Thi Is The Worst Day Of My Life” Broncos WR Announce His Departure After Accusing DC Joe Collier Of….
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — One of the greatest coaches in NFL history has shared his condolences following the passing of legendary Broncos defensive coordinator Joe Collier.
“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Joe Collier,” six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Belichick said. “The year I spent with the Broncos in 1978 as Joe’s assistant was an incredible experience and opportunity to learn from one of the greatest minds to ever coach in the NFL.”
Belichick served as an assistant to Collier and the Broncos’ assistant special teams coach during the 1978 season, which saw the Broncos allow the second fewest points in the NFL.
Belichick would move on to work with the Giants in 1979, and he remained with New York until 1991 when he accepted his first head-coaching role. The legendary coach, though, credits his season with Collier as instrumental in his coaching career.
“He took the time to educate and enlighten me on his preparation for game planning and play calling,” Belichick said. “I learned to see the game through the eyes of Coach Collier and will always cherish the professional and personal relationship we had. My sincerest condolences to his children and the entire family.”
Troy Franklin dropped all the way to the fourth round before he was selected by the Denver Broncos in the 2024 NFL draft. The wide receiver and former Oregon Ducks’ star was projected to go as high as the second round.
There were reports that Franklin’s slim physique and route-running spooked some teams. Regardless of the reason for Franklin slipping into the fourth round, Oregon coach Dan Lanning wasn’t happy. Lanning told the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson there was “misinformation” spread about Franklin leading up to the draft.
“I heard so many things about the guy doesn’t love football,’’ Lanning said. “I mean, the guy practices his tail off like football was what he was made for. That’s what he does. He’s an extremely intelligent player who is very smart and works hard to be really good.”
Franklin flourished during his final two seasons at Oregon.
Franklin caught 81 passes for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023. He set Oregon school single-season records for most receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Franklin caught a combined 142 passes for 2,274 yards with 23 touchdowns during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
The Broncos traded up 19 spots to select Franklin with the first pick (No. 102) of the fourth round.
“The Broncos got a steal there,’’ Lanning said. “That’s a great pick for them. … He’s going to run his routes hard every single rep regardless of whether the ball is thrown to him or away from him. He’s going to block. He’s got all the traits you want on the football field. He’s a great teammate.”
