The Broncos had their last chance, as a unit, to spend time with Darrent Williams’ spirit.
For those in attendance, the farewell to their tiny, but mighty, friend who was shot and killed Monday morning in a drive-by shooting was “beautiful.”
Tears, laughter and countless tributes highlighted a two-hour private memorial service held by the team at Broncos headquarters Wednesday morning. The service was attended by owner Pat Bowlen, the coaching staff, the team, a few other personnel members and the Williams family. Longtime Broncos defensive end Trevor Pryce, now with Baltimore, was also in attendance.
“It was a special, special morning,” said Williams’ uncle, Demond Williams. “It had plenty of sad moments, but there was also laughter. It had its up and downs, but it was a beautiful time.”
Two large photos of Williams were displayed in the front of the room, his uncle said. One was a photo at a football camp and the other was a photo of Williams, sporting his “fro-hawk” haircut this season. Williams’ No. 27 jerseys also were displayed.
Tuesday, coach Mike Shana- han said several players asked him to have the private memorial. It gave the players the opportunity to share their thoughts, emotions and stories with Williams’ family privately.
The entire team, including spouses, will fly on a chartered flight to the Fort Worth, Texas, hometown of Williams for the funeral. The Broncos will have a memorial Friday at Dove Valley for employees.
Wednesday’s ceremony, though, was small, intimate and powerful.
“It gave us a chance to let D-Will’s family know what he meant to all of us in the short time we knew him,” safety Nick Ferguson said. “It gave us time to reflect as a unit.”
The defensive secondary went up to the front of the room as a unit, and several veterans, including receiver Rod Smith, linebacker Al Wilson and quarterback Jake Plummer, spoke, Demond Williams said. Bowlen and Shanahan were also among the group, which Williams estimated at about 30.
Most of the team spent time with the family, Williams said. He said receiver Javon Walker also spoke with the Williams family, including Darrent’s mother, Rosalind. Walker was sitting close to Williams in a limousine when he was killed.
“It’s very hard on him,” Demond Williams said of Walker. “To be right there when your teammate died is tough. … He needs people’s prayers, too.”
Ferguson said he was thankful to Bowlen and the organization for giving the players the opportunity to say goodbye Wednesday.
“I don’t know how many other organizations would react like this one has,” Ferguson said. “It is first class. It makes me feel so good. … It’s nice to know that if that was me, they would be treating my memory and my family the way they are D-Will.”
Staff writer Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
