ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — It was a day full of sunshine and optimism as the Denver Broncos opened up training camp on one of the hottest days of the year so far.
As the temperature crept into the 80s, fans sat on the side of the usual hill at UCHealth Training Center in Englewood, watching players before practice for the first time this season. Many wore free orange cowboy hats that were given out earlier that morning.
“We’re baking out there," one woman said as she applied sunscreen. "Those poor guys in their uniforms — it’s crazy."
Thursday's temperature was expected to near or reach 100 degrees for the first time inn 2019.
John Buckley, a super fan who calls himself the “Mile High Prophet,” dressed in floor-length orange and blue robes at the practice.
“You know it’s not 40-years-in-the-desert hot, but it’s hot,” he said.
UCHealth was ready for the heat and supplied fans with free water bottles, free sunscreen stations and misting stations.
“You walk through, get a mist, cool off, get some shade,” one mom and her son said.
Something else was in the air as a the new season started: optimism.
“There’s no reason not to believe we’re 19-0,” one fan said.
“We’re just on fire for the Broncos,” another added.
