After experiencing what he called an “awful scene” with the Carolina Panthers last year, Todd Sauerbrun said he is reinvigorated in Denver and believes he again will be a Pro Bowl punter.
In his first interview since being traded to the Broncos in May, he credits coach Mike Shanahan for offering him a second chance despite Sauerbrun being implicated in a steroid scandal at Carolina.
“I know it sounds cheesy, but I idolize him a little,” Sauerbrun said. “Mike Shanahan is one of the coolest coaches, really, one of the coolest human beings I’ve ever been around. For a coach to be a cool human being, that’s hard to find.
“I’d run through a wall for that man.”
A three-time Pro Bowl punter, Sauerbrun is leading the AFC with a 46.6-yard punting average and has answered Denver’s long search for quality on punts and kickoffs. He is grateful to Shanahan for believing in him when he was going through a difficult time.
Sauerbrun, 32, was one of several Carolina Panthers for whom a South Carolina doctor reportedly prescribed steroids. The doctor recently was indicted in the case. The NFL is investigating, but commissioner Paul Tagliabue has said none of the players is likely to be suspended. Last week, The Washington Post reported the players are subject to numerous steroid tests by the league.
Sauerbrun, who also pleaded guilty in May to driving while impaired, declined to discuss the steroid scandal, but conceded the stigma of it “won’t go away as long as I’m in the NFL.”
His agent, David Canter, who also participated in the telephone interview, said he is confident Sauerbrun will be cleared of any steroid use when the investigation is complete.
Sauerbrun said he didn’t think the Broncos were taking a chance when they traded a seventh-round pick and punter Jason Baker for Sauerbrun in May, but he understood when Shana- han said Sauerbrun was expected to stay on the straight and narrow off the field. So far, Shanahan said he has been thrilled with Sauerbrun’s behavior.
“He’s been perfect,” Shanahan said. “No problem at all.”
Canter and Sauerbrun said it was time for the player to move on from Charlotte, N.C., even though Sauerbrun said he had no problems with the Panthers. Because of the steroid allegations, Sauerbrun said the media coverage became overbearing.
“It’s a small town there, and there’s nothing going on; I felt like I was being written about every day,” Sauerbrun said. “It’s so much better here for me.”
Sauerbrun said he enjoys speaking publicly and he fears not talking to the media may cause people to believe the worst about him. Asked what’s most important for people to know about him, Sauerbrun didn’t hesitate to talk about his relationship with his 7-year-old daughter, Brooke, who lives in Chicago. Sauerbrun’s locker at Dove Valley is plastered with homages to his daughter. They speak on the phone “four or five times a day,” he said.
“I tear up every time I talk to her,” Sauerbrun said. “You have no idea what a little girl can do to you.”
Sauerbrun said his transition to Denver has been eased by a warm reception from what he calls “classy” teammates.
Sauerbrun’s reputation preceded him, but views seem to be changing.
“I always thought he was a jerk when I was in Tampa and he was in Carolina; I don’t know why, maybe because he used to beat us,” Denver safety John Lynch said. “But he’s come in here and fit in. He’s been a good guy.”
Sauerbrun said he enjoys his new kickoff duty because it gets him on the field more. He has given Denver a long-awaited special-teams boost.
Sauerbrun said he is ready to settle down in Denver. With two years remaining on his contract, Canter said Sauerbrun would like to sign a long-term deal with the Broncos.
“This is where I want to be,” Sauerbrun said. “As long as Mike Shanahan is the coach there, I want to be there.”
Staff writer Bill Williamsoncan be reached at 303-820-5450
