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Good morning, Broncos Country...and welcome to camp!
Well, OK, not Training Camp camp, but football/kids/super-fun-wish-I-were-10 camp.
Also, camp where a kid asked the best question yet regarding New England Patriots and #Deflategate.
Asking Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders - who dropped in for a surprise visit at Ed McCaffrey's 14th annual football camp Thursday afternoon - if DeflateGate made him mad, Sanders said he felt "like I'm on ESPN with that question."
And with such a direct and poignant question, Sanders might as well have been.
The breakout receiver's answer was just as direct and poignant.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm kind of mad. I don't think that they should be the Super Bowl champion this year," Sanders said via 9News, before delivering an impromptu message that unfortunately has gotten lost in this entire Deflategate debacle.
"You aren't supposed to cheat," Sanders added. "Cheating is not good, especially when you've got guys who are working they're butts off for 365 days out of the year and one person cheats - whether it helps them win the Super Bowl or not, they still cheated and shouldn't be a champion."
Yep, what he said.
#Broncos WR @ESanders_10 is looking forward to play-action possibilities in 2015. WATCH: [http://t.co/lDha4ejcek] pic.twitter.com/R2Gcq7aghX
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 26, 2015
And the Broncos' second-most productive wide receiver in 2014 also pointed out to the kids that being great in football - or in anything - doesn't just take hard work, it takes complete dedication.
"I firmly believe that if you wake up every single day and you work hard, that doesn't mean that you'll be successful," Sanders said. "The dedication part is the most important thing about that formula ... dedicating yourself to your craft."
Having seen the benefits of such dedication to a craft last season, Sanders told BroncosTV that he is looking forward to what the upcoming season's new offense is going to bring - and he's excited about the potential with the play action.
"I like the offense. The more and more of the offense we put in, throughout OTAs, I got more comfortable," Sanders said. "Obviously [without pads on] it's tough to really see what the offense is about because it's predicated off the play-action pass, and
Sanders said he mentioned that "problem" to head coach Gary Kubiak who reminded his receiver to be patient.
"He said to just wait," Sanders said with his prototypical smile. "When we get those pads on and the running game gets going, it's going to be a lot of opportunities for playmaking abilities. I'm looking forward to it."
So am I, E, so am I.
Mile High Report Hall of Fame
ICYMI - MHR Hall of Fame
ICYMI - MHR Hall of Fame
If you haven't done it yet - or haven't stopped by to add some recs in a while, don't forget to add your two cents to the nominees for our 2015 MHR Hall of Fame.
All four categories for the Class of 2015 are now open until July 6, so stop by and nominate and/or rec the very good nominations so far!
- MHR "Broncos" Hall of Fame nominations
- MHR "Authors" Hall of Fame nominations
- MHR "Members" Hall of Fame nominations
- MHR Sportsperson of the Year nominations
Horse Tracks
Denver Broncos' Sanders says New England Patriots shouldn't be recognized as Super Bowl champions | ESPN
Speaking to a group of kids at a football camp on Thursday, Broncos receiver Emmanuel Sanders said the Patriots should not be regarded as champions because of their alleged role in Deflategate.
Sanders all smiles talking play-action potential
Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders says the offense will find plenty of big plays once the ground game gets established during training camp.
Sanders surprises kids at Ed McCaffrey football camp
Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders gave kids attending Eddie Mac's football camp a nice surprise when he showed up on the last day to talk to them.
Peyton Manning, Jamaal Charles spearhead All-AFC West Team - NFL.com
Peyton Manning might be the top quarterback in his division at age 39 -- but there's a promising youngster looming on the horizon. Dave Dameshek fills out his All-AFC West Team.
Shane Ray's draft day slide pumps up Denver Broncos' offseason grade - Denver Broncos Blog - ESPN
We assess the Denver Broncos' offseason moves and assign a letter grade.
Cody Latimer vows to get on field for Denver Broncos - NFL.com
Cody Latimer didn't enjoy the same breakout rookie campaign had by many of the receivers from the Class of 2014. Will he make an impact for the Denver Broncos in 2015?
T.J. Ward to host free, one-day youth football clinic in Denver this Saturday
Broncos safety T.J. Ward, in partnership with USA Football, will host a free, one-day football clinic for athletes ages 10-13 at the Denver School of Science and Technology on June 27.
ESPYs fan voting is open so vote for Peyton Manning!
The Denver Broncos' QB is up for "Best Record-Breaking Performance" for his 509th touchdown pass!
Aaron Rodgers reigns among top 10 QBs; Tom Brady takes a hit - NFL.com
Bucky Brooks puts the 10 best quarterbacks in the NFL in order for the 2015 season -- and he says the Deflategate scandal casts a definite shadow over Tom Brady's placement.
NFLPA files complaint against Pats over Butler penalty - NFL.com
The NFLPA formally filed a complaint Thursday against the New England Patriots over their punishment of Malcolm Butler for being late to OTAs, per Albert Breer.
Drew Brees 'very convinced' he'll win another title - NFL.com
It was one year ago yesterday that Drew Brees looked at the Saints' roster and said, "Why not the New Orleans Saints? Tell me why we can't win the championship." He's got a new prediction this June.
Calais Campbell: Palmer makes Cardinals a contender - NFL.com
Appearing on NFL Total Access on Wednesday, Pro Bowl defensive end Calais Campbell said the Cardinals know they are a contender with Carson Palmer at quarterback. Is that true?
Cam Newton of Carolina Panthers -- Charleston visit about showing respect
Cam Newton says Monday's visit with families of the victims from last week's shooting in Charleston was important as the face of an NFL organization that represents North and South Carolina.
NFL Hall of Famer Warren Sapp charged with domestic battery
Authorities in Las Vegas have charged Hall of Fame defensive lineman Warren Sapp with biting his girlfriend, throwing her to the ground and stepping on her head in an April incident.
AFC West Q&A: Who is the most underrated player in the division
Each of the division's four teams has at least one player who played well despite a lack of recognition last season.
Why Tom Brady will play for Patriots in 2015 NFL season opener - CBSSports.com
Tom Brady could ultimately end up playing Week 1 for the Patriots despite his suspension. Here's why.
MythBusters: Secondary issues, not Brady's absence, could doom Patriots | SI.com
Myth: Tom Brady's absence will cause a backslide in Foxboro. Reality: The New England secondary is the primary cause for concern.
Bills receiver Goodwin on track for long jump at nationals | SI.com
SI.com - sports news, scores, photos, columns and expert analysis from the world of sports including NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, NASCAR, college basketball, college football, golf, soccer, tennis, fantasy and much more.
Oakland Raiders: Donald Penn on Khalil Mack's improvement - NFL - SI.com
On SI Now, Oakland Raiders tackle Donald Penn discusses his relationship with Khalil Mack and how the young outside linebacker has improved his game in training camp.