R.I.P Darrent Williams 1982-2007

by John Bena on Dec 31, 2009 3:31 PM MST in Strictly My Opinion

The cycle of time rolls on, whether it is the NFL or life in general. On days and nights like this day, and this night, however, we often stop, albeit for just a moment, to think back - to the prior year and further - before we take the time to look ahead.

For Broncos fans, New Years Eve will always hold a somber meaning - even if we take the time to celebrate the life that was Darrent Williams.

It was three years ago tonight when Williams was gunned down as his Hummer Limo drove away from a nightclub where the Broncos, and several other athletes, were celebrating the New Year, and Williams' record label, RYNO Records. While the case is still officially open, the authorities believe they have the prime suspect(s) in custody. You can read all about that night - and the events that followed - by checking out the Section on MHR dedicated to it.

DARRENT WILLIAMS NEWS

The Broncos had lost earlier that day, to the San Francisco 49ers, in a game that would have put the Broncos into the playoffs had they won. They did not, and Williams had been the focus of criticism for his play, in that game and in games prior that season (a certain game against the Colts comes to mind). While fans were trying to decipher what went wrong in a season that started with so much promise, a man, a son, a father, lost his life in a senseless way.

In a lot of ways the Broncos, and us fans, have never been the same and never will be. Scars like that, and those caused by the death of RB Damien Nash a couple months later, don't heal quickly.

This post isn't meant to bring anyone down. Darrent wouldn't want that. He would have a big smile on his face and would want you to celebrate the things in life there are to celebrate - family, friends, and of course, the Broncos.

So as you head out tonight, be safe, and tip a glass of whatever you are drinking to the heavens and think of D-Will. Somewhere he is smiling down.

No matter what happens Sunday - whether the Broncos win or lose, make the playoffs or fall painfully short again, remember that it is, after all, just a game.

ALL READY!!

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R.I.P Darrent Williams

by gnarlybroncodude on Dec 31, 2009 3:33 PM MST reply actions

My thoughts to freiends and family...RIP D Will...missed but never forgotten!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????
"Peyton Hillis didn’t rip the sleeves off his jersey, they flew off out of fear."
Calijoefornia.

by boydy2669 on Dec 31, 2009 3:42 PM MST reply actions

man...this makes me sad all over again..

and I hope that cased gets resolved…really sad…

Dear Rockies-Thank you for a wonderful rollercoaster season! Best turnaround in MLB history to become NL Wild Card Champs.

Garrett Atkins-So Long, Farewell, Auf weidersehen, Goodbye!! You were a great Rockie! GOOD LUCK!
Troy Tulowitzki-MLB's BEST shortstop..nuff said
Yorvit Torrealba- Re-sign!! he's en Fuego!!
Brad Hawpe- I hope I get to see you in a Rockies uniform again!
Dexter Fowler - prowling CF, WC in his talons, leaping Utleys in a single bound!

by SDcat09 on Dec 31, 2009 3:54 PM MST reply actions

I love how he had the full name on his jersey. He was fun to watch.

This is my favorite website.

by McGeorge on Dec 31, 2009 4:00 PM MST reply actions

I gave Darrent a hard time that season...

and felt turrible when he was murdered…so sad…

I think he did that because of DJ Williams right?

Dear Rockies-Thank you for a wonderful rollercoaster season! Best turnaround in MLB history to become NL Wild Card Champs.

by SDcat09 on Dec 31, 2009 4:08 PM MST up reply actions

that’s right. It looked cool. His whole name, which is pretty long on what were otherwise small shoulders for an NFL player.

He was a nice player. A young CB playing opposite Champ Bailey in Champs prime. Not an easy task at all. He had a long NFL future ahead of him.

This is my favorite website.

by McGeorge on Dec 31, 2009 4:14 PM MST up reply actions

Thanks Guru

A good reminder of what is important in life. My best to Darrent and his family.

I still get upset about what took place and have trouble with those that were with him that night……

There is no I in team.

by LovedemBroncs on Dec 31, 2009 4:46 PM MST reply actions

It still gives me pause...

RIP D-will

The QB position is set.

by broncofaninIL on Dec 31, 2009 5:11 PM MST reply actions

RIP D-Will. You will never be forgotten.

"When you put on that jersey, the name on the front is more important than the name on the back." - "Miracle".

"Winning means you're willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else." - Vince Lombardi.

by broncoholic on Dec 31, 2009 5:53 PM MST reply actions

My favorite story of "Little D"

Was one I read in the Colorado Springs Gazette. Mike Shanahan told a story about how Darrent was always smiling, and telling him he was going to run one back for a TD.(Paraphrasing) Well, one game D-Will makes this pick and starts running down the sideline, right past the Bronco bench. And Shanny said, " Wouldn’t you know it, he had this big grin as he passed by, and I could swear he winked at me!"

RIP Little D.

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks

by KaptainKirk on Dec 31, 2009 6:21 PM MST reply actions

my heart sank

The morning I woke up and read the news about Darrent. I always saw him as a great influence and that he had an tremendous, infectious personality and smile. I believe he had a long career in front of him in the NFL and who knows after that, but even beyond what he did on the field, I really liked him as a person. He is, and will always be missed. RIP, D-Will.

by orlyinnation on Dec 31, 2009 6:32 PM MST reply actions

His memory is living on

The Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center at the Boys and Girls club of Metro Denver is still running. I am sure there are still kids smiling there. The web site for the Teen Center can be reached at this Link.

Victor Frankl:

What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him. What he needs is not the discharge of tension at any cost, but the call of a potential meaning waiting to be fulfilled by him.

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.

by wyoeng on Dec 31, 2009 9:33 PM MST reply actions 2 recs

What might have been

When I contemplate the man’s memory, I can’t help thinking about what kind of player he was becoming. Rough around the edges yet stepping up as a rookie in unbelievable fashion, playing with such swagger and aggression, with such a love for the game and his mates, such a magnetic personality.

So for me the sadness is mitigated just a little when I imagine him now reaching the prime of his career and sharing the 2009 defensive backfield with B Dawk and Champ. Wow … he would have fit in there perfectly.

"All we're trying to do is win the *********** game!" -- Josh MF McDaniels tearing into his offensive line after three false starts in the red zone. The tirade turned the tide of the game, and the Broncos dominated from that point on.

by broncosmontana on Dec 31, 2009 10:30 PM MST reply actions 1 recs