Denver Broncos Make History with Groundbreaking 3-Year Life Transition Program for Players
Denver, CO – October 13, 2025
In a groundbreaking move that could set a new standard for NFL franchises, the Denver Broncos have unveiled a pioneering three-year life transition program aimed at supporting players who are either released from the team or retire from football. The Broncos, known for their strong team culture and commitment to player welfare, have taken the next step in reinforcing their "family first" philosophy, extending it far beyond the football field.
The program, which officially launched today, offers former Broncos a comprehensive set of resources designed to ease their transition from professional sports to civilian life. These include career mentorship, education stipends, financial support, psychological wellness services, and family guidance resources. This initiative is designed to address the multifaceted challenges that players face when stepping away from the game, a phase that can be as difficult as it is life-altering.
A Milestone for Player Welfare
Owner Greg Penner, who has long been a champion for the well-being of his players, expressed his unwavering commitment to the team’s legacy with the announcement. "Once a Bronco, always a Bronco. Football may end, but our commitment to our people will never fade," Penner said in a statement. His words highlight the team’s dedication to ensuring that former players are not just remembered for their on-field contributions, but also supported throughout their post-football careers.
The program goes well beyond traditional retirement benefits, providing monthly income to help ease financial burdens, as well as psychological services aimed at mental health, which has long been a growing concern within professional sports. These services are paired with family support resources to ensure that the transition is as smooth and holistic as possible.
A Model for the NFL
Players’ unions and analysts alike have lauded the Broncos’ initiative as a much-needed step forward for the NFL, with many calling it a “model for league-wide reform.” For too long, the professional sports world has focused heavily on the athletic achievements of its players, often neglecting the realities of life after sports. The Broncos are now leading the way in a new era of player welfare.
"With this move, the Broncos have not only shown leadership on the field but in how they treat their players as people, both during and after their careers," said one NFL analyst. “This is the type of empathy and foresight that the league needs.”
Denver Fans Celebrate the Decision
Denver fans, known for their passion and loyalty, were quick to celebrate the news, viewing it as a reflection of the city’s gritty, loyal, and compassionate spirit. The move by the Broncos mirrors the same values that echo through Empower Field at Mile High every Sunday. Broncos supporters are known for their fierce loyalty to the team, and now they can take pride in knowing their beloved franchise is giving back to the players who helped bring them success.
For the reigning NFL champions, this initiative is not just about reputation—it’s about identity. The Broncos have shown that their success isn’t solely measured by wins on the field, but by how the entire organization cares for its members, both past and present. The three-year life transition program sends a clear message: in Denver, once you’re part of the Broncos family, you’re always a part of the family.
A Long-Term Vision
As the Broncos pave the way for NFL teams to adopt similar programs, the hope is that this initiative will spark a larger conversation about the long-term well-being of professional athletes. While the program is still in its infancy, it’s already having a profound impact on how the league views its players and their futures after football.
Denver’s Broncos have always prided themselves on being a team that embodies toughness, resilience, and unwavering commitment to each other. With this initiative, they have proven once again that these values extend far beyond the gridiron.
Juwan Johnson’s first words on fumble leave fans in disbelief
Juwan Johnson fumbled a pass from Spencer Rattler that felt like the New Orleans Saints best opportunity for a comeback against the New England Patriots. When asked about the play, the beginning of the tight end's answer may leave Saints fans infuriated.
The first Johnson said when asked how he felt about the fumble was "it is what it is" preceded by a scoff. It appears that part of his answer was largely in reaction to it being called a fumble, however, it can be difficult to get past those being his first words on the matter.
The call was close, and Johnson doesn't agree. More importantly, however, it shouldn't have been close. The Saints simply couldn't afford it. They were down six points, and that play would have put them right at midfield with momentum. When the stakes are that high, we don't want to hear you be nonchalant about if it was a fumble or not.
Juwan Johnson is starting to have a knack for mistakes at the wrong time and his responses continue to leave more to be desired
This isn't the first time Johnson has missed an opportunity to make a splash play. Against the Cardinals, Johnson dropped what could have been a game tying or game winning touchdown, depending on how aggressive the Saints were.
After that game, Johnson appeared nonchalant about the severity of his drop. The main premise of his response was that the team has to move forward. While technically true, no one wants to hear that from the person who just dropped the ball immediately after the game. His criticism of focusing on late game mistakes also came off as a bit of a deflection.
Johnson took a slightly better approach after this mistake. After his initial comment, he later goes on to explain how he plans to bounce back from the fumble. "The one thing I can do go into this week really focusing on holding the ball properly." It's at this point it feels he owns his role in the play.
The Saints had only ran two plays on that drive and both resulted in first downs. New Orleans had just kicked a field goal on the possession before, and it felt like the offense was picking up steam. The fumble took that momentum away.
If there was one piece of advice to give Johnson, it would be to start a little better. Hearing "it is what it is" is the last thing anyone wants to hear from a player after his own mistake. It can actually make it difficult to digest the accountability Johnson took on seconds later. However, the greatest hope is the tight end stops making these critical mistakes, so we stop needing to grade his responses.
