ENGLEWOOD — First impression of Adam Jones was he’s nothing like the guy we’ve read about it.
Understand, the guy we’ve read about it has done some bad things. Assaults, arrests, suspensions. An altercation at a strip club that resulted in a shooting (he wasn’t the shooter). They called him Pacman for most of that time.
But don’t be afraid, Denver, says a large, mild-mannered Bronco.
“I know he had some issues and stuff that the media kind of portrays in certain ways,’’ said nose tackle Domata Peko Jr., who was Jones’ teammate with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2010-16. “Talk to him. Meet him. Don’t be scared of him. He’s a really cool dude.”
Monday at Broncos’ headquarters, Jones addressed his past troubles without prompting.
“I’m one of the ones who don’t mind telling kids and people about my stories, the mistakes I’ve made,’’ Jones said. “I don’t have a shield; my life is a glass life. There’s nothing that I’m hiding from anybody.
“I have three beautiful kids. That’s what life is about for me now. I’m about to turn 35 and the best thing I can do right now is at least win a playoff game (laughing). I haven’t won a playoff game and I’ve been in the league 12 years! I’m just trying to win a playoff game and help these guys as much as I can.
“We have a talented group of guys here in the backfield and all around the team. I’m not here to try to take any shine, I promise you guys that. I’m here to help and lead in the best way I can.”
He wasn’t quite as open when asked to explain his past troubles, opting instead to address them generally.
“I’ve went through that story like a million times,’’ he said. “The past is the past. My life is unbelievably stress-free. It’s always good to go back and visit the past so it doesn’t pop up on you. But you shouldn’t keep beating it and beating it.’’
That Jones can be entering his 12th NFL despite his numerous off-field transgressions speaks to talent as a cornerback and punt returner. He will be the No. 4 cornerback and probably the top punt returner for the Broncos.
"I like Pacman, he brings a little edge to us,'' said safety Su'a Cravens. "I think we'll be good for one or two fights this season with Pacman.''
Kidding. We think. Vance Joseph had some influence with this signing. He was Jones’ defensive backs’ coach in Cincinnati for the 2014-15 seasons and is the Broncos’ head coach now.
“It’s two parts: It’s football character—which I’ve coached him for two seasons and his football character is A-plus,’’ Joseph said. “He was a team captain for us, he made a Pro Bowl for me, he’s great in meetings, he’s great in the locker room, he’s a great leader. He’s played a long time in this league.
“Now, personal character, we all know the background. He would even acknowledge as a young guy he made some mistakes, but he’s paid for every mistake he’s made. This guy has been through a lot in his life—and obviously it was his own doings—but he’s paid for those mistakes. He’s matured, he’s a married man of three and he wants to win football games. He’s here to help us win football games.”
This Adam Jones signing, though, is so John Elway. No one goes all in like the Duke. It’s not just winning that matters. What matters is winning now. He is so done with 5-11.
“I’ve always thought that this was one of the top NFL programs,’’ Jones said. “My favorite teams were the Cowboys and the Broncos growing up. Every game I’ve played against the Broncos, I would always go and chat with (Elway) and be like, ‘Hey man, how are you doing today? Nice suit.’ Just cracking jokes with him. And God does everything for a reason. I probably never thought I would end up here, but I’m happy and I’m blessed to be here.”
