Washington Product Starts All Games for the Denver Broncos

In the often-overlooked world of NFL offensive linemen, consistency is the highest compliment—and for Denver Broncos left guard Andrew Vorhees, consistency has defined his 2024 season. A native of Kirkland, Washington, and a former All-American at the University of Washington, Vorhees has been the only Broncos offensive lineman to start every game this year, anchoring a unit that’s gone through injuries and position shifts. For a Broncos team aiming to fix its inconsistent rushing attack and protect quarterback Russell Wilson, Vorhees’ reliability has been a quiet but critical asset. What makes his achievement even more notable is his path: a third-round draft pick in 2023, he spent his rookie year recovering from a knee injury, making his 2024 breakout all the more rewarding. Washington Product Starts All Games for the Denver Broncos explores Vorhees’ journey from a Washington high school star to an NFL ironman, his impact on the Broncos’ offense, and why his story resonates with fans in both his home state and Denver.

Washington Product Starts All Games for the Denver Broncos begins with Vorhees’ roots in Washington and his college success. Growing up in Kirkland, Vorhees starred at Juanita High School, where he was a four-star recruit and one of the top offensive line prospects in the West. He stayed home to play for the University of Washington, where he became a fixture at left guard for four seasons, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors twice and helping the Huskies reach the College Football Playoff in 2022. “Playing for Washington was a dream come true,” Vorhees said in a recent interview. “I grew up watching the Huskies, so putting on that purple and gold every Saturday meant everything. It taught me the value of hard work and consistency—lessons that still guide me today.” His college career was defined by durability: he started 43 consecutive games for the Huskies, a streak that caught the eye of NFL scouts. Broncos general manager George Paton has cited Vorhees’ “ironman mentality” as a key reason Denver drafted him, noting that “offensive linemen who stay on the field and protect their quarterback are worth their weight in gold.” For Vorhees, his Washington roots are a source of pride—and a reminder of the work it took to reach the NFL.

Another key angle in Washington Product Starts All Games for the Denver Broncos is the adversity Vorhees overcame to become a full-time starter. After being drafted by the Broncos in 2023, Vorhees suffered a torn ACL during pre-draft workouts, forcing him to miss his entire rookie season. The injury was a devastating setback, but Vorhees approached rehab with the same discipline that defined his college career: he spent 10 months working with the Broncos’ medical staff, focusing on strength training and mobility drills to rebuild his knee. “Missing my rookie year was tough,” Vorhees admitted. “But it gave me time to study the playbook, watch film with veterans, and learn what it takes to play in the NFL. I didn’t waste a single day.” By the start of 2024 training camp, Vorhees was fully healthy—and he quickly proved he belonged. He won the starting left guard job in preseason, outperforming veteran competitors with his strength (he bench-pressed 225 pounds 38 times at his pro day) and football IQ. Through 12 games, he’s yet to miss a snap, a feat made even more impressive by the physicality of his position: offensive linemen absorb hundreds of hits per game, and staying healthy requires both talent and luck. “Andrew’s resilience is inspiring,” said Broncos offensive line coach Butch Barry. “He didn’t let an injury derail his career—he used it as motivation. That’s the kind of player you want on your team.”

A critical factor in Washington Product Starts All Games for the Denver Broncos is Vorhees’ impact on the Broncos’ offense this season. The Broncos’ rushing attack has improved steadily since Week 1, and Vorhees is a big reason why: he ranks third among NFL guards in run-blocking grade (82.3) according to Pro Football Focus, and he’s helped clear the way for running backs Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine to combine for 920 rushing yards. His pass protection has been equally strong: he’s allowed just one sack all season, a rarity for a second-year lineman. For the Denver Broncos, Vorhees’ consistency has stabilized an offensive line that’s dealt with injuries to right tackle Alex Palczewski and center Lloyd Cushenberry III. “Andrew is our rock up front,” said Wilson. “When I drop back to pass, I know he’s going to hold his block. When we run the ball to the left, I know he’s going to create a hole. That kind of trust is invaluable.” Vorhees’ performance has also earned him respect from opponents: Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, who signed with the Broncos midseason, called Vorhees “one of the toughest guards I’ve played against” earlier this month. For a team still fighting for a playoff spot, Vorhees’ ability to keep the offense on track is nothing short of essential.

Another important reason Washington Product Starts All Games for the Denver Broncos is the connection he’s built with fans—both in Denver and his home state of Washington. Broncos fans have embraced Vorhees for his blue-collar style: he’s not a flashy player, but he’s reliable, and he plays with a toughness that resonates with the team’s blue-collar fan base. In Washington, Huskies fans follow his NFL career closely, with local sports radio stations regularly updating listeners on his performance. Vorhees has leaned into this connection: he hosts a yearly football camp for kids in Kirkland, and he often wears Washington Huskies gear to Broncos practice to honor his roots. “I’ll always be a Washington kid at heart,” Vorhees said. “The support from fans back home means the world to me, and I want to be a role model for young athletes there—show them that hard work pays off.” For the Denver Broncos, Vorhees’ off-field presence is just as valuable as his on-field play: he’s a quiet leader in the locker room, and he’s taken rookie linemen like Luke Wattenberg under his wing. “Andrew doesn’t say much, but he leads by example,” said Barry. “He’s the first one in the film room and the last one to leave practice. That’s the kind of influence that makes our entire unit better.”

Wrapping up Washington Product Starts All Games for the Denver Broncos is what Vorhees’ consistency means for the Broncos’ future. At just 24 years old, Vorhees is already a cornerstone of the Broncos’ offensive line, and his ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level suggests he’ll be a starter for years to come. The Broncos have long struggled to find consistent offensive linemen, but Vorhees’ emergence gives them a building block for the future—something that’s especially important as they look to keep Wilson happy and competitive. “Andrew is part of our long-term plan,” Paton said earlier this season. “He’s exactly the kind of player we want to build around: talented, tough, and consistent.” For Vorhees, the goal is simple: keep winning games and help the Broncos reach the playoffs. “Starting every game is an honor, but it’s not the end goal,” he said. “I want to help this team win a championship. That’s why I play this game.” As the Broncos head into the final stretch of the 2024 season, Vorhees will continue to anchor their offensive line—quietly, reliably, and with the same work ethic that took him from Kirkland, Washington, to the NFL. For the Denver Broncos, having a Washington product like Andrew Vorhees start all games isn’t just a stat—it’s a sign that their offensive line is finally heading in the right direction.