Bobbling Broncos receivers bested by ball boy (a Bu≠)

Although the Denver Broncos won a big game Sunday, their receivers couldn’t catch a break — dropping seven passes on a blustery day.

Not everyone, however, was having an off day. The team’s ball boy, Eric McCready, drew growing cheers as he caught ball after ball in the end zone, nearly flawlessly.

Doing his usually anonymous job, he outshined the highly paid pros, snaring kickoffs, field goals and a few stray punts.

“I’ve always heard from friends and family after games, but most people don’t even know I’m back there. So it’s been really funny to see all of the attention,” McCready said. “But you know, I work really hard during the week, so I try not to take myself so seriously in my off time, which is kind of what this is.”

Although he now works as a financial adviser, McCready was once a receiver at the University of Colorado, where he lettered four times from 1997 and 2000.

McCready says being a Broncos ballboy is a dream come true, because it gives him access to the world of professional football.

“Football is still a passion of mine, and this is an easy way to learn from the best,” McCready said. “I can sit down with the coaches anytime, get to see what they’re doing pregame with the quarterbacks — it’s been quite the experience.”

McCready modestly stressed that the spotlight has been mightily misplaced and said the catches he makes during the game are “not even comparative” to the ones the Broncos make on the field.

He also said claims that the wind caused problems for the receivers on Sunday are true.

“My job is a thousand times easier than what those guys do. They’re the absolute best in the business, which tells you just how hard it would be for the average person,” McCready said. “That wind was swirling hard, too. And when you have a 250-pound guy charging at you, it’s totally different than having the whole end zone to run around in.”

Asked whether he has a formal title, McCready said he commonly refers to himself as “K-Ball” guy, but never really gave it much thought.

“To be honest, nobody has ever cared enough to give it a formal name before this,” he said.