DENVER — As the Broncos’ boss, Joe Ellis is hopeful and practical.
The Broncos’ chief executive officer and president was asked at a community event Friday morning about his impression of the team this offseason.
"I’m excited about what’s ahead of us," Ellis said to a group of local media that included 9News’ photojournalist Jeff Dressel. "Having said that, it’s kind of hard having watched OTAs for 20-plus years now so I don’t make too many judgments other than I am impressed with the coaching staff. I’m impressed with coach (Vic) Fangio’s ability to connect with these players and teach them. They’re paying attention to him and that’s good to see. I think that bodes well for this season and beyond.
"But I’ll temper my optimism with we’ve got to start playing some games. We’ll see what the team looks like when we play some preseason games and then of course when we open up on the road at Oakland. That’s the real test and we’ll see where we go from there."
The preseason starts with the Hall of Fame Game against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday, Aug. 1 in Canton, Ohio. Ellis said the team will fly in Wednesday and tour the Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum – where the bust room includes the bronze likeness of Broncos' John Elway, Gary Zimmerman, Floyd Little, Shannon Sharpe and Terrell Davis – before bussing up to their hotel in Cleveland.
"Which I think will be really fun and meaningful for the players to be able to see that and see the legends of the game," Ellis said.
The team will fly back to Denver after the game for practice Friday and Saturday morning, but the team will fly its three players with the most seniority – Von Miller, Chris Harris Jr. and Derek Wolfe – back to Canton for the induction ceremony of owner Pat Bowlen and cornerback Champ Bailey.
"I think Mr. Bowlen would be proud," Ellis said. "He always loved his players and taken a special interest in them and I think it’s meaningful to him that a couple of today’s current roster members – three of them actually will be at the festivities on Saturday."
He was asked if Bowlen, who the team and his family announced had Alzheimer’s in July 2014, could appreciate his Hall of Fame achievement.
"He’s tough as nails physically," Ellis said. "Obviously, the disease takes a toll on you from the mental standpoint. But I would tell ya I’d like to think he understands. I’d like to think he appreciates what an honor it is that he’s being given and he recognizes that. It’s the highest individual honor you can get in Pro Football and he’s certainly deserving of that."
As for the stadium’s naming rights, Ellis sounded as if there will be another year of playing at Broncos Stadium at Mile High.
"Nothing now," he said. "Keep plodding away. We’ll see where we go. There will probably be more stuff coming about the stadium later this summer is my guess."
The Broncos kicked off the NFL’s 100th-season anniversary Friday with what was called a Denver Day of Service. There were players and team representatives at 22 various locations across the city. Ellis, his top lieutenant Patrick Smyth, and Broncos tight end Jeff Heuerman were at the Food Bank of the Rockies.
"It’s great to give back," Heuerman said. "We’ve got guys all over the community today. It’s one of the best parts about being part of the Denver Broncos.
"All the places, I’ve been to retirement homes, hospitals, food banks you take away a little something from everywhere.
"The Food Bank … you take apple juice and grape juice for granted every day. If you want it you just go get it. To understand it’s not that accessible for everybody, it’s humbling. And it makes you feel good helping people out and getting them what they need."
