ST. LOUIS — As Montee Ball attempts to return to first on the depth chart, he returns to the scene of two of his favorite childhood memories. He attended Timberland High School in Wentzville, Mo., 40 minutes from the Edward Jones Dome.
The first NFL game Ball attended came here, watching the 2000 season opener between the St. Louis Rams and Broncos.
It was a huge game, featuring the previous two Super Bowl champions. Ball, 9 years old at the time, remembers cheering along with his cousin. Ball became a Broncos fan at a young age, looking up to Terrell Davis. Davis didn’t play in the game. Olandis Gary led the team in rushing.
However, Marshall Faulk did play. He showed why St. Louis was billed “The Greatest Show on Turf,” rushing for 78 yards and catching four passes for 100 yards.
“He was the man,” Ball said.
This won’t be Ball’s first game in the dome. He made his unofficial debut during halftime with a youth football team, playing line and linebacker.
“I was too big to run the ball. I didn’t make the weight,” said Ball, who has 45 friends and family he expects to attend Sunday’s game. “But, yeah, I can’t wait to get back out there.”
Brock pays it forward. Brock Osweiler looks forward to Sundays. He loves Mondays. After a rewarding experience in his previous two seasons, Osweiler began pay it forward Mondays with visits to the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children.
“We went a few years ago and wondered, ‘Why we don’t do this more often?’ I go in there, win or lose, no matter what’s written about us or me,” Osweiler said. “It immediately provides perspective.”
Osweiler, the Broncos’ backup quarterback, meets with children and young adults, many stricken with cancer. He first met Amelia Zemlock during his rookie season. She remains an inspiration.
“She has been battling bone cancer since her freshman year of high school. I was hanging out with my friends in high school, playing sports,” Osweiler said. “She’s fighting for her life. She is so tough.”
Osweiler was named the NFL players association’s community MVP last week. He continues to look for ways to get involved. He recently reached out to the family of Arizona infant Cali Griggs, who has terminal cancer. Osweiler will cover the family’s travel expenses to Flagstaff so Cali can enjoy an early Christmas in the snow.
“I get to do something I love,” Osweiler said. “I am in a situation where I can give back. I just want to put a smile on their face, even if for just a little bit.”
Footnotes. Safety Quinton Carter was listed as probable on Saturday’s injury report with an illness. … The Broncos rank in the top five in total offense (third, 414.7 yards per game) and total defense (fifth, 314.1). … Julius Thomas remains on pace for 21 touchdowns. The Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski owns the NFL single-season record for tight ends with 18 TDs in 2011. … Emmanuel Sanders needs six catches and a touchdown to set personal bests in each category.
