What has happened in Denver?

Over the weekend, the University of Denver sealed the deal on their 10th NCAA hockey championship, the most in college hockey history. The Denver Nuggets are the reigning NBA champions. The Avalanche are poised to make a serious run in the playoffs this year after winning it all in 2022. Then there are the Broncos and the Rockies.

For as long as I have been alive, the Denver Broncos have sat atop the mile high mountain as the cream of the crop franchise in Denver. Now, they are right there with one of the biggest jokes in professional sports, the Colorado Rockies. How did the Broncos come to find themselves keeping company with a team that has no desire to win or field a team that has any hope to compete?

While the billionaire owners raise ticket prices on season ticket holders after their 9th consecutive season without appearing in the playoffs, it’s a play right out of the Monfort playbook to shake as much cash out of the fans for a beyond sub-standard product. In lieu of improving the team, both the Walton-Penners and the Monforts choose to invest in material upgrades like party decks and ridiculous exclusive bars like Club 1977. While the new scoreboard at Mile High is nice, when everybody leaves in the third quarter because of another blowout, what does it matter?

Stadium upgrades and new uniforms are nice, but what ownership needs to get intimately involved with is the product on the field. It’s entirely possible that Broncos Country will endure a decade of losing since Super Bowl 50. Let’s focus on winning and less on all the outside stuff, like porking the fans for more money for a sub-standard product.

With so much sports success in Colorado these days, the attention span and patience for ineptitude isn’t what it was during the 1960’s and early 1970’s, the last time they were consistently this bad. Basketball, hockey, and college hockey have all grown up around the decaying mess that is the Broncos. Competition for eyeballs is hotter than it’s ever been before. If the Broncos don’t become more team and fan focused, they are right there in the running to join the Rockies as a laughingstock of professional sports. Heck, we may already be there.

HEADLINES

10 biggest draft steals in Denver Broncos history
A look back at the 10 best late-round gems the Denver Broncos have ever found in the NFL Draft.

The Broncos need to be the Sean Payton show during the draft - Denver Sports
Forget about compromise; the Broncos need to follow the lead of their head coach during the draft, being aggressive to get who they want

Broncos need more than quarterback help in the draft - ESPN
Without a second-round pick, Denver has needs at wide receiver and tight end.

Denver Broncos players report for offseason work on Monday | 9news.com
As it begins, Jarrett Stidham is the QB. McGlinchey: “I love Stidy. I think he’s a very capable player – he’s more than that; he’s a good football player."

NFL Draft 2024 needs for Broncos, Raiders, Chiefs, and Chargers in AFC West, plus pick breakdown - SBNation.com
The 2024 NFL Draft is days away. What do the teams in the AFC West need?

J.J. McCarthy is in New England, meeting with Patriots - NBC Sports
Michigan quarterback J.J.

Jared Goff calls trade to Lions the "greatest thing that ever happened to me" - NBC Sports
Three years ago, the Rams decided to move on from quarterback Jared Goff.

George Kittle confident as 49ers have kept their entire offense together, "so far" - NBC Sports
George Kittle thinks the 49ers' offensive continuity can help them be even better in 2024.

As offseason program opens, Rashee Rice's status remains unclear - NBC Sports
Rice has been working out with QB Patrick Mahomes in Texas.

Joe Burrow: I think Bengals are built to beat the Chiefs - NBC Sports
The Chiefs made it to the Super Bowl for the fourth time in the last five seasons earlier this year, but their trip to the championship was a bit different than in previous years.

Aaron Rodgers arrives at start of Jets' voluntary offseason program - NBC Sports
The Jets are among the 25 teams opening their voluntary offseason programs today, and Aaron Rodgers is voluntarily attending.

2024 NFL Draft: Brock Bowers headlines 6 first-round wild cards; what is Michael Penix Jr.'s ceiling/floor?
Brock Bowers is widely viewed as one of the most talented prospects available in the 2024 NFL Draft. So why is he being mocked all over the board? Bucky Brooks takes a closer look at the Georgia tight end. Plus, five more first-round wild cards.

Bengals WR Tee Higgins expects to play for Cincinnati in 2024 after requesting trade
Wide receiver Tee Higgins revealed he anticipates playing for the Bengals in 2024 despite a trade request last month.

Twenty-five NFL teams kick off voluntary offseason workout program today
The NFL’s voluntary offseason program kicks off on Monday for the 25 clubs with returning head coaches.

Colts agree to two-year, $46 million contract extension with DT DeForest Buckner
The Indianapolis Colts have agreed to a two-year, $46 million contract extension with three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.

Bengals QB Joe Burrow wants to see the NFL change this rule that currently results in a 15-yard penalty - CBSSports.com
Burrow makes it clear he's 'pro taunting'

2024 NFL Draft: Von Miller appears to want the Bills to trade up for a Stefon Diggs replacement - CBSSports.com
Could Buffalo move up in the first round?