Rocky Mountain High

I love the Denver Broncos. I've loved them for as long as I can remember. In December of '81 my family moved to Colorado and we started watching Denver Bronco football. I was 3-years old. 2 years later, John Elway started his rookie year.

Back in the early 80's I stood in line for hours with my dad and siblings at Gart Sports in Denver so I could shake John Elway's hand and get his autograph. I still remember that day like it was yesterday. I walked up to John and said, "Thanks, John" and he said, "You bet." It was amazing. That poster he signed for me hung in my bedroom ever since, even during my college days. Someday when my life is perfect and I have my Denver Bronco game/media room he'll grace us with his presence again.

Over the years, I've cried over our losses (yes, literally cried. ask my mom) and triumphed in our victories. I mourned our Superbowl losses in '87, '88 and '90. I drank Orange Crush becuase I was a true fan and I believed the the 3 amigos were immortal. Our back-to-back Superbowl wins in '97 and '98 were the ultimate vindication of a life-long fanship. John Elway's retirement and induction into the Hall of Fame brought tears to my eyes.

A few years ago, I knew Shanahan's days in Denver were numbered. The Broncos struggled without Elway but, managed to make playoff appearances in 2000, 2003, 2004 and 2005. Despite some of the Broncos success, well-seasoned fans knew Shanahan's techniques and play-calling were no longer working. The 2008 firing of Shanahan was shocking, but not unexpected.

I was reluctant to warm-up to Josh McDaniels as our new head coach. I was impressed with his New England roots, but at the same time a bit weary of his age and experience. The recent Broncos kerfuffle regarding McJaygate left many wondering. I have always been annoyed with Jay Cutler and his cry-baby attitude long before McJaygate become a household name. Cutler's lack of emotion irked me almost more than his ability to throw INT's every game. The acquisition of Kyle Orton didn't sit well with me, either. I knew I didn't want Cutler, but who on earth is Orton? I spent a lot of time in the off-season reading up on Orton and McDaniels. Orton seemed to be an OK QB in ChicCago and McDaniels resume was solid. Still, I had no idea how this pairing was going to pan out.

The first 3 wins of the season seemed to have been brought to us by pure luck. The "immaculate deflection" in game 1 against the Bengals and the Broncos "easy early schedule" are the most notable lucky charms of the season. But, the Broncos wins against the Cowboys, the Patriots and the Chargers have solidified the Broncos as a team to be reckoned with. There in no arguing with a 6-0 record.

I'll be honest, it's fun watching a winning season. It's nice watching a close game and coming out on top. It's nice not being in a bad mood on Monday mornings. It's nice going to the grocery store in my Bronco apparel and being congratulated on a spectacular win. There is nothing better than feeling that Rocky Mountain High. After our bye this week, we'll play the Ravens and the Steelers. It's going to be a rough road. But, we've proved we are up to the task.

Win or lose, I'm still going to be a Broncos fan. Always have been and always will be. It's a way of life.