No Broncos player would lose more money through a prolonged work stoppage this season than Elvis Dumervil.
Something much more serious was on Dumervil’s mind Friday, however, than lost wages. His agent, Gary Wichard, died Friday from complications of diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Wichard was 60.
“I lost more than an agent,” Dumervil said. “It’s tough. I just talked to him last week and I could tell it was rough for him. But you know Gary, he was trying to stay positive. He helped me through a lot. We lost a good man.”
Wichard’s agency specialized in pass rushers and quarterbacks. He had previously worked out large contracts for the likes of Dwight Freeney, Terrell Suggs and Jason Taylor. Wichard also represented Jeremy Bloom when the former University of Colorado star and Olympic skier gave the NFL a go in 2006.
The last big contract Wichard negotiated was the five-year, $58.332 million extension for Dumervil last July. That deal includes a $14 million salary in 2011, which would make Dumervil the Broncos’ highest-paid player providing the league owners and players union can reach a settlement on a new labor deal. Talks broke off Friday.
The next highest-paid Bronco this season is cornerback Champ Bailey, who is scheduled to draw $11 million.
Shortly after completing Dumervil’s deal, Wichard was accused of employing North Carolina assistant coach John Blake of helping him recruit Tar Heels player Marvin Austin. Wichard denied any wrongdoing, saying he and Blake had been close friends for decades. Nevertheless, he was slapped with a nine-month suspension by the NFL Players Association.
“All I know is Gary believed in me when I was a fourth-round draft pick and nobody else did,” Dumervil said. “And he stuck with me for four years before he had a chance to work a new contract for me.”
Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com.
