Well, after a number of rather confusing moves from the Broncos during this past offseason, I'm looking at you Tim Tebow, the Broncos finally seem to have managed to do something right! After the "Boy King" got here, he pretty much jettisoned every single remaining Bronco that he had inherited from the Mike Shannahan years. Most notably were Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, and Tony Sheffler, all of whom were tops at their respective positions. I guess that I wouldn't have been all the surprised to see the Broncos let their best pass rusher go as well. I mean, McD seemed hell bent on keeping people that are "his guys" not Shanny's guys.
Which is why this story made me VERY happy! The Broncos finally agreed to a new contract with Dumervil. The new deal is actually a contract extension that extends him for 5 years, for $58.332 million through the 2015 season.
Now, to be absolutely fair to Dumervil, it is pretty obvious why he managed to get paid while his former Bronco teammates were quickly shown the door. Cutler demanded a trade after it was reported that the Boy King wanted to trade for Matt Cassel, and whined and moaned after Shanny, who spoiled the living daylights out of Cutler, was fired. Marshall, well, we remember his less-than-enthusiastic practice techniques that got him suspended by his team at the beginning of last season, and then his decision to not practice because his "leg hurt" which resulted in him being benched in the last game of the year. And the same thing with Tony Sheffler, who was also benched for the last game of the season last year.
So what is the difference between Elvis and these three guys? Well, just take a look at this quote, and that should tell you everyting.
"Money is not everything, and that's the way I was brought up," said Dumervil, who grew up in the Little Haiti neighborhood of Miami. "It's nice when you get it, don't get me wrong, but I was always taught that you get what you put into it. And as long as you conduct yourself as such, good things will happen for you." DenverPost.com
What is this? A taste of humility coming from a professional athlete? The Associated Press agrees with this as well. Dumervil did exactly the opposite of what these other guys did, and that's why his services are being retained. He didn't whine and complain about things and make it clear that the team better pony up or else he's out, he just let things play out, continued to show his commitment to working for the team, and the team rewarded him. That is a lesson that all younger players should hold on to. It isn't all about the money, you still have to have respect for your team, and for your organization. This is so refreshing, especially after all the pettiness that has surrounded the Broncos of late.
It's definitely good that the Broncos re-signed him, but how well they will actually do this upcoming season is yet to be determined. Until then!
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