Teen center to open in slain Bronco's memory

alen1 · May 27, 2008

DENVER -- Finally, there will be some peace here.

The pain will live forever, yet some sense will be made of a tragedy that shook the Denver Broncos nearly 1½ years ago.

Darrent Williams will be more than a sad memory. Come Thursday, the name of the smallest starter in the NFL during the 2005 and 2006 seasons will become a permanent fixture in the Denver community. It will play a major role in developing the future of its youth.

Darrent Williams was heavily involved with the Broncos' community relations department, particularly as it related to youth groups.

The Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center will be dedicated this week in Montbello, a challenged section of the city. The center will be an extension of the Broncos' affiliation with the Boys & Girls Clubs Of America. The center, which cost about $600,000, will serve as an academic and social safe haven for teens.

Williams, who in just two seasons in Denver became a franchise and fan favorite, was heavily involved with the team's community arm and was particularly linked with Boys & Girls Clubs' endeavors. Growing up as the only child of a single mother in Fort Worth, Texas, the fearless 5-foot-8 starting right cornerback and punt returner had been a Boys & Girls Club kid.
Some kind of good will be birthed out of a tragedy.

"Until now, whenever I heard Darrent Williams' name, I've been sad the past year and a half," said Broncos cornerback Domonique Foxworth, who became close with Williams after they became teammates in 2005.

"After Thursday, whenever I hear Darrent Williams' name, I'll have a smile on my face. Thursday will be one of the happiest days of my life."
Foxworth deserves the impending happiness. It's been a long road for him and for his Broncos teammates, most of whom are expected to attend the opening ceremony along with Williams' family.

On Dec. 31, 2006, the Broncos' season had just ended. The day was perhaps the lowest point in team history since Denver had blown a playoff game against Jacksonville in 1996.

All the Broncos had to do was beat lowly San Francisco, which had nothing to play for in the season finale, at home to advance to the playoffs. The Broncos looked well on their way to a wild-card-round game in New England with a dominating performance against the 49ers, leading 13-3 at the half. But the Broncos lost urgency in the second half and ended up shocked in overtime by the 49ers. The season ended just like that.

After the game, many Denver players, including Williams, displayed their disgust for the blown game. Williams said the Broncos had to find a way to protect their home turf. Then, with very few teammates remaining in the locker room, Williams excused himself. He was playing host to a New Year's Eve party in a couple of hours.
Eight hours later, the on-field disaster meant little.
Williams, who was 24, was shot and killed in downtown Denver in a rented limousine. The still-unsolved murder was Denver's first in 2007, and it brought this city to its knees.
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http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=williamson_bill&id=3413864

I really really liked this guy, the person and the player. He was always upbeat and cheerful. He made plays and was really starting to develop into a good player. Unfortunately, his life was ended short. He is in a better place right now.

RIP Darrent Williams 27

Regan21286 · May 28, 2008

Inspiring story.

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Teen center to open in slain Bronco's memory

alen1 New Member

Regan21286 MCAT's, EMT's, AMCAS, ugh

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Teen center to open in slain Bronco's memory

alen1 New Member

Regan21286 MCAT's, EMT's, AMCAS, ugh

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