Early Sunday, news broke that Gary Kubiak planned to step down as head coach of the Broncos, two seasons after accepting the job. Monday morning, just hours after his team capped their season with a victory over the Raiders, Kubiak made it official.
The 32-year NFL veteran who rose from backup quarterback to head coach, was a part of seven Super Bowls and helped the Broncos to all three of their victories. When word got out , players past and present, as well as others throughout the league, thanked Kubiak and shared some memorable moments from their time working with him.
Corey Nelson, Broncos ILB: “He showed me how to be a man. He showed me how to be tough, how to fight through adversity with football and outside of football. And he taught me to cherish your family, to love your family. He was able to give a lot of leeway if we had babies or if we had to go to court or something. He would give us that day off to handle that business, and I respect that. I respect that so much for what he did. And he also took care of us last week. We had a walkthrough the whole week and he said he’s “treating us like men.” He wanted us to rest our bodies so we can be fresh. I respect him a lot. A lot of love. I’ll never forget those things that he’s done.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOxFkD1Ao1N/
Salute to a great career Kub! Thank you for believing in me and showing me how to be a true pro. A true leader and class personified.
— T.J. Yates (@TJ_Yates)
This is the way I will always remember the man who help contribute to the life I have today. Love you coach thx for being a friend.
— Rod Smith (@TheREALrodSmith)
Gary Kubiak has been coach, mentor & friend to me & my family since 1994. Thanks for everything, now go relax with Rhonda. You deserve it!
— Ed McCaffrey (@87ed)
— Jake Plummer (@snakestakes)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOxxw1KgFUj/
Like many others Gary Kubiak helped me grow as a player & person. And did so with compassion & empathy while demanding accountability.
— JoelDreessen (@JoelDreessen)
Trust is hard to earn between player and coach in the NFL. That being said, I'd trust Gary Kubiak with my life.
— Sage Rosenfels (@SageRosenfels18)
You will have QBs from 3 decades coming out to tell great stories. Steve Young. Elway. Griese. Plummer. Schaub. Flacco. Manning.
— Sage Rosenfels (@SageRosenfels18)
Congratulations to Kubs on an amazing career! Definition of a player's coach and one you want to succeed for. Thank you for the opportunity!
— Kyle Juszczyk (@JuiceCheck44)
https://twitter.com/gra89ham/status/816092331447291909
Some people in your life teach you how to win. Coach Kubiak has been one of those people for me. Blessed and thankful to have won with him.
— Ryan Harris (@RyanHarris_68)
https://twitter.com/vleach44/status/816074845578547200
One of my favorite coaches to play for. Go to battle for him any day. Salute to one heck of a career. Tremendous leader.
— Coach Q (@QDemps)
Shout out to coach Kub! Great coach even better man. It was an honor to play for you!
— T.J. Ward (@BossWard43)
Had a outstanding convo with Kub Ima really miss the guy
— Cj Anderson (@cjandersonb22)
First year I've got to known my Bronco brothers.. Kub was and forever will be our Leader…Man imma miss you man real life miss you..
— William (@PhillyWill11)
Proud to win that game for Coach Kubiak!!
— Matt Paradis (@two_dice)
If news is true the NFL just lost 1 of its best men period. He's a kind man that loves his family & players. He's class personified.
— Kevin Cooper (@kevincooper44)
Love Coach Kubiak! Blessings to the legend
— kwebb (@kayvonwebster)
Couldn't be more thankful for coach kubs! Gonna miss ya coach
— Adam Gotsis (@gotsis96)
Honored to play for this man. Kubiak is one I'll never forget!
— OKUNG 🐆 (@RussellOkung)
He will always be family to me. Believed in me when no one else did. Love you Coach!
— Justin Forsett (@JForsett)
Thanks for an amazing two years. We're going to miss you but the memories will last forever
— Michael Schofield III (@SchoBlue75)
Thanks for everything Coach Kube! You will be missed!
— Riley Dixon (@RileyTDixon92)
Since day one! A true definition of someone who wants to see people win. Preciate ya Coach Kub! 💪🏾
— Marlon Brown (@MB_uno4)
