Ko Olina, Hawaii – Ronnie Bradford has the world’s greatest talent at his coaching instruction.
His first-string wedge includes Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates.
He has Chad Johnson, Rod Smith and Al Wilson blocking in his kickoff return’s first row.
Troy Polamalu is his kickoff gunner.
So why would Bradford trade the lot of them for one Keith Burns?
“I’ve got the most difficult job in Hawaii,” said Bradford, special-teams coach for the Broncos and AFC Pro Bowl team. “Everybody’s here pretty much relaxing, and I’ve got to try to get Pro Bowlers to play special teams. For the most part, guys have been great.
“But there’s a couple guys who act like I’ve thrown them into an alternate universe or something.”
Complicating his task, Bradford is planning on having two sets of players for every special- teams unit.
Apparently, it’s one thing to ask prima donnas to play special teams; it’s another to ask them to play special teams the whole game.
“I’m going to try,” Miami receiver Chris Chambers said. “I like blocking so it’s not like I’m just going to whiff.”
The AFC’s designated special- teams star is the San Diego Chargers’ Hanik Milligan. He and Houston return specialist Jerome Mathis will anchor every special-teams unit. As for the other nine positions, it may seem odd to see the likes of Johnson and Gates out there, but not Smith. Like all Broncos, he first made his mark on special teams.
“I can’t believe I’m on special teams. After 12 years?” said Smith, who otherwise is playing in his third Pro Bowl as a receiver.
“I just hope they don’t expect much. The third and fourth quarter is when guys will start trying to block.”
Pro Bowl winning players get $40,000, double that of the losing players’ share.
Brandon signs
The Broncos’ signed nickel back/safety Sam Brandon to a two-year contract extension.
Brandon follows center Tom Nalen, who received a three- year extension, as the Broncos’ first two offseason moves.
The Broncos also hope to re-sign left tackle Matt Lepsis, defensive tackle Gerard Warren, running back Ron Dayne and Burns within the next two weeks.
Not Coyer’s game
It’s bad enough the Pro Bowl rules won’t let Broncos and AFC defensive coordinator Larry Coyer blitz or use more than four defensive backs at one time.
Worse, it hurts to watch Coyer walk through the AFC practices. He is limping badly, the result of an ailing back and arthritic hip.
Hoping to avoid surgery, Coyer will have synthetic cartilage injected into his hip Wednesday. He has already received injections for his back.
“You’ve got to have quality of life,” said Coyer, 62.
Mike Klis can be reached at 303-820-5440 or mklis@denverpost.com.
