Defensive Veterans Mentor the Denver Broncos Youth

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, talent alone isn’t enough to build a sustained contender—it takes guidance, experience, and the wisdom to pass down lessons from one generation to the next. For the Denver Broncos, this truth is playing out vividly on their defense, where seasoned veterans have taken young players under their wings, turning raw potential into game-ready production. From pre-practice drills to post-game film sessions, from locker room conversations to community events, these veterans are doing more than teaching football skills—they’re shaping the next core of the Broncos’ defense. Defensive Veterans Mentor the Denver Broncos Youth explores the impact of this mentorship, the key pairs leading the charge, and why this investment in young talent is critical to the Broncos’ future success.

Defensive Veterans Mentor the Denver Broncos Youth begins with the most impactful mentorship pair: 10-year veteran defensive end Randy Gregory and rookie defensive tackle Elijah Garcia. Gregory, a Pro Bowl-caliber player with 58 career sacks, recognized Garcia’s raw talent early in training camp—impressed by his strength, quickness, and work ethic. Since then, Gregory has made it a priority to guide the seventh-round draft pick, starting with daily one-on-one drills before practice. “Elijah has all the tools, but he just needs to learn how to use them in the NFL,” Gregory said. “I show him how to read an offensive lineman’s hips, how to adjust his rush based on the play call, and how to stay patient when the quarterback holds the ball.” The lessons have paid off: Garcia has recorded 3 sacks and 8 tackles for loss in limited snaps this season, with his first career sack coming in Week 10 against the Buffalo Bills—a moment Gregory celebrated as if it were his own. “When he got that sack, I was yelling louder than anyone,” Gregory laughed. “That’s what mentorship is about—watching someone you’ve helped succeed.”

Defensive Veterans Mentor the Denver Broncos Youth delves into the leadership of safety Justin Simmons, a 7-year Broncos veteran who has become a father figure to the team’s young defensive backs. Simmons, known for his high football IQ and attention to detail, hosts weekly “DB School” sessions—gathering rookies like cornerback Damarri Mathis and second-year safety Caden Sterns to review film, practice coverage techniques, and discuss game-day scenarios. “In the NFL, corners and safeties have to think as a unit,” Simmons said. “I teach them how to communicate on the field—how to call out a formation, how to switch coverage, and how to trust each other. That’s the difference between a good secondary and a great one.” One of Simmons’ most valuable lessons is about resilience: after Mathis gave up a touchdown in Week 7 against the Cleveland Browns, Simmons pulled him aside and walked him through the play, focusing on what he could do better next time rather than dwelling on the mistake. Mathis responded by recording an interception the following week against the Las Vegas Raiders. “Justin taught me not to let one play define me,” Mathis said. “He’s always there to lift me up, even when things go wrong.”

Defensive Veterans Mentor the Denver Broncos Youth examines how linebacker Alex Singleton, a 6-year veteran who joined the Broncos in 2024, has helped shape second-year linebacker Drew Sanders. Singleton, a former undrafted free agent who worked his way up from the practice squad, relates to Sanders’ journey—making him uniquely qualified to guide the young player. The two spend hours after practice working on tackling technique, with Singleton emphasizing the importance of wrapping up ball carriers and avoiding missed tackles. “Drew is fast and physical, but he used to rely too much on his athleticism,” Singleton said. “I teach him to be smarter—how to read a running back’s cut, how to take the right angle, and how to stay disciplined in the run game.” Singleton also mentors Sanders off the field, advising him on everything from financial planning to media interviews. “Alex has been through it all,” Sanders said. “He tells me about the mistakes he made early in his career and how to avoid them. Having someone like that in my corner is priceless.” For the Denver Broncos, this mentorship has turned Sanders into a reliable starter—he’s recorded 78 tackles and 2 sacks this season—filling a critical role in the linebackers corps.

Defensive Veterans Mentor the Denver Broncos Youth explores how this culture of mentorship has strengthened the entire defense, creating a sense of unity that extends beyond the field. Unlike some teams where veterans and rookies keep to themselves, the Broncos’ defense operates like a family—veterans invite young players to their homes for dinners, include them in off-season workouts, and even bring them to community events. In October, Gregory, Simmons, and Singleton took Garcia, Mathis, and Sanders to a local youth football camp, where the veterans let the young players lead drills—giving them a chance to practice teaching what they’ve learned. “Mentorship isn’t just about veterans teaching rookies—it’s about building a legacy,” Simmons said. “When these young guys become veterans someday, I want them to pass down the same lessons to the next generation.” This unity has translated to on-field success: the Broncos’ defense ranks 4th in total defense and has forced 21 turnovers this season, with contributions from both veterans and youth. For the Denver Broncos, this culture of mentorship is more than a strategy—it’s a way of life, one that makes the team stronger both on and off the field.

Defensive Veterans Mentor the Denver Broncos Youth wraps up with the long-term impact of this investment, as the Broncos look to build a championship-contending defense for years to come. By mentoring young players now, veterans are ensuring that the team’s defensive success isn’t just a one-season fluke—they’re laying the groundwork for a sustained contender. Garcia, Mathis, and Sanders are already showing signs of becoming future stars, and with continued guidance from veterans, they could form the core of the Broncos’ defense for the next decade. “The best teams in the NFL are the ones that have a pipeline of young talent developed by veterans,” said Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. “That’s what we’re building here. Our veterans aren’t just playing for today—they’re playing for tomorrow.” For the Denver Broncos, this mentorship is a win-win: veterans get to leave a lasting legacy, young players get to learn from the best, and the team gets to build a defense that can compete with the AFC’s elite for years to come. As the Broncos push for a playoff spot this season, the fruits of this mentorship are already evident—and the future looks brighter than ever.