Horse Tracks: Evan Mathis wanted to play with Peyton Manning

Newly signed guard Evan Mathis spoke to the media after the Broncos practice on Wednesday, and he was asked why he picked the Denver Broncos. He said the organization, the coaching staff, and the zone-blocking scheme.

"The Broncos were a team that throughout this process, they weren’t really involved and kind of showed up late and showed some interest—a very enticing opportunity. Really made me think hard about it. There were just so many things about this team, the organization, the coaching staff that I just couldn’t avoid. I couldn’t turn it down. I had to be there."

I love hearing these type of things from Mathis.

Mathis said broncos were late entrant. But situation was "something I couldn't pass up"

— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) August 26, 2015

Mathis then went on to mention that the Broncos being a contender, and quarterback Peyton Manning were the main reasons he decided to join the Denver Broncos.

"mainly just the opportunity to play for a contender of an organization and block for a guy like Peyton Manning"

Many fans have expressed concern about Mathis's conditioning after missing Training Camp, but he didn't seem too concerned about it. He says he's been working out five days a week since January.

"I have been at a facility to keep in shape. I own my own training facility in Arizona. Since the first week of January, I’ve been going five days a week there and putting a lot of good work in. I’m excited about where my conditioning and where my strength is right now."

It's not an accident that Mathis signed with a team once Training Camp ended. Being a veteran in his early 30's, he probably did not feel like going through the rigors Camp. He believes this will keep his body fresher throughout the season and it will benefit him going forward.

Training camp—a lot of guys fight to maintain strength. Your body might take a few steps back banging on each other. For me, I’ve just been working really hard. I haven’t been running into walls or anything in my free time, just growing my strength. I think it’ll be a benefit in the long run."

Mathis was added to help improve the line, and to add some experience to the left side of the offensive line. He will be playing between two young, first-time starters(Ty Sambrailo and Matt Paradis), but Mathis say's that he's joining a "good group of guys".

"So far, it seems like a good group of guys. You’ve got these young guys in here. I think one thing that’s really cool about them is that they’re not letting the game be bigger than it is. They understand that it’s football, just like it is at any level. They seem like really smart kids and they’re working really hard, ready to take advantage of their opportunity."

I really like this signing by John Elway and the Broncos. Mathis is an upgrade and can help solidify the offensive line while the younger guys learn and go through their growing pains.

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