The first funeral Judy Nash ever attended was when she flew with her husband and the rest of the Broncos’ organization for the services of the slain Darrent Williams. Nash, 25, remembers feeling for Williams’ mother, Rosalind that day in Forth Worth, Texas.
“I never thought the next month I’d be burying my husband,” Nash said Tuesday. “She kept it so strong, and she really has been an inspiration for me. … I’m looking forward to meeting her and sharing and learning things from her.”
Nash will get the opportunity this weekend when she and Williams will be honored by the Broncos. The Broncos are memorializing Darrent Williams and Damien Nash on Sunday night before the home game against Pittsburgh. Williams and Nash will accompany the Broncos’ captains to the middle of the field for the coin toss as honorary captains for the game.
Williams was killed in a drive-by shooting in the early hours of Jan. 1 in downtown Denver. Nash, a reserve running back, died 55 days later at his St. Louis home after collapsing after a charity basketball game he organized.
Judy Nash is residing in her hometown of Indianapolis and has opened a women’s accessories store. She has also established the Damien Nash Healthy Heart Foundation. Although she is thrilled for the honor, Nash admits she is apprehensive.
“I am not ready for it. I’m just not ready for it,” she said. “But the Broncos have been great with me, and anything I can do to keep up Damien’s legacy and his name alive, I will do.”
Williams is expected to visit the site of the Darrent Williams Teen Center in Montbello. The center is expected to open in February. Williams and Nash are also expected to visit with players and coaches Saturday. The team is developing a bronzed plaque that will be displayed at Invesco Field at Mile High this season.
Footnotes. The Broncos announced the signing of linebacker Jordan Beck and the release of D.D. Lewis. … Ex-Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer, who is retired, will participate in the U.S. Open of Handball this weekend in Fountain Valley, Calif.
Bill Williamson: 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com
