The day after Darrent Williams was shot and killed, an emotional Mike Shanahan vowed the Broncos would keep alive the cornerback’s vision of helping children.
Monday, after four weeks of planning, the Broncos announced their plans to honor Williams and help local children. Williams was killed in an unsolved drive-by shooting Jan. 1 while riding in a limousine near downtown Denver.
The Darrent Williams Memorial Grant will donate $50,000 a year to organizations in the Denver community that promote positive alternatives to youth. This year’s recipient is Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives, under the direction of the Rev. Leon Kelly. The $50,000 grant will be spread over five years and is being matched this year by Doug Morton, president of Morton Publishing Co., for a total investment of $100,000 in Open Door over five years.
Meanwhile, an auction of Williams’ two Super Bowl tickets and a five-night stay in Miami, beginning Wednesday, drew a winning bid of $6,600 on eBay.com Monday night. Williams was planning to stay at the hotel this week. The profits of the bid will go to the Darrent Williams’ Children’s Fund.
“We’re pleased that Darrent’s children will benefit from this,” said Troy Asmus, who was one of Williams’ agents.
O’Brien, Baker in fold
The Broncos announced they have hired Scott O’Brien to run special teams. O’Brien was Nick Saban’s right-hand man in Miami and worked with special teams. He also was a successful special-teams coach in Carolina. Former special-teams coach Ronnie Bradford has been named as an assistant defensive backs coach.
Also, Denver hired Joe Baker, an 11-year NFL coaching veteran, to be the linebackers coach, replacing Kirk Doll. Baker worked with new Denver assistant head coach/defense Jim Bates in Green Bay and for the St. Louis Rams in 2006. O’Brien and Baker join Bates and defensive line coach Bill Johnson as new Denver coaches.
Three weeks ago, the Broncos made changes to their offensive staff with Steve Watson, Jeremy Bates and Pat McPherson all in new roles. Those changes haven’t been announced.
