Broncos defensive linemen Kevin Vickerson, Mitch Unrein, Cyril Obiozor and Ben Garland, along with some Broncos cheerleaders, visited with wildland fire fighters in Ft. Collins.
OAKLAND — As our nation celebrates military veterans this weekend and through Tuesday, it’s only fitting that former Air Force Academy standout Ben Garland will dress and play in his first NFL game here Sunday against the Oakland Raiders.
Garland, 26, graduated from Air Force, where he was a defensive tackle, in 2010, signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent, then spent his next two years serving a military commitment. He returned to the Broncos in 2012 and spent two years on their practice squad — one as a defensive lineman, the second as a converted offensive guard.
Garland made the Broncos’ season-opening 53-man roster this year but has been inactive through the first eight games. He is playing today not because of his military ties — he continues to serve with the Colorado Air National Guard — but because the Broncos need him as their lone backup guard and to play special teams.
In previous games, Will Montgomery was the Broncos’ backup center/guard but he is starting today. That Garland gets his chance as the NFL celebrates the military this weekend is a happy coincidence.
