Angela Rae Harris's Blog, page 38

QB Sam Ehlinger calls it an easy decision to remain with Broncos

ENGLEWOOD – Once the Broncos made their pitch, quarterback Sam Ehlinger figured it was a no-brainer to stay in Denver.

Electing at first to keep just two quarterbacks, the Broncos on Aug. 26 released Ehlinger, their third-stringer. He then got two offers from other teams to join a 53-man roster, but The Denver Gazette reported last week he turned those down because the Broncos told him they would find a way to get him on their 53 if he started on the practice squad. And last Saturday, Ehlinger was promoted from the practice squad.

“We had good conversations with the team as well and felt good about sticking around,’’ Ehlinger said after Thursday’s practice at Broncos Park about taking team officials at their word. “Obviously, I’ve already been elevated. … They needed a roster spot but also wanted to make sure that both parties are happy. We were happy to compromise and work together.”

A roster spot became available when defensive tackle Malcolm Roach was placed on injured reserve with a calf injury. So Ehlinger was on the 53-man roster a day before the Broncos opened the season with last Sunday’s 20-12 win over Tennessee.

Ehlinger is playing behind starter Bo Nix and backup Jarrett Stidham. He will dress out as the emergency third quarterback Sunday at Indianapolis, where he played his previous four NFL seasons.

“So much of this business, espically at quarterback is relationships and I now understand that having been in the league for a few years,’’ Ehlinger said. “And so I feel really good about the relationships that I’m building in this building.”

Ehlinger, signed in April as a free agent, has developed a good rapport with head coach Sean Payton, offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb.

“There’s a level of complexity that goes with the offense that if you can pick it up, it proves you have the mental capacity to compete at a high level,’’ Ehlinger said of what makes Denver a good spot for a quarterback. “And obviously Sean has worked with a lot of good quarterbacks and I think there’s a stamp of approval that comes with Sean Payton-coached quarterbacks and his word carries a lot of weight around the league. … It seems everybody wants a piece of this organization one way or another and so I think being in a quarterback room (with Nix and Davis) is very attractive.”

Ehlinger played at Texas from 2017-20, which included Broncos cornerback Jahdae Barron being a freshman in 2020. Barron, who grew up near the campus in Austin, Texas, has said Ehlinger “was always my G.O.A.T. growing up watching him.”

“It’s been really cool to be in the same locker room with him again,’’ said Ehlinger, who said he had players at his house in Austin for workouts during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and Barron sometimes would come. “He’s going to be a really good player.”

Greenlaw likely to miss Colts game

Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw again sat out practice Thursday, but defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers and tight end Evan Engram both look to be in line to face the Colts.

Greenlaw, who suffered a quad injury July 31 and hasn’t practiced or played in the regular season, appears unlikely to play against the Colts. However, listed as full participants in practice Thursday were Franklin-Myers, who sat out Wednesday with a knee injury suffered against the Titans, and Engram, who was limited Wednesday with a calf injury suffered in the opener.

Also Thursday, tight end Nate Adkins returned to practice after having undergone ankle surgery about a month ago and was listed as a limited participant. It is uncertain whether he could play against the Colts. If not, he seems to be in good position to make his season debut Sept. 21 at the Los Angeles Chargers.

A gift from Bonitto

After Nik Bonitto signed a four-year, $106 million contract extension, fellow Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper said he received a gift from him but wouldn’t reveal what it was.

Bonitto, on Thursday, told The Denver Gazette he gave Cooper a pair of Kanye West Custom Birkenstocks sliders. Bonitto, a 2022 Broncos draft pick, wanted to show his appreciation for Cooper, a 2021 Denver draft selection, for serving as a mentor.

“That’s his favorite artist,’’ Bonitto said of West. “And I kind of sneaked (his shoe size) from him.”

There will be more signs of appreciation from Bonitto. He plans to take the outside linebacker room out to dinner.

Why Badie over McLaughlin?

In a move that was a bit of a surprise, the Broncos for their opener made Tyler Badie active over Jaleel McLaughin as their No. 3 running back behind J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey.

While Badie had spent much of the previous three years on the practice squad, McLaughlin was never a healthy scratch in his first two seasons with the Broncos.

“It’s a tough decision because Jaleel is such a good player,’’ Lombardi said. “I think most of it was third-down protection (reasons).”

Badie did not have any carries in the game but caught two passes for 16 yards. It remains to be seen who Denver’s No. 3 back will be against the Colts.

Against the Titans, Dobbins had 16 carries for 63 yards and Harvey had six attempts for 70 yards, including a 50-yard run. Lombardi said he’s “really excited about how (Harvey) played and excited for what he has going in his future.”

Briefly

Lombardi said he “expected better” out of Denver’s offense and that the Broncos “didn’t find our rhythm as quickly as we wanted to” against Tennessee. Lombardi was disappointed that the Broncos had four turnovers in the game, but that they “did enough to win, and that’s the important thing.” … Broncos special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi was pleased with the debut of rookie punter Jeremy Crawshaw, who against the Titans had three punts for averages of 48.0 gross and 44.0 yards net. “It’s a really good start for him, definitely something to build off of,’’ Rizzi said. “(It) wasn’t perfect, but certainly stuff he can learn from.” … Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph was thrilled with the first Broncos game from safety Talanoa Hufunga, who had at team-high 10 tackles and forced a fumble. “My god, I was impressed, especially after watching the actual tape,’’ Joseph said. “The range he played with, how he capped off plays for us. He’s making plays from 15 yards deep.”

Rockies starter Chase Dollander reacts in San Diego to season-ending injury

SAN DIEGO — Chase Dollander’s rookie season with the Rockies is over.

With the sudden end comes plenty of questions about what comes next.

Dollander exited his last start after five innings Monday night in Los Angeles against the Dodgers with what was termed a left patella tendon strain. That issue with his knee hobbled him in the clubhouse after the game and eventually caused the Rockies to pull the plug on his scheduled start for Saturday in San Diego.

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Chase Dollander throws to the plate during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Interim manager Warren Schaeffer confirmed Dollander will miss his start in San Diego, and the 23-year-old right-hander is expected to go on the injured list closer to Saturday, giving the Rockies time to call up a replacement.

With that move, with just 15 games left after Thursday’s series opener against the Padres, Dollander will finish his rookie year with a 2-12 record and 6.52 ERA in 21 starts covering 98.0 innings.

“I’ve learned a lot,” Dollander told The Denver Gazette on Thursday at Petco Park. “I feel like I came into the big leagues just as a thrower. I ended as a pitcher. I felt like I was actually learning how to set guys up, to connect everything and to really, truly be efficient in the big leagues.

“When you take a hit like this, it hurts, but being able to take the positives from it is going to be a really important thing.”

It was a season that included a late July demotion to Triple-A after posting a 6.68 ERA in his first 15 starts. Once Dollander returned, there were three starts where he allowed a combined nine hits and three earned runs over a combined 16.0 innings, equating to a 1.69 ERA.

That was the good Schaeffer and others emphasize in regards to what could come from Dollander in 2026 and beyond. However, there must be an answer for what happened in those other three starts where opponents battered his pitching for 17 earned runs in 15.2 innings (a 10.07 ERA).

“I think for him, it’s determining what works and how he wants his arsenal to play at home as opposed to on the road,” Schaeffer said. “There are adjustments that have been made in season, trying to discover that by looking at the numbers and looking at the analytic data, but he’s always progressing towards that.”

Progress has been a key for Dollander, who didn’t make Colorado’s Opening Day roster but is penciled in as an important part of the rotation in 2026. That growth and the lessons learned along the way this season are things that Dollander believes will pay dividends.

“Do I want to go through the struggles that I went through? Absolutely not. Nobody wants to, but it’s all growing pains,” Dollander said. “It’s something that, unfortunately, I believe I had to go through for whatever reason. I took the positives from it, and I kept moving forward.

“There were definitely times I could have gone to a really dark spot, but I didn’t let myself do that. I looked forward to the next (start) and took the positives from that when I could. I feel like that’s really important in this game, making sure that you’re staying on the positive side of things. If you get too down and too critical of yourself, you can get yourself in a really tough spot.

“I would say I’m proud of the way I handled the failure and the adversity, and I know it’s just going to make me 10 times better next year.”

That improvement for next season must include how to lower his numbers at Coors Field. In 2025, Dollander pitched to a 9.98 ERA in 46.0 innings in Denver. Away from altitude, the numbers dropped to a 3.46 ERA over 52.0 innings.

“It’s about figuring out your arsenal,” Schaeffer said. “How much do you use your two-seam (fastball)? How much do you use your four-seam (fastball) at home? Do you scrap one? Do you throw more breaking balls? Do you throw more sliders? I mean, these are all things that he’s figuring out.”

Dollander and many of the young Rockies are learning on the fly this season. He is one of 13 Colorado players who made their debuts in 2025, a group the franchise (and Dollander) hopes will improve and grow next season.

“It’s really special to be around this group of people and know that we’re all going to hit this offseason running with what we could be next year,” Dollander said. “I don’t want to say too much and get ahead of myself but, next year, I feel like there’s going to be a lot of fun. I feel like getting a lot of games under the young guys’ belts, myself included, has been really important this year. Next year, it’s going to be about let’s take that a step further. Let’s get to winning.”

Uncollared wolf believed responsible for Livestock deaths shot by CPW

The summer Elk Fire that burned more than 14,000 acres, mainly in Rio Blanco County, was more than just a problem for firefighters and area residents.

It also hindered efforts by staff from Colorado Parks and Wildlife to kill an uncollared wolf that was believed to be responsible for at least three attacks on lambs and ewes in July and August.

The wolf, which is thought to be the fifth yearling from the Cooper Creek pack, was likely killed by CPW officials last week, according to a report.

The Cooper Creek pack has killed livestock everywhere it goes. After wolves were brought to Colorado from Oregon in Dec. 2023, two had paired up and produced five pups sometime in 2024.

The male of the Copper Creek pack came from a pack in Oregon with a history of killing livestock.

The mating pair is believed to be responsible for killing livestock in Grand and Routt counties throughout 2024.

The state wildlife agency rounded up four of the pups and the mating pair and put them in a sanctuary. The adult male died shortly after, likely from injuries from a gunshot wound.

The female and four remaining yearlings were released in Pitkin County in January, where just two months later, they started attacking and killing livestock on several ranches. The wildlife agency shot one of the yearlings.

The Rio Blanco wolf, according to the report, met the criteria for “lethal” management. There are four criteria the state uses to make that determination, including:

Documented repeated depredation and harassment of a producers’ livestock or working dogs caused by the wolf, wolves or pack Use of a variety of non-lethal conflict minimization materials and techniquesLikelihood that additional wolf-related depredation will continue if lethal control is or is not implementedUnintentional or intentional use of attractants that may be luring or baiting wolves to the location

The first criterion, regarding depredation, requires three or more events within a 30-day period.

The wolf in Rio Blanco County was believed responsible for killing five lambs and a ewe and injuring two other lambs.

The first occurred on July 20, when a dead lamb was found on a ranch outside of Meeker. There were no collared wolves in the area. There was evidence of an uncollared wolf, heard howling in the days before the first event, as well as photographs and videos taken by residents.

The same rancher lost another lamb to the wolf two days later, despite the presence of two range riders and other non-lethal management tools employed in the area. It was one of the range riders who discovered the carcass.

The third depredation — a dead ewe — was found on Aug. 2 on an adjacent property owned by the same rancher.

In its report, the state wildlife agency said it believes a single, uncollared wolf was responsible for all three depredation events.

Efforts to find the wolf were delayed because of the Elk Fire.

On Aug. 13, the report said CPW staff started trying to capture the wolf, an effort that went on for at least eight days.

On Aug. 16, CPW learned the wolf had killed another lamb and injured three others about 6.5 miles from the other attacks. CPW staff euthanized one of the injured lambs; another died the same day.

The investigation on the Aug. 16 attack yielded better information about the wolf, according to the report.

It gave CPW staff “a better understanding of the uncollared wolf’s location,” the report said.

CPW staff used thermal optics to locate the wolf and shot it once with a .25-06 rifle. But they were unable to find the wolf.

The wildlife officers continued to search for it on Aug. 17 and Aug. 18, finding evidence that the animal had been hit. They followed the trail until it was lost, but were able to collect blood samples and a bone fragment for genetic analysis.

Officials continued to search for the wolf until Aug. 21.

The DNA analysis showed the wolf’s genotype showed it was the offspring of 2309-OR (male) and 2312-OR (female), the breeding pair of the Copper Creek pack.

The wolf’s death marks the 11th wolf relocated to Colorado that has died. Ten wolves were brought from Oregon, and 15 from British Columbia. There were five pups born to the Copper Creek mating pair, according to CPW, and two-year-old wolves from that pack have now been killed because of livestock depredations.

At least three packs have been born to wolves in Colorado in 2025: the One Ear Pack in Jackson County, the King Mountain Pack in Routt County and the Three Creeks Pack in Rio Blanco County.

More than two dozen livestock have been killed by wolves in Colorado in 2025 in Jackson, Pitkin, Eagle, Rio Blanco, Routt and Gunnison counties.

The wolf relocation program has cost taxpayers more than $8 million in five years, more than double the amount projected when Proposition 114 was narrowly approved, primarily by Front Range voters, in 2020.

The costs to compensate ranchers have exceeded what’s available from the state wolf compensation fund. CPW paid out more than $600,000 in claims for wolf impacts in 2024, with some claims denied or reduced.

The state wolf compensation fund was set at $350,000 per year. CPW has used other funds, including its Species Conservation Trust Fund, the Colorado Nongame Conservation and Wildlife Restoration Cash Funds or other sources of funding for non-game species.

Last December, the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association asked CPW to keep the Copper Creek pack in the sanctuary. The state rejected that plea.

On July 5, the Holy Cross Cattlemen’s Association asked for a permit to take out the Copper Creek pack. CPW denied that permit, claiming that killing the yearling in May would change the pack’s behavior.

At least three more depredation events took place in Pitkin County in July and August. One of those attacks was attributed to the Copper Creek pack.

The state’s most recent wolf map shows wolves have entered the watersheds for Boulder, reaching the eastern part of the county, and Jefferson County.

Last month, during a special session of the Colorado General Assembly, lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a bill to block CPW from using taxpayer money to acquire more wolves. However, under a threat of a veto from Gov. Jared Polis, the bill was amended to allow CPW to use its cash funds, which could also include gifts and donations, for that purpose.

Broncos face Colts again after Jonathan Taylor’s miscue perhaps saved 2024 season

ENGLEWOOD – The Broncos are expecting no more gifts Sunday from Indianapolis running back Jonathan Taylor. The one they got from him last December might have saved their season. 

With the Broncos down 13-7 at home to the Colts in Week 15 on Dec. 15, 2024, Taylor stunned the crowd when he galloped into the end zone early in the third quarter for an apparent 41-yard touchdown run. It looked then as if an extra point would give Indianapolis a 20-7 lead and put Denver’s playoff hopes in jeopardy. 

But the replay booth reviewed the call, as it does all touchdowns, and it was determined Taylor had dropped the ball in a premature celebration just before crossing the goal line, and it had rolled out of the side of the end zone. That meant it was a touchback, and the Broncos took over at their 20. 

Given new life, the Broncos went on to outscore the Colts 24-0 the rest of the game to win 31-13. They eventually went to the playoffs for the first time since 2015 with a 10-7 record, but they would not have made it had they lost that game, and other results played out the same. 

“It helped us out a lot for sure,’’ Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto said after Thursday’s practice at Broncos Park. “Who knows what happens in that game if that doesn’t happen? I was happy he did it.” 

When the Broncos and Colts meet again Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Denver guard Quinn Meinerz is pretty sure there won’t be a repeat of such a play by Taylor. 

“I know he’ll never let that happen again,’’ Meinerz said. 

Taylor was asked about the play Thursday in Indianapolis. He insisted it is not on his mind entering Sunday’s game. He said he doesn’t “need other things to motivate” him and that he’s “intrinsically motivated.” 

Broncos defensive end Zach Allen said he wouldn’t be surprised, though, if the Colts use that play as motivation. He remains surprised at what unfolded in that pivotal game last December. 

“I don’t know if I’ve ever been a part of something like that,” Allen said. “But you’ve definitely seen it a couple of times just watching games and stuff. If that touchdown went through, the game might be totally different. But I have lot of respect for Jonathan Taylor.’’  

Taylor, who rushed for 1,431 yards last season and made the Pro Bowl, had 22 carries for 107 yards in that game. But after that miscue, he wasn’t the same player, carrying seven times for just 14 yards. 

“That was definitely a big turning point in the game for us and allowed us to not have to dig ourselves out of a too big of a hole,’’ Meinerz said. 

The Broncos took a 17-13 lead early in the fourth quarter, and then came the other play of the game. With just under 13 minutes left, Bonitto caught wind of wide receiver Adonai Mitchell taking a pass from quarterback Anthony Richardson on the right side and looking to throw the ball back to Richardson. 

Bonitto caught the ball in the middle of the field. He then sprinted 50 yards into the end zone on a fumble recovery for a 24-13 Denver lead. 

“I was able to read it and diagnose it and break on the ball,’’ Bonitto said 

When Bonitto scored, it touched off a wild celebration in the end zone. Bonitto grabbed his crotch during it, which led to an $8,791 fine by the NFL for making an obscene gesture. 

“I hated it personally,’’ Bonitto said of the fine. “But I know the fans loved the celebration from the pictures and stuff. That part was pretty awesome. … It was 100% (worth being fined).” 

Bonitto now expects Sunday’s game to be a big challenge. While the Broncos struggled at home to beat lowly Tennessee 20-12 in Week 1, the Colts are coming off a resounding 33-8 home win over Miami. 

“They’re real tough,’’ Bonitto said. “Obviously, (Taylor) is one of the better backs in our league. They’ve got good weapons on the outside (with wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie tight end Tyler Warren) and (quarterback) Daniel Jones is playing with real confidence.” 

Against Miami, Jones completed 22 of 29 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown while running for two scores. On defense, the Colts held the Dolphins to just 211 total yards and they didn’t score until after being down 30-0. 

“Really good defense,’’ Meinerz said. “They brought in a really good defensive coordinator (in veteran good coach Lou Anarumo) that brings in a lot of different looks.” 

Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper said the Colts are “feeling good” after their big win but the Broncos want to make sure “it’s not a peaceful night for them Sunday.” However, Cooper isn’t expecting they will get the same help they did last year from Taylor’s miscue. 

“We’re not going to rely or hope on that happening again this year,’’ he said. 

Pat Surtain excited about foundation donation, Broncos’ plans for new stadium

ARVADA – It was a big day for the Broncos — and for star cornerback Pat Surtain II.

On Tuesday morning, the Broncos announced their preferred site for the construction of a new stadium is Burnham Yard in Denver. In the afternoon, Surtain showed up with much fanfare at Arvada High School for the unveiling of his foundation, having donated $50,000 for a complete renovation of a science Inspiration Room classroom and laboratory.

When Surtain showed up, he walked through a maze of students, throwing high-five highs and posing for selfies.

“I appreciate all the love and all the hospitality of Arvada High School,’’ said Denver’s shutdown corner.

Broncos star Patrick Surtain unveiled the ‘Pat Surtain Inspiration Room’ at Arvada High School on Tuesday. (Chris Tomasson/The Denver Gazette)

Surtain also was excited about the Broncos having targeted a move into a new stadium in 2031 with a retractable roof. That would follow the Broncos’ lease with Empower Field at Mile High expiring after the 2030 season.

“It’s pretty cool,’’ Surtain said. “It’s a testament to show our (Walton-Penner) ownership group always (is) pitching new levels, new heights, seeing what we could do to elevate the team and the organization. I think starting that up, bringing that up is huge for the team and the organization.”

Could Surtain, who is entering his fifth NFL season and is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, end up playing in the new stadium?

“I can’t wait to see what it brings in the future,’’ he said. “I heard I’m going to be in year 11 (then), so obviously there’s some time before then. But I’m for sure looking forward to it.”

Surtain called it “pretty cool” that there is expected to be “a roof on it.” That would enable the Broncos to host a Super Bowl, a Final Four, a college football title game and other big events. The soonest a Super Bowl could held in Denver would appear to be February 2033 since the NFL usually waits until the second season a stadium is open before putting such a game there.

The cornerback was enthralled on Tuesday about the opening of the rooms at Arvada High for a pathophysiology class. That is a branch of study that focuses on disordered physiological processes associated with disease or injury.

On the wall of the classroom, it reads, “Pat Surtain II Inspiration Room,’’ alongside a number of medical charts. In the adjoining lab, there is a picture of Surtain in uniform on the wall and there are injured dummies on hand, some wearing a Surtain No. 2 jersey. There is new equipment in both rooms.

“It’s a surreal moment,’’ Surtain said. “When I look back at this, I think it’s going to be a moment I realize this is bigger than me. But this is for my mission and that’s giving back to the community. … I can’t wait to see to future doctors down the line from this school, so, with this room, we’re going to develop and build something special.”

Broncos star Patrick Surtain unveiled the ‘Pat Surtain Inspiration Room’ and met with students at Arvada High School on Tuesday. (Chris Tomasson/The Denver Gazette)

This is the third Inspiration Room that Surtain’s foundation has opened in Denver, the previous ones being at Manual High School and George Washington High School.

On Tuesday, Surtain cut a ribbon to officially open the rooms. He then posed for a number of photos, including with students from the class.

“The amount of help this grant has done for the health and science program just this year is amazing,’’ said student Lilyan Holcomb. “And coming from the (previous classroom), with our limited equipment and such an enclosed space, just seeing these two huge rooms and so many more amazing opportunities for Arvada’s future has just inspired me.”

There was plenty of fanfare surrounding Surtain’s visit. When he arrived, he was greeted outside by the school band playing and cheerleaders waving pompons.

When Surtain got inside, he walked down a long hallway while hearing big cheers. Some students held up signs reading, “THANK YOU PATRICK SURTAIN II.” Then he was greeted with applause by students in the pathophysiology class.

“It’s pretty special looking at all the kids’ faces and seeing this room everybody was telling me about and how much interested they are to be in this classroom and now knowing that they have all the resources and tools to succeed at the next level,’’ Surtain said.

It was a special day for both Surtain and the Broncos.

Broncos’ Jonah Elliss makes strong impression in season opening victory

ENGLEWOOD — Jonah Elliss stays ready for his turn to chase down the opposing quarterback. 

The Broncos’ rotational edge rusher played on 23 of 57 total defensive snaps in the season-opening win against the Titans. That’s just 40 percent. He made the most of his opportunities, though, with arguably the biggest play of the game. 

In the fourth quarter, with Denver leading 13-12, a muffed punt return by wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. gave the Titans possession at Denver’s 22-yard line. Tennessee rookie quarterback Cam Ward dropped back to pass on second down. That’s when Elliss made his move. 

The second-year outside linebacker beat Titans right tackle Olisaemeka Udoh with an inside move. Ward retreated straight backward from the pressure with Elliss in hot pursuit. A big mistake. Elliss chased Ward from behind and dragged him down for a 16-yard sack. One play later, defensive end Zach Allen followed it up with an 11-yard sack. The Titans were forced to punt.  

“It felt great,” Elliss told The Denver Gazette after practice on Thursday at Broncos Park. “To change the momentum of the game like that with me and Zach getting back-to-back sacks is huge for the team.” 

It seems the third-round draft pick from Utah has continued his NFL ascension in Year 2 with the Broncos. Elliss is healthy after offseason shoulder surgery. His growth was noted by defensive coordinator Vance Joseph in training camp. 

“He’s grown a lot,” Joseph said. “He’s gotten bigger and stronger in the run game. That’s helped his overall game, but he’s always been a guy who can rush. He’s smart, and he can drop into coverage. He’s my ‘X’ backer in certain packages, but it’s been fun to watch him grow as an overall player, run game, pass game, rushing, and dropping.” 

The Broncos have highly paid and highly productive starters at outside linebacker in Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper. So, how does Elliss know when it’s his turn to shine? 

“It’s just whenever Nik and Coop get a little bit tired,” Elliss told The Denver Gazette. “You can see when they’re out there and they rush two plays in a row … and the offense is slow getting on the next ball. It’s about getting fresh legs in there. Then go play.” 

The Broncos (1-0) travel to face the Colts (1-0) after Indianapolis made history in its 33-8 season-opening victory over Miami. The Colts became the first team since 1977 to score on every possession of the game. Denver’s defense is ready to make a stop. 

“It’s a good team. You can tell that they’ve figured it out. They’ve got a really solid O-line,” Elliss said. “It’s going to be a challenge, but we’re going to play our game.” 

Denver’s city planners brace for bigger workload, fewer resources

Now that the Broncos are set to make the Burnham Yard their new stadium home, Denver city planners will face an even heavier workload — just as city staffing shrinks and budget cuts loom in the coming year.

At the same time, they’ll have to juggle the needs of Mayor Mike Johnston’s “catalytic” investments in the new NWSL stadium and the Park Hill Golf Course with the hundreds of permits that come in daily, ranging from small projects like new electrical panels and roof work to larger projects downtown.

But Denver’s interim planning director, Brad Buchanan, is confident his department is up to the task and plans on using some of those challenges as an opportunity “to streamline and look for innovations throughout the entire process.”

For 2025, the city’s Community Planning and Development Department had a total of 310 budgeted positions. For 2026, that number has been pared down by 59 positions to 251, according to city documents.

Buchanan, in an organizational briefing to Johnston and members of the city council earlier this month, said that in light of the constraints, CPD will continue its focus on core services, including meeting the 180-day permitting timeline enacted in April by the mayor.

Created by executive order, the “shot clock” sets an expedited timeline for the city to review and approve permits for renovations and new construction. In cases where the city fails to meet that deadline, applicants may appeal to the Denver Permitting Office, with the city refunding up to $10,000 in some cases.

Efforts will be made to prioritize planning for areas with the highest need and where major new developments have the potential to impact existing communities.

“There’s nothing that we will stop doing that we don’t intentionally want to stop doing,” Buchanan said. ”We have been looking at systems improvements, a lot of things.”

Buchanan added that technology had lent a hand in helping make inspection routes more efficient by leveraging the city’s existing geospatial data, saving time and resources.

CPD teams and managers also have a “just stop it” list with more than 100 items that “no longer create value” for the organization or the customers it serves.

“There were a lot of those, and so, things like the parking minimum requirement, are going away,” he said.

While Buchanan emphasized that core services will remain a priority, he added that some initiatives, such as the Neighborhood Planning Initiative (NPI), may not be implemented as quickly.

The NPI program was originally launched to accelerate the planning process by tackling multiple areas simultaneously, rather than one neighborhood at a time.

CPD is about to embark on the Southwest and Park Hill neighborhood plans.

“This (NPI projects) is one of the places where we’re going to where we’re going to have less capacity than we had before,” Buchanan said. “Whereas when we have been doing three concurrent neighborhood plans up to this point, and we’ll still be doing three, but they’ll be staggered – so there’ll be two concurrent neighborhood plans.”

Buchanan added that the neighborhood plans have historically been staggered.

“They don’t all commence or finish on the same day, so the stagger will have to be assessed based on the available staff resources for those NPI plans.”

Denver residents will learn more about proposed cuts to city programs and services when the mayor delivers his proposed 2026 budget to the City Council on Monday.

Denver City Council advances bill to regulate retail pet sales

Although there are no retail stores in Denver that currently sell puppies and kittens, members of the City Council are pushing forward with a measure that would ban the act as a “proactive” step.

Introduced by District 10 Councilmember Chris Hinds, Council Bill 25-1122 proposes to eliminate the retail sale of puppies, kittens and rabbits due to the “inherently cruel” breeding methods practiced by unlicensed breeders, as well as the often unknown – or concealed – medical issues that leave unsuspecting new pet owners picking up expensive veterinary tabs.

Hinds told members of the city’s Finance and Policy Committee that retailers, in efforts to sell the animals, have been known to push third-party financing with interest rates “up to 36%.”

Puppies can be a major purchase, often running into the thousands of dollars and requiring financing through a lender affiliated with the pet shop. 

In Colorado, lenders can charge up to 36%, so a $6,000 puppy financed for 36 months at 36% would cost the owner $9,893.62.

Humane World for Animals Puppy Mills Public Policy Director Amy Jesse told committee members passing a preventive ordinance now, before problems arise, is “ideal.”

“We do know a big national chain has its eyes on this area,” she said. “They bought the domain for Petland Colorado – they’re a super high-volume puppy store, and they would be importing thousands of puppies into the state to resell. They have just a horrendous record of consumer protection issues, animal welfare issues, and the whole thing.”

Formerly known as the Humane Society, Humane World for Animals is a global nonprofit organization that focuses on animal welfare and opposes animal-related cruelties.

However, because a majority of the pet stores in Denver focus on pet products and services, Hinds said passing the ordinance would not result in lost revenue or jobs, but rather prevent breeding mill operators from marketing in the city.

But what about the sale of pets in public spaces?

Colorado Voters for Animals Executive Director Ronald Halpern said that the issue has already been addressed by the Colorado General Assembly, which passed HB 25-1180 and was signed into law on May 22, 2025.

“The statewide bill makes it illegal to sell dogs and cats and any other kind of pet in a parking lot, out of the back of a car, or whatever,” Halpern said.”We had a problem with people coming in from out of state, claiming they (the animals) were rescues and selling these animals, and then they (the sellers) would disappear, and if anything happened, you had no recourse.”

The proposed ordinance would not impact responsible local breeders who sell directly to the public, state-licensed breeders or sales of rabbits and such at the National Western Stock Show.

Pet stores that coordinate adoption events with local shelters would be exempt.

Just over two months ago, a Peyton-based animal welfare outfit rescued more than 200 neglected dogs and cats from a commercial breeder in Delta County, finding the animals living in hazardous and unsanitary living conditions that shook even the most seasoned veterinary professionals.

Currently, eight states and 500 municipalities nationwide, including 24 in Colorado, have banned the retail sale of mill-bred dogs and cats in pet stores.

“According to national statistics, Denver is No. 2 for ‘dog friendliness,’ Halpern added. “So, if I wanted to open up shop, Denver’s where I’d do it.”

Council Bill 25-1122 made its first appearance before the whole council body on Monday and is expected to return within the next two weeks.

Colorado Springs Gazette reporter O’Dell Isaac contributed to this story.

Denver officials break ground on Green Valley Ranch fire station

City officials broke ground Wednesday on the Denver Fire Department’s newest fire station, which will serve residents in the Green Valley Ranch neighborhood, near Denver International Airport, as well as a stretch of Peña Boulevard.

The $19.8 million Fire Station No. 40 will be constructed on a 5.48-acre site east of Peña Boulevard, north of 56th Avenue, and adjacent to First Creek.

The land, owned by the airport, is currently leased to DFD through an intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for an initial period of 20 years.

Funding for the 17,000-square-foot facility will come from the city’s 2017 voter-supported Elevate Denver GO Bond.

“Every Denver family deserves to know that when there’s an emergency, help will arrive quickly. Thanks to Denver voters, Fire Station 40 will give families in Green Valley Ranch, Montbello, and Gateway peace of mind knowing first responders are close by when every second counts,” Mayor Mike Johnston said.

Designed to address growth around the airport, the new station will serve the far northeast area, including the Gateway Neighborhood, Montbello and Green Valley Ranch areas.

Artist’s rendering of Station 40. City officials broke ground today on the Denver Fire Department’s new facility that will serve neighborhoods around Denver International Airport asd a stretch of Peña Boulevard. Illustration by Oz Architecture.

City officials said the station will enhance neighborhood safety by enabling quicker responses to emergency incidents in the community.

The station will feature three bays, housing shifts for up to eight firefighters, and, for the first time in Denver, provisions for Advanced Life Support (ALS) to be housed at the station, officials said.

“Denver International Airport is not only one of the busiest airports in the country, but also a critical hub for national and international travel,” Denver Fire Chief Desmond Fulton said, adding that the new station reflects his department’s commitment to both current residents and the future of Denver.

Airport CEO Phil Washington applauded the addition of another Denver fire station on airport property, “especially one that will not only serve the growth around the airport but also the surrounding communities and the Peña Boulevard corridor.”

Netflix has a ‘Blind’ date with Denver dropping Oct. 1

The Denver cast of ‘Love is Blind,’ beginning Oct. 1 on Netflix. PROVIDED BY NETFLIX

It’s not as big as, say, when “The Real World” invaded LoDo in 2006, but it’s still pretty big in the world of reality TV. I know, because AI told me so.

“Love is Blind” is described by Netflix as “a social experiment where single men and women look for love and get engaged, all before meeting in person.” If that sounds like the end of all social norms of decency, well, that ship sailed a decade ago, because the upcoming Denver season is already No. 9. And if you already know all this … well, you’re probably under 30.

“The ‘Love Is Blind’ pods are heading west, where the Season 9 singles will explore ‘wild’ new frontiers in their search for true love!” says the show’s breathless marketing material. It goes on:

“This October, 32 Denver-based daters will embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Separated by a wall, they will date one another in hopes of building a connection based on emotional compatibility rather than physical attraction. Those who hit it off out of sight will then get engaged and take their relationships to new heights in the real world. After meeting face-to-face for the very first time, the couples must decide if they’re able to summit the mountain that is marriage – or if it’s simply too steep.”

Your hosts are Nick and Vanessa Lachey.

Now, true story: I only signed on to Netflix last week, meaning: “Love is Blind” is completely new to me. So I did a very 2025 thing: I asked AI: “Is ‘Love is Blind’ actually a big deal?” He/she/it/they responded:

“Yes, ‘Love Is Blind’ is a VERY big deal, consistently ranking in the top 10 of all Netflix shows. It has been called the top unscripted streaming program of all time in terms of appearances in the Nielsen Streaming Top 10. ‘Love is Blind’ is known for its unique premise of forming emotional connections before physical attraction, leading to dramatic moments and a massive global following that extends to international versions of the show. ‘Love Is Blind’ generates significant internet chatter and has become a cultural phenomenon, with viewers often becoming deeply invested in the couples’ journeys.” 

OK, already, I’m in. (Or, am I in? I feel unclean.)

So, guess who’s coming to Denver? (OK, that line is a play on a movie title from 1967, so, most likely, it’s not gonna land here.) 

Anyway, the incoming “pod squad” (get with the lingo already!) ranges in age from 27 to 41, with Aries and Gemini being the most common Zodiac signs among them. (No, I am not making that up. That is according to the official Netflix announcement.) “So, expect a few fiery spirits and some social butterflies and — since it’s Colorado — a lot of daters who love the great outdoors! There are also a couple of nurses, a few professionals in the real-estate game and a handful of hairstylists. Plus, Season 7 single Leo better watch out, because a new Rolex expert is entering the pods.”

(OK, that last sentence is surely just words in a blender … isn’t it?)

At this point, Netflix introduces you to all 32 contestants. Meet Blake: “As an April Fool’s Day baby, Blake knows how to take a joke, but he’s never been more serious about finding a partner.” Or, how about Nurse Ali? “Dating in Denver, Ali has encountered a lot of boys who aren’t ready to grow up, and she’s only in the market for men.”

What’s the Beckett line? “I can’t go on. I’ll go on.”

No, I won’t go on. The first episode of ‘Love is Blind’ Denver drops Oct. 1. I’ve done my part.

Cleo Parker Robinson performs at at Presenting Denver on Sept. 7 at the University of Denver. JOHN MOORE/DENVER GAZETTE

Cleo’s historic dance

Cleo Parker Robinson’s historic solo dance piece at the Sept. 6-7 Presenting Denver dance festival was one for the ages. Robinson performed “The Love We Carry,” choreographed by Christopher Page-Sanders, as a meditation on and celebration of the life of her husband, Tom Robinson, co-founder of the company that bears her name. Cleo Parker Robinson received a standing ovation that lasted nearly as long as her 8-minute performance.

“A year ago, I approached Christopher Page-Sanders to choreograph a solo for Cleo – mind you, I had not asked Cleo yet,” said festival artistic director Marisa Hollingsworth. Then I asked (Dance/USA Council Chair) Rhetta Shead, and the three of us tag-teamed Cleo and convinced her that she could do this.”

Marisa Hollingsworth, Cleo Parker Robinson and Hannah Kahn at Presenting Denver on Sept. 7 at the University of Denver. JOHN MOORE/DENVER GAZETTE

Some news out of the festival: A trio dance by the Hannah Kahn Dance Company was “the last dance,” as Hollingsworth said, for the eponymous Hannah Kahn, artistic director of the modern-dance company that she founded in New York in 1986 and moved to Denver in 1988.

“She’s officially retiring right after the show and moving to Michigan to be with her daughter and son-in-law and grandkids,” said Hollingsworth, who was pregnant while dancing in Kahn’s company more than 14 years ago.

Kahn has created more than 140 dances over the past 50 years, many informed by the  practice of Tai Chi. She was named a “Living Legend of Dance” for her contributions to dance in Colorado by the Carson Brierly Dance Library.

And what of Presenting Denver?

“We are a very small nonprofit service organization that uplifts small and medium dancers and companies,” Hollingsworth said.

From left: Bob Moore with Colorado daughters Mandy Moore and Missy Moore. PROVIDED BY MANDY MOORE

Moore Creative Emmy Awards

Choreographer Mandy Moore, raised in Summit County, has been nominated for 14 Primetime Emmy Awards, starting in 2008 and continuing all the way up to … this past week, when she was nominated for her work on the 2025 Oscars broadcast. Moore was feted for her choreography of the James Bond and Quincy Jones tribute performances. The statue went to Robbie Blue for choreographing Doechii’s musical performance on the Grammy Awards.

Well, what will be will be. Moore has four Emmy wins on her C.V. for her work on “Dancing with the Stars” (2017), “So You Think You Can Dance” (2018), “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” (2020) and “Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas” (2021).

“It’s always an honor to be included in the moment,” Moore posted on Instagram, along with a photo of her father, actor Bob Moore, and sister, Missy Moore, artistic director of the Thunder River Theatre Company in Carbondale.

New boss at Performance Now

Kelly Van Oosbree PHOTO COURTESY PERFORMANCE NOW

Add another creative title for award-winning director Kelly Van Oosbree. She’s already Artistic Director and board president of the recently renamed Platte Valley Theatre Arts in Brighton. She’s additionally been named artistic director at Lakewood’s Performance Now, where she already frequently works as a director and/or choreographer.

The new gig, she said, won’t impact the ongoing one. “I only artistic-direct at community theaters that start with P,” she joked.

Van Oosbree replaces Alisa Inahara, who served for 20 years following the death of company cofounder Nancy Goodwin, and will remain as board secretary.

Currently playing at Performance Now is “The Little Mermaid” through Sept 21.

Briefly …

Last night, Jonathan Watkins’ new ballet “A Single Man” opened at London’s Linbury Theatre with music by Denver’s own John Grant (formerly of the iconic band The Czars). Inspired by Christopher Isherwood’s novel, the story follows George, a middle-aged professor in 1960s California as he navigates a single day shaped by love and loss. Grant calls the ballet “a healing meditation on sexuality, grief and midlife.” He posted a photo after the show posing alongside none other than the great actor Tilda Swinton. …

Denver East High School has a film festival. And this year’s big guest is a big-time alumna: Film star Pam Grier, known the world over for her signature roles in 1970s blaxploitation films. Grier will be present Sept. 27 for a screening of Quentin Tarantino’s “Jackie Brown,” followed by a Q&A. The fest will also include a new documentary covering the school’s 150-year history. Info at eastangelfoundation.org.

John Moore is The Denver Gazette’s senior arts journalist. Email him at john.moore@gazette.com