Broncos Mtnman
06-11-2008, 08:51 PM
Kyle allows me to post these for the boards. It's always interesting to see where yesterday's players are today.
I remember "The Fumble" like it was yesterday. It ended up giving us back-to-back appearances in the Super Bowl (The Drive took place the year before) with both wins coming against the Brownies.
Enjoy....
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Ask any true Broncos fan if they know who Jeremiah Castille is and you will immediately see a smile start to build across their face.
In the 1987 AFC Championship game, Denver was playing host to the Cleveland Browns. Late in the fourth quarter, Denver was clinging to a 38-31 lead, but Cleveland was driving down the field looking to tie the game and send it into overtime.
At the Broncos 8-yard-line, Browns' running back Earnest Byner received a handoff and burst into the Denver secondary destined for the endzone.
Regrettably for Byner, destiny rested with Castille that day as the two collided near the goal line and the ball popped loose. Byner ended up in the endzone empty handed while Castille clutched a berth in Super Bowl XXII.
The play, which became known as "The Fumble," is one of the most revered plays in Broncos annals.
"That play gives me instant credibility with today's young people thanks to replays on ESPN Classic," sites Castille.
Castille was a third round draft pick out of University of Alabama by Tampa Bay in 1983. At Alabama, Castille earned All-American accolades under the tutelage of the legendary coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant.
"Playing for Bear Bryant wasn't easy, but my life philosophy was forged in those years," Castille said of his time in Tuscaloosa.
After suffering through four losing seasons in Tampa - including three 2-14 seasons - Castille missed playing for a winner.
His chance came when the Broncos claimed him off waivers in 1987.
"Denver was similar to Alabama in that the coach had a great relationship with his players and both programs are committed to winning," Castille said.
After the 1988 season, Castille stepped aside from playing football and delved into the coaching ranks.
He spent nine years coaching high school as well as some time at Howard University.
While coaching in high school, Castille had the rare opportunity of coaching two of his sons, Tim and Simeon.
"It was a blessing to be coaching my sons. Not every father gets that opportunity and I truly cherish that experience," Castille fondly reminisced.
The coaching from their father did the boys well, as both followed Dad's path going to Alabama and then on to the NFL.
"I know about the pressures of football so I didn't exactly want my sons to play, but it was their choice and they chose to go to Alabama to try and rebuild the program."
Today, Castille resides in Birmingham and is active with his foundation.
Started in 2001, The Jeremiah Castille Foundation mentors Alabama youth from middle school to college and also offers advice to young married couples.
In addition to his duties with the foundation, Castille also serves as the team chaplain for the University of Alabama football team.
-Patrick Brougham (Broncos Magazine)
I remember "The Fumble" like it was yesterday. It ended up giving us back-to-back appearances in the Super Bowl (The Drive took place the year before) with both wins coming against the Brownies.
Enjoy....
_____________________________________
Ask any true Broncos fan if they know who Jeremiah Castille is and you will immediately see a smile start to build across their face.
In the 1987 AFC Championship game, Denver was playing host to the Cleveland Browns. Late in the fourth quarter, Denver was clinging to a 38-31 lead, but Cleveland was driving down the field looking to tie the game and send it into overtime.
At the Broncos 8-yard-line, Browns' running back Earnest Byner received a handoff and burst into the Denver secondary destined for the endzone.
Regrettably for Byner, destiny rested with Castille that day as the two collided near the goal line and the ball popped loose. Byner ended up in the endzone empty handed while Castille clutched a berth in Super Bowl XXII.
The play, which became known as "The Fumble," is one of the most revered plays in Broncos annals.
"That play gives me instant credibility with today's young people thanks to replays on ESPN Classic," sites Castille.
Castille was a third round draft pick out of University of Alabama by Tampa Bay in 1983. At Alabama, Castille earned All-American accolades under the tutelage of the legendary coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant.
"Playing for Bear Bryant wasn't easy, but my life philosophy was forged in those years," Castille said of his time in Tuscaloosa.
After suffering through four losing seasons in Tampa - including three 2-14 seasons - Castille missed playing for a winner.
His chance came when the Broncos claimed him off waivers in 1987.
"Denver was similar to Alabama in that the coach had a great relationship with his players and both programs are committed to winning," Castille said.
After the 1988 season, Castille stepped aside from playing football and delved into the coaching ranks.
He spent nine years coaching high school as well as some time at Howard University.
While coaching in high school, Castille had the rare opportunity of coaching two of his sons, Tim and Simeon.
"It was a blessing to be coaching my sons. Not every father gets that opportunity and I truly cherish that experience," Castille fondly reminisced.
The coaching from their father did the boys well, as both followed Dad's path going to Alabama and then on to the NFL.
"I know about the pressures of football so I didn't exactly want my sons to play, but it was their choice and they chose to go to Alabama to try and rebuild the program."
Today, Castille resides in Birmingham and is active with his foundation.
Started in 2001, The Jeremiah Castille Foundation mentors Alabama youth from middle school to college and also offers advice to young married couples.
In addition to his duties with the foundation, Castille also serves as the team chaplain for the University of Alabama football team.
-Patrick Brougham (Broncos Magazine)