Optimism is the name of the game for Broncos fans
“It’s a Monday night game. It’s the first game of the season. I think this year is going to be a good season,” said Jesse Esquibel-Torres, who goes to games as his alter ego — Bronco Reaper.
It was a big game for many reasons, and fans began trickling onto the Mile High grounds hours before the start. First, the recently relocated Los Angeles Chargers are a division rival, so the game immediately had playoff implications. Second, fans of both teams were watching new head coaches — each an African-American.
ESPN’s Beth Mowins made history by becoming the first woman to work as a play-by-play announcer on “Monday Night Football.” And the pregame festivities included a moment of silence to remember 9/11 and the victims of Hurri- canes Harvey and Irma.
Other division rivals — the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs — won their opening games, adding pressure to the game.
“We have to win,” said Derek Berry, a Denver resident. “If we lose, we will be at the bottom of the division.”
And there’s nothing like the home team jumping to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter to buoy the fervor.
“It doesn’t get any bigger,” said Karl Rutten, who drove to Denver from Santa Fe for the game. “A mediocre year is never OK.”
Rutten launched into a lengthy conversation about his concerns for the year — the offensive line, quarterback Trevor Siemian, cornerback Aqib Talib’s responsibilities as a captain.
Berry worked a half day so he could attend the game. He was tailgating with
The optimism of Broncos opening day is infectious. Fans wear crisp new jerseys, the players’ numbers shining brightly across chests and backs. Players grin as they walk into the stadium to cheers of encouragement. Stadium workers greet fans with smiles f ive hours before the opening kickoff.
friends James and Sophia Hume and Jenna Jepson. The friends agreed it had been a long eight months since the Broncos last played.
“Offseason (stinks),” Sophia Hume said. “There’s nothing to watch on TV. It’s not as fun to wear your stuff, although we do. We’ve been waiting.”
Monday’s trip to Denver was a 40th birthday celebration for Broncos fan Ron Voll, who lives in Victorville, Calif. He became a Broncos fan after watching Denver face the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XXII — ironically, held in the Chargers’ old stadium in San Diego. He picked the Broncos because he liked their uniform colors, and he has stuck with the team since.
This was his first time cheering on the Broncos at Mile High.
“It’s going to be emotional for me,” Voll said as he waited for kickoff.
For several fans, it was worth arriving hours early in hopes of getting autographs from or selfies with players.
Amanda Cruz and her 16year-old daughter held homemade signs along with footballs, caps, shoes and jerseys in hopes of getting signatures from their favorite Broncos.
“That’s my man!” Arianna shouted as Von Miller, wearing all black, including a wide-brimmed hat, walked by. Alas, he didn’t stop to greet fans.
Six members of the Cruz family were making their annual pilgrimage to Mile High from Roswell, N.M.
“It started when we were kids,” Amanda Cruz said. “My parents were Broncos fans, and it went down the line. It’s the family time. The crowds. This is our thing here — getting the signatures.”
They were sure they would leave with a Broncos win.
“No doubt!” Amanda Cruz said. “You don’t ever come to a game and doubt your team.”
The few Chargers fans gearing up for the game also were fired up for a fresh season.
“We wore our baby blues (team jerseys) so we will stand out,” said Kristi Carrasco, who holds Chargers season tickets with her husband, Michael.
The Carrascos believed their team had a chance to win. The starters were healthy and strong rather than worn down from a long season.
And if they lost? “We’ve had a great trip to a fun city,” Kristi Carrasco said.