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Late Bronco Darrent Williams' son remembers him through football

Darius Williams plays for Texas A&M University-Commerce.

DENVER — As much as he'd like to, January 1, 2007 is a day that Darius Williams will never forget.

"I definitely remember that day, what it was -- remember crying," he said.

Darius is the son of late Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams, who was murdered in a shooting in the early hours that day.

And all those emotions came rushing back to Darius last Saturday when his Texas A&M University-Commerce football team plane landed in Denver for a game against CSU-Pueblo.

"When we first touched down, I cried a little bit because we came here on my dad's birthday (Sept. 27) and I hadn't been back here since," Darius Williams said. "I feel like everything in life, everything happens for a reason, and that's just crazy that I come back to Colorado on his birthday."

Darius wants to be like Darrent.

Credit: AP Photo/Jack Dempsey
Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams goes over the top of Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson to breakup a pass during an exhibition football game in Denver on Aug. 27, 2006.

And with his dad's name on his shoes, and No. 27 on his back -- he does remind you of him.

"Ever since I've been young, it's been in me," Darius Williams said. "I wore 27 when he was alive, when I was young -- he's a legacy, I have to pick it up."

Darius says he still watches tape of his dad playing football, and he still plays for him.

Credit: AP Photo/Jack Dempsey
Darrent Williams has his ankle taped during the morning football training camp session at the Broncos' headquarters in Denver, Monday, July 31, 2006.

"I fell like he'd be proud of me," he said. "Because I'm out here doing my thing, balling, my grades are good, staying out of trouble -- all that."

Darrent, no doubt, left quite a legacy.

Darius' goal? Do the same.

"I just want to be great at everything I do, whether it's school, football, whatever," he said. "I just want to be great."

Just like his dad was.

Credit: AP Images
Tierria Leonard, girlfriend of Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams, holds their son, Darius.

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