‘Expecting big things’ from Broncos’ Pro Bowlers at 2024 Pro Bowl Games is Peyton Manning’s statement.
Orlando, Florida — During Peyton Manning’s first season as part of the NFL’s revamp of the Pro Bowl, the AFC team was devoid of Broncos orange.
Cornerback The team’s only selection to the 2023 Pro Bowl Games in Las Vegas was Pat Surtain II, but this year, Denver has three players from Manning’s squad: Surtain, safety Justin Simmons, and return specialist Marvin Mims Jr.
With that bigger group, Manning expressed on Friday his gratitude to have some Broncos teammates on the field. The three Denver Pro Bowlers should be heavily involved in Sunday’s game, according to the team’s two practices this week.
“I had a good conversation with Justin and Mims, and great to have Pat back,” Manning stated. “I have big plans.”
The two-time Pro Bowlers Surtain and Simmons are starters on the AFC defense. Together, the two defensive backs recorded 139 total tackles, 20 passes defensed, and four interceptions in a season that saw an incredible defensive turnaround by the middle of the season. Mims, on the other hand, averaged 26.5 yards per kick return and 16.4 yards per punt return, making him the first rookie chosen for the Pro Bowl by the Broncos since 2018.
The Broncos’ increased Pro Bowl representation is only one sign of the team’s overall development; this season saw eight wins for the first time since 2016. Manning provided clarification after expressing optimism about the team’s chances of making the playoffs in a recent “ManningCast” broadcast.
“I’m very excited about Sean Payton and what he brings and his experience,” Manning stated. It is, of course, a very difficult division. The Chiefs are here to stay. There are new coaches for the Raiders and Chargers. Thus, we must go retrieve it. No one is contacting us again. Sean is aware of this, and he will concentrate on it during the offseason. The future of the Broncos excites me.”
Regarding his participation in the annual Pro Bowl Games, Manning seems to have turned the occasion into a family vacation and has embraced the experience. Eli, his younger brother, is the head coach of the NFC opponent. On Saturday, Archie, their father, watched practice from the sidelines. Marshall, Peyton’s son, assisted with passing the ball to the players during warm-ups.
“It’s been enjoyable,” stated the former Bronco. “The past two years have been enjoyable for me to be a part of, and doing it with Eli has been fun. We want to let all the players know that this is a fantastic event and we hope they will continue to participate. Of course, you can’t get the Super Bowl players, so you’re going to have injuries. But, we appreciate the players who have come down and participated. Until the NFL sort of changed it to become more of a flag game, this thing was going away. It was a wise decision, in my opinion, and we appreciate that the players have so far bought in.
Flag football has replaced tackle football as the official sport of the Pro Bowl, and this move aligns with the sport’s increasing global recognition. In 2028, the Olympics in Los Angeles will feature flag football for the first time.
Manning wasn’t willing to just let his brother have that either, especially after learning that Eli had been questioned about what it might be like to coach at that level.
“There’s no way Eli’s going to be able to coach, because I’d be the one coaching,” Manning stated. “He can see us triumph. However, let me just say that I’m thrilled about flag football in the Olympics, and this week’s flag football championships are clearly fantastic. We are living in an exciting moment. However, Tyreek Hill, a Dolphins receiver, has stated that he wants to try to make it, from what I’ve heard. For those attempting to qualify for the Olympic team, it would be a competitive time. But it’s exciting, and it’s even more awesome to make your debut in Los Angeles.”
