhibiting, can strengthen our personal growth. Whether you move forward with your education or jump straight into the workforce I encourage you all to adopt this outlook. I won’t negate it, we deserved to have experienced prom, ditch day, a graduation ceremony and everything else that a high school senior looks forward to, but realistically, our lives will never pan out exactly as we envisioned them to.
May what we perceive as a setback or let down, be treated as an opportunity to grow….I say this all not to be dismissive of your emotions but to flip this negative situation into a positive. We can cry, yell, and be angry at the situation but let’s come out of this stronger than before.
Andy Molina-Callejas, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College
“Well guys, we made it. We’ve finally finished that thing that was required of us by the government and, no, I’m not talking about quarantine. Whether or not we’ve saved ourselves from a life of living in our parents’ basements or from a life of becoming a manager at McDonald’s remains to be seen. On a more serious note, this day marks the end of a 13-year-long journey that not all of us were meant to take.
Many of us, including myself, are first-generation students. We’ve taken the road less traveled and managed to overcome all the obstacles in our paths. I want to personally congratulate everyone for making it this far and taking the next step in furthering your education. I also want to thank our wonderful teachers and support staff as well as our amazing principal Ms. Lofaro. Although not everyone we started with is here with us, we carry the hopes of those who made an impact in our lives. We carry the hopes of our families and the hopes of those who believed in us. We’ve proven ourselves to be more than our circumstances even if it seemed as if the entire world was against us. Looking back at all the blood, sweat and tears we’ve poured into these last four years, it’s amazing to think that is what allowed us to be here right now. We all struggle in some way, shape or form and that’s what makes us human. Struggling allows us to realize what’s truly important in our lives and that life gets better; it’s all up to you and what you believe you are capable of. A failure today always means a chance at redemption tomorrow.
Larissa Dominguez-Montoya, CEC Early College
I would first like to recognize the East community that got us where we are today. It is a community rich in diversity and embodies a cohesion that is unlike anything I have ever seen. Unfortunately, communities like East are extremely rare. You can usually find communities that are either diverse or cohesive but rarely do you find communities that harbor both. East is a prime example of what we should aim towards and although it is not impeccable, it is a place to start.
Wherever you are headed next year it is vital that you remember your roots at East High School and try to replicate the unity that is East. So how do you represent this outstanding group of people? This class is filled with talented musicians, singers, actors, DECA geeks and Con law freaks, talented athletes, people who make robots to run over teachers, speech and debate title holders, activists, and most importantly, people who will take charge of their futures. I like to think of our class as an arrow. As you may know, an arrow must be pulled back before it is shot. Our class has been pulled back numerous times. We are being dragged back by politicians who refuse to take action to secure a sustainable future. We were dragged back when we had to help our teachers fight for fair compensation for their extraordinary work as educators. And finally we were dragged back when our senior spring was stolen from by a microscopic virus. However, our class is resilient and strong. Although we have been dragged back so many times, we always launch ourselves into momentous accomplishments. So focus, aim, and try your best class of 2020.”
Walker Young, Denver East High School
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-05-30--NFL Journal: League erred in not adding fourth-and-15 option instead of low-percentage onside kick

News : The NFL tabled a vote on giving teams the option of trying a fourth-and-15 play from their 25-yard line in lieu of an onside kick attempt .
View : The league squandered a chance to spice up the game .
Imagine a team in a playoff game scores with less than two minutes remaining to cut their deficit to seven points .
They convert the fourth-and-15 instead of trying the low-percentage onside kick and force overtime or at least make a thrilling final drive .
Great theatre , but evidently too bold for the league ’ s owners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head coaches .
Only 10.5 % of onside kick attempts were successful in 2019 because of rules limiting overloading pursuing players on one half of the field .
Thus , the fourth-and-15 option should have been easily adopted .
Thing is , how often would coaches have elected to go for it on fourth-and-15 ?
Looking back at the Broncos ’ 2019 season , not often .
Choosing the option has two motives : Staying alive in a game or putting a team away .
The Broncos had only one end-of-game situation where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Oakland , they scored with 2:15 remaining to cut the Raiders ’ lead to eight points .
Coach Vic Fangio opted to play defense and the Raiders ran out the clock .
What would have been interesting is how often coaches would have taken the option to put a team away in the first three quarters .
I found four opportunities last year if Fangio was inclined : Week 5 at the Chargers .
The winless Broncos led 17-0 with 5:17 remaining in the first half .
Put a home team away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Broncos led 13-0 with 4:56 left in the first half and Titans coach Mike Vrabel was preparing to give up on quarterback Marcus Mariota .
The Broncos ’ defense was playing lights out ( eventual 16-0 win ) , so choosing fourth-and-15 would have been a good gamble .
Week 9 vs. Cleveland .
Two chances following big plays that had Mile High rocking — after Noah Fant ’ s 75-yard touchdown catch , which made it 14-3 with 12:34 left in the second quarter , and after Phillip Lindsay ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24-12 with 1:06 left in the third quarter .
Week 16 vs. Detroit .
An 11-play drive cut the Lions ’ lead to 13-10 with 10:23 left in the third quarter .
The Lions were playing at altitude … after a long drive by the Broncos … and with a rookie quarterback ( David Blough ) ?
Go for it , Vic .
Tag updates .
Eight players who were placed under the franchise tag have signed their tenders .
Broncos safety Justin Simmons is one of six players who haven ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 11.441 million ) , meaning he can ’ t participate in the team ’ s offseason meetings .
Last month , general manager John Elway said contract negotiator Rich Hurtado and Simmons ’ agent , Todd France , have exchanged proposals .
Hurtado previously worked at France ’ s agency .
Before Hurtado was hired , one league executive didn ’ t expect a quick Simmons-Broncos resolution .
“ They ’ re not going to get anything done until ( the ) July 15 ( deadline ) because Todd ’ s history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until franchise deadline day to force your hand to do what he wants to do , ” the executive said earlier this offseason .
That may still be the case , but the absence of any on-field workouts lessens the urgency for both sides .
Flacco ’ s new role .
For the first time since he was a rookie for Baltimore in 2008 , old friend Joe Flacco will enter training camp as a backup after signing with the New York Jets .
Twelve years ago , Flacco started camp as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the depth chart when Troy Smith and Kyle Boller were injured .
Flacco started until midway through 2018 .
During a conference call with Jets reporters on Thursday , Flacco was asked about his short stay with the Broncos ( a 2-6 record and eventual neck surgery ) .
“ It ’ s definitely disappointing when you go out there and you don ’ t win games right away like you want to , ” he said .
“ But you learn a lot of things from it .
Sometimes , things don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them or the way you expect them to .
But you have to be able to push forward and put those things behind you and move ahead with the best mindset possible and that ’ s what I ’ m trying to do.
” Perfect spot for Jano .
When the Broncos decided they no longer needed a full-time fullback , they traded Andy Janovich to Cleveland .
Along with Minnesota and San Francisco , the Browns represented the ideal destination for Janovich .
As the Vikings ’ offensive coordinator last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ham on 359 snaps , second-most among NFL fullbacks behind San Francisco ’ s Kyle Juszczyk ( 396 ) .
“ When I really started digging into researching them , that ’ s when I found out what I was going to get into , ” Janovich said on the Browns ’ website .
“ I was like , ‘ Yeah , this is going to be good.
’ After learning everything that ’ s going on , I ’ m more than excited to be a part of the Browns and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s something I ’ ve been in before and I excelled in so I ’ m really excited about it.
” Footnotes .
It was good to see the NFL smarten up ( finally ) in allowing assistant coaches to interview for coordinator spots without team approval ; head coaches have long blocked moves if their assistant was under contract .
The same for personnel people who can ’ t be blocked for general manager interviews .
… It was amusing to hear the narrative nationally that Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upcoming money from an expected contract extension .
Ramsey , remember , arrived at Jaguars training camp last summer in a Brinks truck .
For No .
20 , money is always No .
1 and that ’ s perfectly fine , just don ’ t profess to say it isn ’ t a part of the equation .
… A new bylaw adopted Thursday : Teams can designate three players to return from injured reserve so long as they ’ re on the initial 53-man roster .

News: The NFL tabled a vote on giving teams the option of trying a fourth-and-15 play from their 25-yard line in lieu of an onside kick attempt.
View: The league squandered a chance to spice up the game.
Imagine a team in a playoff game scores with less than two minutes remaining to cut their deficit to seven points. They convert the fourth-and-15 instead of trying the low-percentage onside kick and force overtime or at least make a thrilling final drive.
Great theatre, but evidently too bold for the league’s owners, who were undoubtedly influenced by their head coaches.
Only 10.5% of onside kick attempts were successful in 2019 because of rules limiting overloading pursuing players on one half of the field. Thus, the fourth-and-15 option should have been easily adopted.
Thing is, how often would coaches have elected to go for it on fourth-and-15? Looking back at the Broncos’ 2019 season, not often.
Choosing the option has two motives: Staying alive in a game or putting a team away.
The Broncos had only one end-of-game situation where fourth-and-15 made sense. In Week 1 at Oakland, they scored with 2:15 remaining to cut the Raiders’ lead to eight points. Coach Vic Fangio opted to play defense and the Raiders ran out the clock.
What would have been interesting is how often coaches would have taken the option to put a team away in the first three quarters.
I found four opportunities last year if Fangio was inclined:
Week 5 at the Chargers. The winless Broncos led 17-0 with 5:17 remaining in the first half. Put a home team away? Sure.
Week 6 vs. Tennessee. The Broncos led 13-0 with 4:56 left in the first half and Titans coach Mike Vrabel was preparing to give up on quarterback Marcus Mariota. The Broncos’ defense was playing lights out (eventual 16-0 win), so choosing fourth-and-15 would have been a good gamble.
Week 9 vs. Cleveland. Two chances following big plays that had Mile High rocking — after Noah Fant’s 75-yard touchdown catch, which made it 14-3 with 12:34 left in the second quarter, and after Phillip Lindsay’s 30-yard touchdown run to make it 24-12 with 1:06 left in the third quarter.
Week 16 vs. Detroit. An 11-play drive cut the Lions’ lead to 13-10 with 10:23 left in the third quarter. The Lions were playing at altitude … after a long drive by the Broncos … and with a rookie quarterback (David Blough)? Go for it, Vic.
(For a barometer on the chances of success, I looked at the Broncos’ 2019 third-down chart: They were 1-of-19 when needing at least 15 yards on third down.)
Around the league
Tag updates. Eight players who were placed under the franchise tag have signed their tenders.
Broncos safety Justin Simmons is one of six players who haven’t signed their tender (his is worth $11.441 million), meaning he can’t participate in the team’s offseason meetings.
Last month, general manager John Elway said contract negotiator Rich Hurtado and Simmons’ agent, Todd France, have exchanged proposals. Hurtado previously worked at France’s agency. Before Hurtado was hired, one league executive didn’t expect a quick Simmons-Broncos resolution.
“They’re not going to get anything done until (the) July 15 (deadline) because Todd’s history is that he purposely drags it out until franchise deadline day to force your hand to do what he wants to do,” the executive said earlier this offseason.
That may still be the case, but the absence of any on-field workouts lessens the urgency for both sides.
Flacco’s new role. For the first time since he was a rookie for Baltimore in 2008, old friend Joe Flacco will enter training camp as a backup after signing with the New York Jets.
Twelve years ago, Flacco started camp as the No. 3, but rocketed up the depth chart when Troy Smith and Kyle Boller were injured. Flacco started until midway through 2018.
During a conference call with Jets reporters on Thursday, Flacco was asked about his short stay with the Broncos (a 2-6 record and eventual neck surgery).
“It’s definitely disappointing when you go out there and you don’t win games right away like you want to,” he said. “But you learn a lot of things from it. Sometimes, things don’t go the way you want them or the way you expect them to. But you have to be able to push forward and put those things behind you and move ahead with the best mindset possible and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Perfect spot for Jano. When the Broncos decided they no longer needed a full-time fullback, they traded Andy Janovich to Cleveland. Along with Minnesota and San Francisco, the Browns represented the ideal destination for Janovich.
As the Vikings’ offensive coordinator last year, current Browns coach Kevin Stefanski used C.J. Ham on 359 snaps, second-most among NFL fullbacks behind San Francisco’s Kyle Juszczyk (396).
“When I really started digging into researching them, that’s when I found out what I was going to get into,” Janovich said on the Browns’ website. “I was like, ‘Yeah, this is going to be good.’ After learning everything that’s going on, I’m more than excited to be a part of the Browns and the offense they’re installing. It’s something I’ve been in before and I excelled in so I’m really excited about it.”
Footnotes. It was good to see the NFL smarten up (finally) in allowing assistant coaches to interview for coordinator spots without team approval; head coaches have long blocked moves if their assistant was under contract. The same for personnel people who can’t be blocked for general manager interviews. … It was amusing to hear the narrative nationally that Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey is focused on winning and not the upcoming money from an expected contract extension. Ramsey, remember, arrived at Jaguars training camp last summer in a Brinks truck. For No. 20, money is always No. 1 and that’s perfectly fine, just don’t profess to say it isn’t a part of the equation. … A new bylaw adopted Thursday: Teams can designate three players to return from injured reserve so long as they’re on the initial 53-man roster.


thedenverpost--2020-05-30--Solo test drives and scheduled visits are among the changes at Colorado auto dealerships amid pandem

Solo test drives and scheduled visits are among the changes at Colorado auto dealerships amid pandemic

Colorado ’ s automobile dealers have reopened their showrooms again , but anyone looking to buy a car or truck shouldn ’ t expect business as usual .
“ Our belief is that the landscape has changed permanently in some ways .
So much of our business , 95 % , was done in the showrooms .
I don ’ t think it will ever get back to that , ” said Michael Dunlap , vice president of business development for the Schomp Automotive Group , which has three locations in Arapahoe County and three in Douglas County .
Auto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s stay-at-home order , and parts and service departments remained open .
Showrooms closed to the public , although buyers could complete most of the purchase remotely and schedule a visit to complete a deal .
“ We were open for a long time by appointment .
We sold one , two or three cars a day .
That is way off what we would normally do , ” said Lee Payne , owner of Planet Honda , Planet Hyundai and Genesis of Golden .
If dealerships didn ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly put them into place .
Only two state-required forms need a “ wet ” signature , and entire transactions can be done remotely , Payne said .
And more customers are starting to prefer it that way .
Dunlap estimates about half of his transactions going forward will be done remotely and half in-person .
“ We are perfectly fine with that , ” he said .
Showrooms largely reopened in early May under the looser safer-at-home guidelines .
But to create social distancing , workplaces can only have half the staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dealership that might have had a dozen sales staff will run with six , said Doug Moreland , owner of Moreland Auto Group , which has locations up and down the Front Range , in Wyoming and Las Vegas .
Limited staffing means reservations will likely continue in the months ahead .
Consumers who just show up may have to take a number or schedule an appointment and come back later .
Although if it is a slow day , they might get in immediately .
Too many bodies on the lot are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sales manager ’ s part , the exact opposite of what it would have done before the pandemic .
As is the case at other retail locations , employees at dealerships are now wearing masks and offering them to customers who show up bare-faced .
Technicians will come in and clean spaces after people have left .
And any vehicles purchased will be disinfected on the way out .
Social distancing also means no more having to play hide-and-seek on the lot from sales staff looking to meet their quota .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something to do on a Saturday afternoon , dealers said .
The people who show up are typically ready to do a deal .
“ If they are venturing out to a car dealership , they are seriously interested in buying a vehicle .
Why risk the exposure ?
” said Moreland .
Nor can people test drive cars at the Denver Auto Show .
For the first time in 44 years , it won ’ t be held .
One of the biggest changes consumers will notice involves the test drive .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a car without driving it , Payne said .
But a sales adviser will no longer ride shotgun to explain features , point out a route and above all , make sure customers came back .
“ That is the one area where we can ’ t control separation , ” said Payne , who has put up plexiglass barriers in sales offices .
He considered doing the same in vehicles , but it wasn ’ t practical or safe .
Dealerships will photocopy a customer ’ s driver ’ s license and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ verify identities .
And then they will cross their fingers .
“ We do our best to make sure they are who they say they are , ” Payne said .
“ We have been really lucky .
We haven ’ t had a lot of issues.
” Tim Jackson , president and CEO of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association , said one dealer told him he had to file a police report after a vehicle disappeared on a test drive .
Some dealerships , if they are uncertain about a customer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test drive .
CADA , after years of recommending accompanied test drives , now advises all test drives should be solo .
“ If you allow customers to do a test drive , do not put someone in there with them , ” Jackson said .
Moreland said he hasn ’ t had problems with solo test drives , and that fraud attempts were actually more frequent when showrooms were closed .
Some scammers viewed remote transactions as an opportunity to buy under a false identity .
“ We experienced a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were not the people they alleged to be and trying to get possessions of cars , ” he said .
Besides marketing a safety message , auto manufacturers are offering significant incentives to help bring consumers back out .
Zero-percent financing , for up to 84 months in some cases , is a common one .
Many are also waiving payments for the first three or even six months .
“ There is pent-up demand .
It has started to come back quite a bit , ” said Jackson .
Motor vehicle sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but a smaller 12.4 % in April .
May should see an even smaller sales decline as restrictions lift in more locations .
Across the board , March and April were tough months , upending what had been a good start to the year , Moreland said .
But May sales have rebounded and are on track to surpass year-ago levels in a couple of locations , he said .
Closures , however , have or will soon create inventory issues .
Auto search engine iSeeCars estimates that the reduced sales in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overhang of 2019 models , which account for 10.8 % of new auto inventory nationwide .
Metro Denver ranks 17th highest out of the 50 largest metros with 10.6 % of new cars a 2019 model .
Some models have especially large share of 2019 inventory , above 30 % or even 40 % .
They include the Dodge Journey , Audi Q7 , Volkswagen Atlas , Nissan Titan , Ford Ranger , Ram Pickup 1500 Classic , Nissan LEAF , and Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid .
With the financing deals now available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 models are now cheaper in payment terms than a used 2019 resale with an outside loan .
Dealers , however , aren ’ t worried about 2019 overhang .
They see a different problem coming .
Factory closures mean that the most popular models could run out of stock in the coming weeks and delay the arrival of 2021 models .
Motor vehicle orders plunged 52 % in April .
And while they are expected to rebound , the supply line may not be consistent .
“ Load the lot with as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been my philosophy , ” Moreland said .
“ We can take everything the factory can give us.
” Payne said high demand on more popular models could push manufacturers to selectively pull back the incentives they are providing .
“ If they see the market recovering , why would they throw more money at it , ” he said .
“ I expect the incentives will tighten up in June from where they are now.
” While the next few months may show a rebound , the sustainability of future sales is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
About 41 million U.S. workers and independent contractors have filed for unemployment since mid-March , including nearly 500,000 in Colorado .
A growing number of consumers simply are no longer in a position to buy a vehicle .
During tough economic times , buyers tend to gravitate towards used cars and trucks , which are more affordable .
And while the decline in new purchases has meant fewer trade-ins , several sources of additional used car supply are opening up .
Hertz has sought bankruptcy protection and is expected to unload thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the months ahead .
Given that leisure and business travel will likely remain subdued for months to come , other rental car companies are expected to shed inventory as well .
Rental car resale prices have stayed sticky , but those could start falling as the supply increases .
New car incentives are also putting downward pressure on used car prices .
During the pandemic , dealers have extended expiring leases.If prices drop enough , people leasing vehicles may turn them in , adding further to the used car inventory .
Some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn into permanent job losses .
And unless Congress steps in , government assistance will wane over time .
That could push more distressed consumers to raise cash by selling vehicles they can no longer afford the payments on .
“ We are selling more used vehicles than new in both our stores , ” Payne said .
“ We also do a fair amount of acquisition from the public .
There is a lot of interest from people who want to sell their cars.
” But Jackson sees a countertrend that could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way down and fewer people are using rideshare services out of contamination concerns .
He suspects those who are carless by choice will reconsider that decision .
People are attending funerals , birthday celebrations , concerts and church services in their cars .
Drive-in theaters have replaced closed indoor theaters , and drive-through has replaced dine-in at fast-food restaurants .
Car culture is making a comeback .
“ There will be a movement back to privately owned cars versus public transportation , ” he predicts .
So far , no Colorado dealers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jackson said .
Manufacturers and lenders have shown flexibility , and so have employees .
Many dealers laid off staff and took out Paycheck Protection Program loans to bring them back .
A few bit the bullet and kept everyone on the payroll .
“ We paid people who came to work , and we paid people who stayed home .
We didn ’ t terminate one person , ” Moreland said .
That won him goodwill with his employees and put him in a stronger position to reopen , even though distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet .
About a tenth of his 800 or so workers have chosen to remain at home due to health concerns , he said .
Moreland , 72 , said Colorado has been good to him since he relocated here four decades ago and that keeping everyone employed was one way to give back to the community .
“ You can earn more money , but you can ’ t easily replace the good employees you got , ” he said .
“ So many people have lost their lives unexpectedly .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Colorado’s automobile dealers have reopened their showrooms again, but anyone looking to buy a car or truck shouldn’t expect business as usual.
“Our belief is that the landscape has changed permanently in some ways. So much of our business, 95%, was done in the showrooms. I don’t think it will ever get back to that,” said Michael Dunlap, vice president of business development for the Schomp Automotive Group, which has three locations in Arapahoe County and three in Douglas County.
Auto dealerships provided an essential service under the state’s stay-at-home order, and parts and service departments remained open. Showrooms closed to the public, although buyers could complete most of the purchase remotely and schedule a visit to complete a deal.
“We were open for a long time by appointment. We sold one, two or three cars a day. That is way off what we would normally do,” said Lee Payne, owner of Planet Honda, Planet Hyundai and Genesis of Golden.
If dealerships didn’t have systems to handle remote transactions, they quickly put them into place. Only two state-required forms need a “wet” signature, and entire transactions can be done remotely, Payne said.
And more customers are starting to prefer it that way. Dunlap estimates about half of his transactions going forward will be done remotely and half in-person.
“We are perfectly fine with that,” he said.
Showrooms largely reopened in early May under the looser safer-at-home guidelines. But to create social distancing, workplaces can only have half the staff they had before the pandemic.
A dealership that might have had a dozen sales staff will run with six, said Doug Moreland, owner of Moreland Auto Group, which has locations up and down the Front Range, in Wyoming and Las Vegas.
Limited staffing means reservations will likely continue in the months ahead. Consumers who just show up may have to take a number or schedule an appointment and come back later. Although if it is a slow day, they might get in immediately.
Too many bodies on the lot are likely to trigger a stress reaction on the sales manager’s part, the exact opposite of what it would have done before the pandemic.
As is the case at other retail locations, employees at dealerships are now wearing masks and offering them to customers who show up bare-faced. Technicians will come in and clean spaces after people have left. And any vehicles purchased will be disinfected on the way out.
Social distancing also means no more having to play hide-and-seek on the lot from sales staff looking to meet their quota. But there are far fewer tire-kickers looking for something to do on a Saturday afternoon, dealers said. The people who show up are typically ready to do a deal.
“If they are venturing out to a car dealership, they are seriously interested in buying a vehicle. Why risk the exposure?” said Moreland.
Nor can people test drive cars at the Denver Auto Show. For the first time in 44 years, it won’t be held.
One of the biggest changes consumers will notice involves the test drive. People aren’t expected to buy a car without driving it, Payne said. But a sales adviser will no longer ride shotgun to explain features, point out a route and above all, make sure customers came back.
“That is the one area where we can’t control separation,” said Payne, who has put up plexiglass barriers in sales offices. He considered doing the same in vehicles, but it wasn’t practical or safe.
Dealerships will photocopy a customer’s driver’s license and insurance card and do their best to verify identities. And then they will cross their fingers.
“We do our best to make sure they are who they say they are,” Payne said. “We have been really lucky. We haven’t had a lot of issues.”
Tim Jackson, president and CEO of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association, said one dealer told him he had to file a police report after a vehicle disappeared on a test drive. Some dealerships, if they are uncertain about a customer, will tail him or her on a test drive.
CADA, after years of recommending accompanied test drives, now advises all test drives should be solo.
“If you allow customers to do a test drive, do not put someone in there with them,” Jackson said.
Moreland said he hasn’t had problems with solo test drives, and that fraud attempts were actually more frequent when showrooms were closed. Some scammers viewed remote transactions as an opportunity to buy under a false identity.
“We experienced a lot of fraudulent activity. We had people who were not the people they alleged to be and trying to get possessions of cars,” he said.
The lure of incentives
Besides marketing a safety message, auto manufacturers are offering significant incentives to help bring consumers back out. Zero-percent financing, for up to 84 months in some cases, is a common one. Many are also waiving payments for the first three or even six months.
“There is pent-up demand. It has started to come back quite a bit,” said Jackson.
Motor vehicle sales nationally were down 25.7% in March, but a smaller 12.4% in April. May should see an even smaller sales decline as restrictions lift in more locations.
Across the board, March and April were tough months, upending what had been a good start to the year, Moreland said. But May sales have rebounded and are on track to surpass year-ago levels in a couple of locations, he said.
Closures, however, have or will soon create inventory issues. Auto search engine iSeeCars estimates that the reduced sales in March and April are contributing to an overhang of 2019 models, which account for 10.8% of new auto inventory nationwide. Metro Denver ranks 17th highest out of the 50 largest metros with 10.6% of new cars a 2019 model.
Some models have especially large share of 2019 inventory, above 30% or even 40%. They include the Dodge Journey, Audi Q7, Volkswagen Atlas, Nissan Titan, Ford Ranger, Ram Pickup 1500 Classic, Nissan LEAF, and Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid.
With the financing deals now available, Moreland said some of the new 2019 models are now cheaper in payment terms than a used 2019 resale with an outside loan.
Dealers, however, aren’t worried about 2019 overhang. They see a different problem coming. Factory closures mean that the most popular models could run out of stock in the coming weeks and delay the arrival of 2021 models. Motor vehicle orders plunged 52% in April. And while they are expected to rebound, the supply line may not be consistent.
“Load the lot with as much inventory as I can handle has been my philosophy,” Moreland said. “We can take everything the factory can give us.”
Payne said high demand on more popular models could push manufacturers to selectively pull back the incentives they are providing.
“If they see the market recovering, why would they throw more money at it,” he said. “I expect the incentives will tighten up in June from where they are now.”
While the next few months may show a rebound, the sustainability of future sales is a question in the mind of dealers. About 41 million U.S. workers and independent contractors have filed for unemployment since mid-March, including nearly 500,000 in Colorado. A growing number of consumers simply are no longer in a position to buy a vehicle.
Uncertain road ahead
During tough economic times, buyers tend to gravitate towards used cars and trucks, which are more affordable. And while the decline in new purchases has meant fewer trade-ins, several sources of additional used car supply are opening up.
Hertz has sought bankruptcy protection and is expected to unload thousands of used cars at discounted prices in the months ahead. Given that leisure and business travel will likely remain subdued for months to come, other rental car companies are expected to shed inventory as well.
Rental car resale prices have stayed sticky, but those could start falling as the supply increases. New car incentives are also putting downward pressure on used car prices.
During the pandemic, dealers have extended expiring leases.If prices drop enough, people leasing vehicles may turn them in, adding further to the used car inventory.
Some of the temporary furloughs and layoffs will likely turn into permanent job losses. And unless Congress steps in, government assistance will wane over time. That could push more distressed consumers to raise cash by selling vehicles they can no longer afford the payments on.
“We are selling more used vehicles than new in both our stores,” Payne said. “We also do a fair amount of acquisition from the public. There is a lot of interest from people who want to sell their cars.”
But Jackson sees a countertrend that could boost vehicle demand. Transit ridership is way down and fewer people are using rideshare services out of contamination concerns. He suspects those who are carless by choice will reconsider that decision.
People are attending funerals, birthday celebrations, concerts and church services in their cars. Drive-in theaters have replaced closed indoor theaters, and drive-through has replaced dine-in at fast-food restaurants. Car culture is making a comeback.
“There will be a movement back to privately owned cars versus public transportation,” he predicts.
So far, no Colorado dealers have had to permanently close their doors, Jackson said. Manufacturers and lenders have shown flexibility, and so have employees. Many dealers laid off staff and took out Paycheck Protection Program loans to bring them back. A few bit the bullet and kept everyone on the payroll.
“We paid people who came to work, and we paid people who stayed home. We didn’t terminate one person,” Moreland said.
That won him goodwill with his employees and put him in a stronger position to reopen, even though distancing restrictions mean not everyone has come back yet. About a tenth of his 800 or so workers have chosen to remain at home due to health concerns, he said.
Moreland, 72, said Colorado has been good to him since he relocated here four decades ago and that keeping everyone employed was one way to give back to the community.
“You can earn more money, but you can’t easily replace the good employees you got,” he said. “So many people have lost their lives unexpectedly. You better take life and appreciate it.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-30--As sports begin slow return to Colorado, Rocky Mountain Baseball League is ready to play ball

There will be no spitting sunflower seeds , high fives or even butt slaps , but yes baseball is back in Colorado .
The Rocky Mountain Baseball League is set to start its season next week , and it might even have a few fans in the stands — socially distanced , of course — when the first pitch is thrown Monday night in Kersey .
Colorado ’ s top collegiate summer baseball league will be among the first organized sporting events played in the state since the coronavirus shuttered everything in March .
From issues as big as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( the Fort Collins Foxes ) to something as small as changing the official league baseball to a cheaper model that allows it to use more balls , the league has thought a lot about making it through the summer .
Many summer leagues like the Northwoods , Cape Cod and Alaska are either postponed or canceled .
The RMBL is going ahead , mainly for the players .
They wanted an outlet for high-level college baseball players who didn ’ t have a spring season to get some games .
The league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We ’ ve made it very clear to players that we can not guarantee 100 percent safety , ” league president Mark Cerullo told The Post .
“ We have put safety controls in place , we ’ re gon na try to control the environment around us .
We have hand sanitizer and everyone at the field will be temperature checked before taking the field.
” The fields themselves will be different , too .
Normally the league has teams from Boulder to Sterling to Parker playing on home fields @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , most of the league will play June games at Big Foot Turf Farm in Kersey .
And fans are allowed , as long as they socially distance .
Fans will not be able to attend games at all of the league ’ s venues this summer , however .
RMBL plans to host fan-less games at UC Health Park in Colorado Springs with its main tenant , the Rocky Mountain Vibes of the Pioneer League , likely unable to have a season .
Games at Double Angel Ballpark in Parker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On the opposite end of the spectrum , the Hays Larks from Kansas play in a county that will have zero health restrictions come June 15 , and teams will travel there .
“ For all of our players and our parents we believe that what we ’ re doing is what we need to do to take the precautions to keep players safe and healthy in these challenging times , ” Boulder Collegians General Manager Matt Jensen told players and staff in a Zoom conference call this week .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state and county guidelines.
” Teams will be expected to monitor players .
If one is suspected of contracting the coronavirus , they will be quarantined until a doctor clears them .
The Collegians had 60 masks made by a former coach ’ s grandmother , which players must wear at all times except in the outfield , at bat and while pitching .
Teams aren ’ t providing food , drinks or even equipment this year .
They ’ ve taken other precautions , too , limiting the number and size of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been hit particularly hard as much of its budget comes from its league-best attendance .
Given Boulder County ’ s stricter health guidelines , there will be no gate this summer .
Jensen encouraged his team ’ s fans to watch its Youtube live streams and to refrain from traveling to games on the road .
The logistics have been nearly impossible for some teams as their rosters and staff were halved or even more .
Most college players stay with host families in the summer , and that wasn ’ t feasible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acquired within the last month .
The teams are playing for a bid into the National Baseball Congress World Series , which is still scheduled .
The league normally has two bids , but the RMBL has already canceled their postseason tournament , which awards a bid .
“ You guys are in your prime , ” Jensen told his team .
“ It should be one of the most amazing times of your life .
And this should be a really fun , scrappy summer for everybody and I ’ m excited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this together .
”

There will be no spitting sunflower seeds, high fives or even butt slaps, but yes baseball is back in Colorado.
The Rocky Mountain Baseball League is set to start its season next week, and it might even have a few fans in the stands — socially distanced, of course — when the first pitch is thrown Monday night in Kersey.
Colorado’s top collegiate summer baseball league will be among the first organized sporting events played in the state since the coronavirus shuttered everything in March.
From issues as big as the reigning champions suspending operations for the year (the Fort Collins Foxes) to something as small as changing the official league baseball to a cheaper model that allows it to use more balls, the league has thought a lot about making it through the summer.
Many summer leagues like the Northwoods, Cape Cod and Alaska are either postponed or canceled. The RMBL is going ahead, mainly for the players. They wanted an outlet for high-level college baseball players who didn’t have a spring season to get some games. The league acknowledges the risks and has taken precautions.
“We’ve made it very clear to players that we cannot guarantee 100 percent safety,” league president Mark Cerullo told The Post. “We have put safety controls in place, we’re gonna try to control the environment around us. We have hand sanitizer and everyone at the field will be temperature checked before taking the field.”
The fields themselves will be different, too. Normally the league has teams from Boulder to Sterling to Parker playing on home fields. Due to differing local health guidelines, however, most of the league will play June games at Big Foot Turf Farm in Kersey. And fans are allowed, as long as they socially distance.
Fans will not be able to attend games at all of the league’s venues this summer, however. RMBL plans to host fan-less games at UC Health Park in Colorado Springs with its main tenant, the Rocky Mountain Vibes of the Pioneer League, likely unable to have a season. Games at Double Angel Ballpark in Parker will also go without spectators for now. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Hays Larks from Kansas play in a county that will have zero health restrictions come June 15, and teams will travel there.
“For all of our players and our parents we believe that what we’re doing is what we need to do to take the precautions to keep players safe and healthy in these challenging times,” Boulder Collegians General Manager Matt Jensen told players and staff in a Zoom conference call this week. “We’re gonna keep adhering to state and county guidelines.”
Teams will be expected to monitor players. If one is suspected of contracting the coronavirus, they will be quarantined until a doctor clears them.
The Collegians had 60 masks made by a former coach’s grandmother, which players must wear at all times except in the outfield, at bat and while pitching. Teams aren’t providing food, drinks or even equipment this year. They’ve taken other precautions, too, limiting the number and size of practices.
Boulder’s team has been hit particularly hard as much of its budget comes from its league-best attendance. Given Boulder County’s stricter health guidelines, there will be no gate this summer. Jensen encouraged his team’s fans to watch its Youtube live streams and to refrain from traveling to games on the road.
The logistics have been nearly impossible for some teams as their rosters and staff were halved or even more. Most college players stay with host families in the summer, and that wasn’t feasible this summer, meaning different players were acquired within the last month.
The teams are playing for a bid into the National Baseball Congress World Series, which is still scheduled. The league normally has two bids, but the RMBL has already canceled their postseason tournament, which awards a bid.
“You guys are in your prime,” Jensen told his team. “It should be one of the most amazing times of your life. And this should be a really fun, scrappy summer for everybody and I’m excited that we’re able to put this together.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-30--Feeling healthy, Broncos tight end Jake Butt preparing to reward team’s commitment to him

One of the best parts of Broncos tight end Jake Butt ’ s offseason : He is ineligible to train at the team facility .
Per NFL guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic , only players with existing injuries , like outside linebacker Bradley Chubb and tight end Austin Fort , can work in the team ’ s weight room .
Butt is healthy after missing all of 2019 with left knee surgery , his fourth major knee injury since 2014 .
He was cleared late last season and has stayed that way .
“ My knee ’ s good , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
“ Doing everything running and lifting .
This offseason has been a little bit weird for everybody , having to bounce around and train anywhere you can , but I ’ ve still been getting good work in , feel good about things and excited about playing ball again.
” When the Broncos open the season Sept. 14 against Tennessee , Butt will have played only three meaningful games in the previous 1,351 days .
A lot of watching ( which was tough ) and a lot of rehabilitating ( which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much my whole life , I ’ ve never turned down any extra work , ” he said .
“ Now I ’ ve had to adjust and be smarter about things .
I just can ’ t go play basketball on the weekend .
Sometimes , less is more , which goes against my DNA , but it ’ s something I ’ m trying to learn.
” Butt said he is doing the same full workout plan as his teammates , with the focus on “ strength training , speed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like that.
” Adversity has been a constant for Butt since he arrived at Michigan .
Playing for the Wolverines , Butt tore his right ACL in a spring 2014 practice and again in his final college game , the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1 , 2017 .
The Broncos drafted Butt in the fifth round ( No .
145 overall ) and he used his rookie year to rehabilitate .
In 2018 , he was sailing along during camp and the first three games , playing 97 snaps and catching eight passes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it was expected his role would expand .
But he sustained a torn left ACL in a mid-October practice .
Another season over .
Last year , Butt was managed during the offseason program and missed three weeks of camp ( July 21-Aug. 11 ) .
He played 11 snaps in the Aug. 24 preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams and felt he had turned a corner .
Soon after , though , on the team plane back to Denver , he experienced knee soreness and was shut down .
Butt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his meniscus .
The Broncos had the option of returning him from injured reserve , but opted to keep him sidelined .
The Broncos have stood by Butt through the injuries .
“ I don ’ t know a lot of people that have been through my situation and the team would still be hanging there with them in Year 4 , ” he said .
“ It really speaks a lot for the organization and what they think of me and I ’ m very appreciative .
It ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telling me I ’ m making the team by any stretch or rolling out the red carpet .
I still have to go out there and work and earn it .
“ But the fact they ’ re standing by me and giving me an opportunity , it obviously means the world to me and I ’ m going to try and go out there and prove them right and prove myself right.
” Butt faces a difficult task .
The Broncos signed Nick Vannett and drafted Albert Okwuegbunam , and Butt , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Andrew Beck and Troy Fumagalli all return .
“ You look around the tight end room and I don ’ t see a single weak spot , ” Butt said .
“ There are a lot of talented guys .
Guys with experience , some younger guys and everybody brings their own thing to the table .
There isn ’ t a single person in that room who feels they can relax or take a day off because there is so much talent and somebody will pass you .
”

One of the best parts of Broncos tight end Jake Butt’s offseason: He is ineligible to train at the team facility.
Per NFL guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic, only players with existing injuries, like outside linebacker Bradley Chubb and tight end Austin Fort, can work in the team’s weight room.
Butt is healthy after missing all of 2019 with left knee surgery, his fourth major knee injury since 2014. He was cleared late last season and has stayed that way.
“My knee’s good,” he said in a phone interview Friday. “Doing everything running and lifting. This offseason has been a little bit weird for everybody, having to bounce around and train anywhere you can, but I’ve still been getting good work in, feel good about things and excited about playing ball again.”
When the Broncos open the season Sept. 14 against Tennessee, Butt will have played only three meaningful games in the previous 1,351 days. A lot of watching (which was tough) and a lot of rehabilitating (which was really tough).
This offseason, Butt altered his training tact.
“Pretty much my whole life, I’ve never turned down any extra work,” he said. “Now I’ve had to adjust and be smarter about things. I just can’t go play basketball on the weekend. Sometimes, less is more, which goes against my DNA, but it’s something I’m trying to learn.”
Butt said he is doing the same full workout plan as his teammates, with the focus on “strength training, speed and agility, movement, balance, things like that.”
Adversity has been a constant for Butt since he arrived at Michigan.
Playing for the Wolverines, Butt tore his right ACL in a spring 2014 practice and again in his final college game, the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2017.
The Broncos drafted Butt in the fifth round (No. 145 overall) and he used his rookie year to rehabilitate. In 2018, he was sailing along during camp and the first three games, playing 97 snaps and catching eight passes for 85 yards. Week by week, it was expected his role would expand. But he sustained a torn left ACL in a mid-October practice. Another season over.
Last year, Butt was managed during the offseason program and missed three weeks of camp (July 21-Aug. 11). He played 11 snaps in the Aug. 24 preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams and felt he had turned a corner. Soon after, though, on the team plane back to Denver, he experienced knee soreness and was shut down.
Butt had surgery to take out 30-40% of his meniscus. The Broncos had the option of returning him from injured reserve, but opted to keep him sidelined.
The Broncos have stood by Butt through the injuries.
“I don’t know a lot of people that have been through my situation and the team would still be hanging there with them in Year 4,” he said. “It really speaks a lot for the organization and what they think of me and I’m very appreciative. It’s not a guarantee — they’re not telling me I’m making the team by any stretch or rolling out the red carpet. I still have to go out there and work and earn it.
“But the fact they’re standing by me and giving me an opportunity, it obviously means the world to me and I’m going to try and go out there and prove them right and prove myself right.”
Butt faces a difficult task. The Broncos signed Nick Vannett and drafted Albert Okwuegbunam, and Butt, Fort, Noah Fant, Jeff Heuerman, Andrew Beck and Troy Fumagalli all return.
“You look around the tight end room and I don’t see a single weak spot,” Butt said. “There are a lot of talented guys. Guys with experience, some younger guys and everybody brings their own thing to the table. There isn’t a single person in that room who feels they can relax or take a day off because there is so much talent and somebody will pass you.”