In the last hours of the four-month legislative session, it was Super Bowl Wednesday at the state Capitol, as lawmakers praised the Denver Broncos’ for the and what they’ve meant to Colorado for decades.
Cornerback Chris Harris was believed to be the first active player to address the Colorado General Assembly, and one of the only people who is not a legislator or former legislator to address the chamber from the speaker’s well, lawmakers said.
Legislators and staff lined up 20-deep for photos, then huddled for group photos with the friendly and gracious pro. Harris is a fan favorite who signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent from Kansas in 2011.
A resolution honoring the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 victory also noted the team’s work with such charities as Boys and Girls Clubs, Habitat for Humanity and youth football leagues. Harris was commended for his efforts through the to help children in need.
House Speaker Dickey Lee Hullingthorst, a Democrat from Boulder, and Senate President Bill Cadman, a Republican from Colorado Springs, introduced a joint legislative resolution after Super Bowl 50 .
On the Tuesday after the Super Bowl, a crowd estimated at 1 million that concluded in the Civic Center and Lincoln parks, immediately west of the Capitol.
“Wow, this is a great opportunity ,” Harris told the House of Representatives Wednesday.
“I want to thank everyone in the House and the General Assembly. On behalf of the Denver Broncos: Y’all have been amazing, and I want to thank y’all for everything you do for Colorado, and thanks to all the fans and citizens of Colorado, the million fans who supported us at the parade.”
The tribute Wednesday was arranged by House Democratic leader Crisanta Duran of Denver, who had urged fellow lawmakers to wear their Broncos colors. State Rep. Joe Salazar wore a vintage Ashley Lelie Broncos jersey with his suit.
“I thought it would be great to honor the Broncos players, Chris Harris and the entire Broncos organization for all they do for our state,” Duran said.
She said she wanted the Broncos to meet all the members of the General Assembly, since some lawmakers from the Denver area were involved in the post-Super Bowl parade and rally.
“The Broncos aren’t just Denver’s team, they’re Colorado’s,” Duran said.
Duran passed a bill that awaits the governor’s signature that , legislation heavily .
A bill introduced by Rep. Dan Pabon, a Denver Democrat, to make of the Broncos’ stadium name was voted down by Republicans in a Senate committee last week.
Joey Bunch: 303-954-1174, jbunch@denverpost.com or @joeybunch
