Trying to raise two Broncos fans in New Hampshire isn’t easy. On Saturday, I returned from a two week trip with my boys to the Mile High City where I made every effort to steep them in all things Denver Broncos and disinfect that pesky Patriots stink off of them. That process began with a visit to the last day of Broncos training camp.

“We watch them practice and then you can get autographs,” I told the boys. We had looked forward to it for months.

At 5 and 6-years old, the boys were understandably squirmy during practice. They knew it was a big deal, but weren’t entirely sure what the point was. Frankly, I don’t blame them. With the Chicago Bears in town for joint-practice before their preseason game, there was so much orange, blue, and white out there on the field(s) that even I needed MHR’s Ian St. Clair’s help to decipher just what was going on.

As promised, once practice ended, fans made their way down the berm to get signatures from whichever players wandered over. When the first player walked over, my oldest son held the Broncos mini-helmet I bought him high over his head to secure a signature. It was remarkable the care that the player took in signing. Anything more than a scribble was a total win. In all the excitement, I didn’t realize that the fella who signed my son’s helmet was Bears linebacker, Sam Acho. Needless to say, my son didn’t care. He got a signature! He was so proud.

My youngest son, inspired by the signature his older brother got, was determined to get one of his own. We watched as Demaryius Thomas and Von Miller worked the ropes in the player family and friends area. Unfortunately, after a million autographs each, they never made it to where we were.

When Domata Peko started working his way down our area of the line, my youngest held that mini-helmet up as high as he could. Unfortunately, despite signing forever, the swarm of folks around us meant that my youngest’s helmet went unsigned and Peko apologized as he jogged off. I couldn’t blame him for not getting to it. He had to stop somewhere and not everyone can get an autograph. These are hard lessons to learn, especially if you’re 5.

My 5-year old didn’t take it well. He immediately melted into a puddle of disappointment and tears. As I carried him up the berm toward the exit, there was no consoling him. He wanted the world to know that he was mad and that he hated the Denver Broncos, me, and just about everything under the setting sun. It was a tantrum for the ages.

That’s when the future of Broncos Country graced us with the ultimate kindness anyone could ask for in that situation.

Out of nowhere, this youngster, who was maybe 12-years old, appeared and came to my son’s aid. “Here, take it,” he said. In his hands was a Broncos pennant bearing Broncos rookie linebacker Jeff Holland’s signature.

“No way, we couldn’t take that from you. That’s yours. He’ll be fine,” I said.

“He should have an autograph. I don’t need it. It’s his.”

Despite my efforts to decline his offer, I found myself with the signed pennant in my hands and the kid was gone. For a 12-year old to be so keenly focused on making my youngest son’s first training camp a happy experience is nothing short of remarkable.

I don’t know who that kid was, but later that day, my son was thrilled to look at that pennant and talk about Jeff Holland. What exactly does a linebacker do? Is he good? Does he have black stuff under his eyes?

In a chaotic world populated by self-serving individuals, it was inspiring to see the future of Broncos Country show such kindness and caring to a little kid he’d never met. His parents should be proud to raise such an amazing kid. When my son looks upon Jeff Holland’s signature on that pennant hanging on his wall as he grows older, he’s not going to see just a pennant with a signature, he’s going to be reminded that being selfless for others is distress is the way to act. I only hope that I can raise my boys to be as amazing as that kid was on the last day of Broncos training camp.

Broncos Country is awesome.

HORSE TRACKS

Mason's Mailbag: Phillip Lindsay staking claim to roster spot
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Denver Broncos LB Brandon Marshall has lost 25 pounds since last season
Brandon Marshall is taking a risk with his body this year, hoping it'll pay huge dividends.

Broncos sign CB Adam Jones, waive LB Bo Bower
Jones signed a one-year deal with the team on Sunday.

Former Broncos Eric Decker, Julius Thomas announce retirement from NFL
Two former Broncos stars announced their retirement from professional football.

Jon Gruden: We call Martavis Bryant the 'white tiger' - NFL.com
Struggling to master the Raiders' playbook, Martavis Bryant spent the early portion of training camp sequestered in Jon Gruden's proverbial doghouse. He's now the team's "white tiger."

Adrian Peterson to visit Washington Monday – ProFootballTalk
There's a need for some running back help in Washington and the most prolific rusher of the active free agents is apparently up for consideration. NFL Media reports that Adrian Peterson will visit with the team on Monday.

Texans sign Kayvon Webster – ProFootballTalk
Cornerback Kayvon Webster reportedly had three visits lined up with teams, but he won't be heading anywhere other than Houston. Webster was in town to meet with the Texans on Sunday and he'll stay there as a new member of the team.

Texans, CB Kayvon Webster agree to $2 million deal - Houston Chronicle

NFL Week 3 preseason scores, schedule, updates: Josh Allen gets crushed, Nathan Peterman sharp - CBSSports.com
The dress rehearsal of the preseason concludes with two more games

Tyreek Hill says he knows 'without a doubt' the Chiefs will have NFL's best offense - CBSSports.com
Hill believes his team has the best running back and tight end in the league, as well as a Hall of Fame coach

Eagles coach Doug Pederson says Carson Wentz is still not cleared for contact - CBSSports.com
Wentz is still rehabbing from a torn ACL suffered late last season

Lamar Jackson on breakout preseason game: 'I hope people know I can throw now' - CBSSports.com
Jackson accounted for two touchdowns against the Dolphins on Saturday

Jalen Ramsey blames NFL's new helmet rule for Marqise Lee's knee injury - CBSSports.com
Lee was hit below the waist by Falcons defensive back Damontae Kazee and had to be carted off the field

Bears coach Matt Nagy: Sitting starters in preseason won't change Week 1 result - CBSSports.com
The Bears sat most of their first team for the dress rehearsal game against the Chiefs

Officials called fewer helmet penalties last week – ProFootballTalk
Two significant developments related to the NFL's new helmet rule took place last week: First, the league announced that "inadvertent" hits wouldn't be penalized. And then, the officials called fewer penalties.

Rams, Aaron Donald remain on verge of record-setting deal – ProFootballTalk
It was close a couple of weeks ago, and it's still close. But, obviously, it's not done until it's done. The Rams and defensive tackle Aaron Donald, the reigning NFL defensive player of the year, remain on the verge of a deal that will make him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history, pe...

OBJ deal close, but not done – ProFootballTalk
There's a rumor making the rounds that a deal between the Giants and receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is done. But it's not quite done yet. Word is that Beckham is privately claiming that a new contract is in place. Per a league source with knowledge of the situation, the deal is close but not done.

Kavon Frazier injures shoulder – ProFootballTalk
The Cowboys took yet another hit at safety, making them even more desperate for help at the position. Kavon Frazier headed to the locker room for X-rays on his left shoulder after being injured in the first quarter.

Report: Patriots to release Eddie Pleasant – ProFootballTalk
The Patriots are releasing veteran safety Eddie Pleasant, Field Yates of ESPN reports. New England signed him on July 24 after six years with the Texans. Jordan Richards played 35 snaps in Friday's preseason game against the Panthers and Pleasant played five.

Saquon Barkley fully participates in practice, finally – ProFootballTalk
Giants running back Saquon Barkley has been dealing with a hamstring injury, missing so much time that it became worrisome for the team's what-me-worry? starting quarterback. Alfred E. Manning can stop worrying. Via Matt Lombardo of NJ.

NFL, Jaguars issue statements on Jacksonville shooting - NFL.com
A gunman opened fire during a "Madden NFL 19" online video game tournament Sunday at a mall in Jacksonville, resulting in two fatalities and sending several other victims to local hospitals.

Eagles QB Carson Wentz still not cleared for contact - NFL.com
As we near the final week of the preseason, nervous season has begun. At the center of the Eagles' worries is Carson Wentz, who hasn't been cleared for contact with kickoff less than two weeks away.

Injuries: Titans remove Rishard Matthews from PUP list - NFL.com
The Tennessee Titans activated wide receiver Rishard Matthews (knee) from the PUP list and placed receiver Michael Campanaro on injured reserve. Plus, other injuries we're tracking on Sunday.

Punter Dickson stealing preseason show for Seahawks - NFL.com
Thrust into the spotlight following the recent release of mentor and franchise legend Jon Ryan, rookie Michael Dickson stole the show with a stunning display of punting artistry Friday.

Todd Bowles, New York Jets coach, won't reveal quarterback starter, but players expect Sam Darnold
Two Jets players told ESPN the expectation in the locker room is that Sam Darnold will get the nod for starting quarterback over incumbent Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater.

Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson gets testy over Carson Wentz questions
Eagles coach Doug Pederson was uncharacteristically terse answering questions about Carson Wentz's health, telling reporters, "when they clear him, he'll be cleared. I'm not going to put myself in a box, I'm not going to put my quarterback in a box."

Ezekiel Elliott of Dallas Cowboys will not play in preseason
With injuries to three starting offensive lineman, neither running back Ezekiel Elliott nor quarterback Dak Prescott will play Sunday night, sources told ESPN. The news means that Elliott will not play in the preseason.