ENGLEWOOD, Colorado — The first year of the Russell Wilson experience for the Denver Broncos officially began Monday as the team completed day one of a three-day veteran volunteer minicamp.
The Broncos completed the blockbuster deal to acquire Wilson in March, and he’s since settled quickly into town at sporting events and Children’s Hospital. His purchase of a mansion in suburban Denver became a viral sensation.
But Monday marked the first time Wilson and the rest of his teammates were on the field with Broncos freshman-year coach Nathaniel Hackett and the team’s staff.
It was an uphill battle of excitement and energy, with Hackett stepping in on the running back to work through some game action scenarios when many of the team’s players were in special team drills.
“I said to him at the end, congratulations on our first training session together,” Wilson said. “…To give him little handoffs here and there, someone called him ‘White Lightning,’ I don’t know, but he looked good over there.”
“I’ve always wanted to play running back,” Hackett said. “…There were some special teams…we need to get out there and take a look at them, I feel like I’m looking at it realistically.”
When asked about his 40th time, Hackett added, “Let’s not talk about it.”
Wilson has been spending time with the team’s passcatchers and running backs over the past few weeks, first at shooting sessions in San Diego just after the trade to do some on-site training sessions when the Broncos opened their offseason program on April 16.
But the current mini-camp, while still constrained by the league’s off-season training rules, was the first practice where all coaches mingled with all players. And it was clear that Wilson’s presence changed the dynamic of things.
“This guy loves the workout, out there at the end he’s like, ‘We’re done, can’t we do more?’ I’m like, ‘Man, I’d love to, but baby steps,'” Hackett said of Wilson.
“Being here, standing right here, now that I’m here, feels right,” Wilson said. “It feels great, I’m looking forward to it and at the same time there’s a lot more to do.”
Hackett said the Broncos were on offense early in the installation of the playbook.
“[Monday] was just kind of the foundation of what we do,” he said. “Then we’re going to slowly start expanding that with the guys through Phase 2 and the OTAs.”
The Broncos have missed the playoffs six straight seasons, and Wilson will become the 11th quarterback and 12th other player to start a game behind center for the Broncos as Week One begins since Peyton Manning after the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 retired win.
Running back Phillip Lindsay started the 2020 season behind center against the New Orleans Saints.
“It’s been an amazing experience so far,” said Wilson. “…If I wanted to go anywhere, I had to go somewhere that wanted to win. And this is one of those places that definitely wants to do that.”