Elijah Wilkinson flipped burgers in the sunshine to the beat of thumping music and laughter from kids getting free haircuts and playing parking lot basketball.
Welcome to the All-Star Barbershop.
Wilkinson, the Broncos’ starting right tackle, co-opened the small studio on East Colfax in October 2019 as a physical representation of his deep connection to the city that launched his NFL dreams as an undrafted rookie. Wilkinson — with his wife, Gabrielle, expecting their first child in 2021 — told The Denver Post: “I started my life here.”
Pandemic health restrictions forced the All-Star Barbershop to close for weeks during the spring. However, much like Wilkinson during this season, the shop persevered amid circumstances that shuttered many small businesses across the state.
“I’m definitely blessed and grateful that we have been able to stay open from May 9 continuing on to now,” Wilkinson said. “Being able to keep my staff employed and customers coming through the door has been amazing. We’ve already seen the worst of it.”
Wilkinson’s football resiliency, following two months on injured reserve (cracked shin), played out over the Broncos’ last two games. Wilkinson returned from IR, replaced Demar Dotson at starting right tackle, and played 61 and 64 offensive snaps against the Panthers and Bills, respectively. He’s allowed one half-sack and no “bad” run blocks since returning to the starting lineup, per The Post’s game charting.
“(Wilkinson) has improved and he’s feeling more comfortable out there,” Broncos coach Vic Fangio said. “I’ve been pleased with his play overall.”
The abrupt transition back into NFL action was not without its challenges, according to Wilkinson.
“Not playing in an NFL game for eight weeks and then jumping back in to play a full 60-70 snaps is no joke,” Wilkinson said. “I was definitely a little sore after Carolina, but I got back into the swing of it. You get into kind of a groove when you’re starting in the NFL and playing these games. Itap all like clockwork.”
Wilkinson’s connection to the Denver community is strong as he finishes out the year solely focused on beating the Chargers and Raiders. Yet Wilkinson also acknowledged an uncertain future as he is set to enter free agency this offseason.
It is possible the Broncos re-sign Wilkinson — currently earning $3.2 million on a 1-year contract — as the team’s likely backup swing tackle assuming Ja’Wuan James returns after opting out this season. But Wilkinson might also have a better opportunity to start on a different team.
“All that stuff goes through my mind, being a free agent, am I going to be here next year? All those questions. But you can’t think of that right now,” Wilkinson said. “The dollar sign plays a part in it. But me being comfortable here and establishing myself, having the barbershop and all the stuff here I do, I would definitely consider it, for sure. I love Denver.”
The family feeling at All-Star Barbershop continues despite haircuts by appointment only and no more than 10 people allowed inside at one time. Wilkinson eagerly awaits the day when coronavirus concerns no longer restrict the steady flow of locals who consider the shop a rallying point for the public.
“Itap such a good atmosphere and such a good vibe, especially because there was absolutely nothing going on in the summer,” Wilkinson said. “What else were people doing? I thought it was awesome that we were at least able to provide that to the community down there at the barbershop.
“People would come to the barbershop and not even get a haircut — just to hang out.”
Lindsay ruled out. The Broncos, who did not practice Friday, ruled out running back Phillip Lindsay for Sunday’s game because of hip and knee injuries. It will be Lindsay’s fourth missed game of the year. Listed as questionable are outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (ankle), running back Royce Freeman (hip), cornerback Nate Hairston (toe) and defensive lineman DeShawn Williams (knee).
