Tag: Denver Broncos

  • Ex-NFL Star Sammy Winder Trades Broncos for Bulldozers

    Remember Sammy Winder? The powerhouse running back who dominated the field for the Denver Broncos? Well, decades after hanging up his cleats, this two-time Pro Bowler is living out a different, yet equally passionate, dream. At 66 years old, Winder is trading touchdowns for terrain, working as a self-proclaimed ‘bulldozer man’ on construction sites in Mississippi.

    From Football Field to Construction Site

    Winder’s journey after the NFL has been one of entrepreneurial spirit and a return to childhood fascinations. After retiring from the Broncos, he founded Winder Construction, a company focused on preparing sites for new home builds in the Jackson area. He ran the business for about two decades, demonstrating the same drive he showed on the field.

    A Childhood Dream Realized

    The economic downturn of 2009-2010 presented challenges, leading Winder to pivot into managing local garbage companies for about ten years. However, the managerial role left him restless. Two years ago, he returned to his lifelong passion: construction machinery. He now works alongside a longtime friend, Steve Chisholm of Steve Chisholm LLC, preparing sites for residential development.

    Winder grew up in humble beginnings as the son of a sharecropper, and even back then, construction machinery captured his imagination. “After playing for the Broncos and getting a little money, I went out and got me a bulldozer and an excavator,” Winder shared, explaining how his NFL career provided the financial stability to pursue this ambition.

    Dedication and Stability

    Despite being economically stable at 66, Winder is fully committed, logging an impressive 50-plus hours a week on the job. His dedication surprises many, but it mirrors the same commitment he brought to his legendary NFL career. Drafted by the Broncos in 1982, Winder became a franchise icon, ranking third in rushing yards, earning three Pro Bowl selections, and gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated. He was instrumental in leading the Broncos to three AFC Championship wins.

    Today, Winder channels that same energy and focus into clearing landscapes, paving the way for new homes. It’s inspiring to see a former athlete find such fulfillment and joy in pursuing a childhood dream long after their professional sports career has ended.

    What do you think about Sammy Winder’s inspiring career transition? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Russell Wilson Fires Back at Ex-Coach Sean Payton

    Ouch! It looks like the tension between quarterback Russell Wilson and his former coach, Sean Payton, is far from over. Even after Wilson’s departure from the Denver Broncos, the jabs keep coming, and this time, Wilson decided it was time to clap back.

    The Spark That Ignited the Fire

    The latest exchange kicked off after Payton made some pointed remarks about Wilson and the New York Giants. Following a nail-biting game where the Broncos narrowly defeated the Giants 33-32, Payton expressed his thoughts on the Giants finding a “spark” with their quarterback situation.

    Payton mentioned speaking with John Mara, owner of the Giants, and stated, “we were hoping that change would’ve happened long after our game.” This comment seemed to irk Wilson, who interpreted it as a dig, especially considering the Giants had recently benched Wilson in favor of rookie Jaxson Dart.

    Wilson’s Fiery Response

    Russell Wilson didn’t hold back, taking to Twitter to address Payton’s comments directly. He called the remarks “Classless… but not surprised…” and added a jab about Payton still “bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media.” He punctuated his tweet with laughing emojis and the familiar #LetsRide hashtag, a nod to his Broncos days.

    What’s Behind the ‘Bounty Hunting’ Jab?

    Wilson’s reference to “bounty hunting” is a direct callback to a major scandal involving Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints. From 2009 to 2011, the Saints’ defensive coordinator Gregg Williams ran a notorious cash-for-hits program. This led to Payton being suspended for the entire 2012 NFL season.

    A History of Friction

    The bad blood between Wilson and Payton likely stems from Wilson’s time with the Broncos. Reports suggested that the Broncos organization had threatened to bench Wilson during the 2023 season if he didn’t waive an injury guarantee in his contract. This situation ultimately led to his release.

    Wilson was traded to Denver in 2022 after a successful run with the Seattle Seahawks, where he won a Super Bowl. However, his two seasons with the Broncos were challenging, with the team going 11-19 and missing the playoffs both times. He then spent a season with the Pittsburgh Steelers before signing a one-year deal with the Giants.

    What’s Next for Wilson and Payton?

    This public spat highlights the lingering tensions in the NFL. While Wilson is now focused on leading the Giants, it’s clear that past conflicts continue to simmer. It’s always interesting to see how these player-coach dynamics play out, especially when they spill over into the public eye.

    What are your thoughts on this latest exchange between Russell Wilson and Sean Payton? Do you think Wilson’s response was justified? Share your opinions in the comments below!