DENVER — Matt Martinez and his crew of about 10 families don’t miss a Broncos home game -- and Sunday's victory over the Minnesota Vikings was no exception.
“We have got the TV set up behind us. Back over here we have a full-on bloody mary bar and mimosa bar,” Martinez said, showing 9NEWS around his tailgating spot.
They’ve been at this spot for almost 10 years. The tradition goes back way further, and even earned them a title in 2006.
“That was the year the Denver Broncos gave us the ‘Most Valuable Tailgate,’” Martinez said.
But the most important part of the sweet setup is the jersey hanging in the corner.
“Luke Hardy, number 44,” Martinez said. “He actually passed away two years ago from pancreatic cancer, so we have his personalized jersey up hanging out all the time.”
Luke was just 44 years old.
“That was rough. Very rough,” Martinez said.
He’s the reason this whole tailgating tradition ever started, and his legacy certainly lives on.
“Be happy. Have fun. Keep a smile on your face. No matter what happens in life, you’re always going to have down times, happy times, you know, when it’s down time just be happy and think positive and life will turn around for you,” Martinez said.
He said their favorite guy is still around in spirit, as they all root for their favorite team.
“He’d be really impressed. He’d be happy. He’d like to see that everyone’s around and still hanging out,” Martinez said.
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