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You may have noticed that before every NFL football game, during the National Anthem, a group of fans trot out a massive American flag for display on the field. I'd seen it a thousand times and wondered how fans were chosen to participate. How do they orchestrate these amateur flag people? Just where do you store a flag of that size? Last Monday night, I found out.
In my case, I responded to an email the Broncos sent season ticket holders. One thing led to another and I was informed that I'd been selected to participate in the ceremony. Who better to loop into this experience than my father?
As I suspected, there was some preparation that went into the spectacle. My father and I had to report to flag practice three hours before kickoff. While there was a lot of waiting, the time eventually did come where we took possession of the flag. While it looks really big on television or in the stands, when you're wrestling with it trying to find the appropriate hand-hold, it's just that much bigger.
I had imagined that the flag was kept in a box that was as long as the flag itself, but you'll be as shocked as I was that was not the case! A nondescript wooden crate in a corner within the cavernous tunnels that run underneath Mile High keeps the flag when it was not in use. In retrospect, my imagined long box was impractical should the flag ever need to be moved.
As we marched onto the field, it was amazing. Although the stadium was empty, it was a rush to realize that we were going to be part of something really special.
"Hey there's Randy Moss!" someone yelled.
Sure enough, there was Randy Moss... and Steve Young. Heck, they even let Dilfer come along, too. As we marched into position on the field, we passed right by the Monday Night Countdown set. The cast was doing all the glamorous pre-game kind of things you'd expect them to be doing... Standing around, adjusting their jackets, talking to crew members. It was the kind of real deal Hollywood experience that has disappointed so many.
As we practiced the unfurling and re-furling of the flag, everyone had a hard time juggling their responsibilities with taking pictures to memorialize this amazing experience. Between all the instagram, facebook live, facebook, and twitter talk I overheard (while snapping pictures myself), I'm confident that forensic experts could recreate the timeline of events within the practice with second-to-second accuracy.
After a brief break to walk around and take in the gameday experience, we all returned to to the check-in spot to go though security and get escorted into the stadium for the real deal.
"What's up Jadeveon?" someone yelled as we walked in.
I looked up and, sure enough, the entire Texans team was walking right past us. It was indeed Jadeveon Clowney that was walking past us. Vince Wilfork, too, looking mildly pissed off - no doubt still upset that the Patriots didn't want him anymore. Nick Novak is a tiny little guy, or at least was in comparison to his teammates. Then there was Brock.
"Hey there's Brock," I said loudly. He was looking at the floor as he walked by, but looked up when I said it. There was a brief smile and then he quickly looked away biting his lip. Brock looked both nervous and a bit morose. My dad and suggested that it wasn't the look of someone exuding confidence before one of the biggest games of his young career. I agreed.
When we stepped onto the field to do our duty, it was like nothing I'd ever experienced. The crowd was in full-throated roar as player introductions were underway. Flame cannons were going off and the stadium announcer was firing up the crowd. It was amazing.
We walked past the Texans sideline as we got into position. I'd never even considered that we'd be that close to the players. They were right there, just feet away. I wondered what they would do if I handed them my phone and asked them to snap a pic and just how far into the stands they would throw it. Not wanting to lose my phone, get kicked out, or worse, I settled for the next best thing.
The anthem started, the flag unfurled like we did in practice, and then it was over. We marched the flag off the field and deposited it back in its box. The game had started and we needed to get to our seats.The pregame was amazing and the game itself was unforgettable.
Clearly my father and I did such a great job with the flag that the Broncos were inspired to bring home such a dominant win. All jokes aside, it was an experience that I'll never forget and I'm blessed to have been able to share it with my dad.
HORSE TRACKS
Well, that's it for C.J. Anderson.
Denver Broncos RB C.J. Anderson has meniscus damage in knee | ESPN
Anderson's injury is a major bummer coming off Monday night's game. BMW Ultimate Performance: Big night for ground game a team effort | Denver Broncos
More Broncos appeared on Thursday's injury report. Broncos Injury Report: Four starters sidelined | Denver Broncos
Despite injuries, the Broncos practiced. Here's photographic proof. Thursday practice: Same old song and dance | Denver Broncos
Ever wonder who's job it is to yell at Demaryius Thomas after he alligator-arms a few passes? Under the Headset: Q&A with Wide Receivers Coach Tyke Tolbert | Denver Broncos
More on the tragic story of the fan who fell at the stadium on Monday. Family of Jason Coy killed in Broncos stadium fall speaks out - 7NEWS Denver TheDenverChannel.com
DeMarcus Ware didn't have to wait long to get his Super Bowl ring. Note to thieves everywhere: Stop stealing. DeMarcus Ware credits Broncos fans for getting his Super Bowl ring back | Yahoo!
Already gearing up for the San Diego Chargers.They're already eyeing our center. Bolts WRs return as Broncos center sits out - The San Diego Union-Tribune
What has the Chargers-Broncos rivalry looked like over the years? Here's a slideshow! Through the Years: Broncos vs. Chargers | Denver Broncos
Poor Brock. At least he has the Lions to bounce back against. Houston's Osweiler looks to bounce back against Lions | Centre Daily Times
Can he do it? Can Aldon Smith stay out of trouble long enough to be reinstated by the NFL? Raiders Aldon Smith applies for reinstatement to NFL - NFL.com
The Las Vegas bid for Raiders relocation appears to be hitting a snag. Pro-tip: Keep the oligarch happy. Adelson hints he could withdraw support for Las Vegas stadium - NFL.com
Looks like we are going to be treated to another early-morning game in London this week. Redskins' Reed, Norman cleared to travel to London - NFL.com
How long will the walking-injured quarterback the Seahawks before he's forced to sit down? Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson says he plans to play despite pectoral and knee injuries | ESPN
Romo sighting... Got to get him out there before the trade deadline... You know, just in case. Tony Romo (limited) practices for Dallas Cowboys - NFL.com
Zeke's questioning about domestic violence allegations is upsetting. He hasn't even gotten a full season under his belt and yet he might have full Ray Rice potential. NFL interviews Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott on domestic violence allegations | ESPN
The Packers are going to need a little more than prayers... Packers praying for help to slow Julio Jones - NFL.com
It would be great for the Bills to stomp the Patriots... Bills warn Patriots about another scrum if disrespected - NFL.com
Buffalo will be down a safety when next they meet. Buffalo Bills safety hurt by brutal block might be done with football | FOX Sports
So the Jaguars are laughably awful. Like really bad. Jacksonville Jaguars have no idea why their season is falling apart
When nobody knows why it's bad, it's good to keep poor leadership at hand. Shad Khan won't fire Gus Bradley as Jacksonville Jaguars head coach after loss to Tennessee Titans | ESPN
The marvelous mustache finds himself defending his run as coach for the Vikings. Minnesota Vikings, former coach Brad Childress deny claims of bounty system | ESPN
Hey! You just beat me and this is crazy. Here's my jersey. Call me, maybe? Watch Ben Roethlisberger break his own rule and ask Tom Brady for a jersey | FOX Sports
Remember when Darren Sharper roamed the sidelines for the Packers during the Broncos first Super Bowl victory? Remember him on NFL Network? Forget all that. He's a sexual predator and it's probably for the best you forget him altogether. Darren Sharper sentenced in Nevada attempted sex assault case | FOX Sports
What's worse? Being a disgruntled Rams fan or killing yourself over it? Kind of a bizarre twist to a sad story. Texas man's suicide note blames Rams owner Stan Kroenke - CBSSports.com