Denver Native (Carol)
09-05-2008, 04:05 PM
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_10390970?source=rss
Broncos coach Mike Shanahan today named quarterback Jay Cutler and tight end Daniel Graham offensive team captains.
He also said linebacker D.J. Williams and cornerback Champ Bailey will serve as captains on defense, and long-snapper Mike Leach on special teams.
Cutler becomes captain in only his third NFL season, and his second as a full-time starter.
"As a quarterback, that third year you're not too young anymore, especially when you're the starter," Shanahan said of Cutler. "It just shows the respect the rest of the team has for him."
Graham, a Denver native from Thomas Jefferson High School and the University of Colorado, said it was a "real honor" to be named a captain by his teammates.
"That must mean they respect you and think highly of you," Graham said. "So it's an honor for me."
Graham said he votes for captains based on work ethic.
"You look for someone who is going to be a leader on and off the field, who is going to be here at work every day, practicing every day like it's game day or something," he said. "(You look) at someone that wants to work hard and takes this job as professionals."
Broncos coach Mike Shanahan today named quarterback Jay Cutler and tight end Daniel Graham offensive team captains.
He also said linebacker D.J. Williams and cornerback Champ Bailey will serve as captains on defense, and long-snapper Mike Leach on special teams.
Cutler becomes captain in only his third NFL season, and his second as a full-time starter.
"As a quarterback, that third year you're not too young anymore, especially when you're the starter," Shanahan said of Cutler. "It just shows the respect the rest of the team has for him."
Graham, a Denver native from Thomas Jefferson High School and the University of Colorado, said it was a "real honor" to be named a captain by his teammates.
"That must mean they respect you and think highly of you," Graham said. "So it's an honor for me."
Graham said he votes for captains based on work ethic.
"You look for someone who is going to be a leader on and off the field, who is going to be here at work every day, practicing every day like it's game day or something," he said. "(You look) at someone that wants to work hard and takes this job as professionals."