“I want this place” – Greeley Tribune

Broncos defensive end DeShawn Williams recalls the Amazon boxes he used to lift and the wide pallets he used to pack and can’t help but appreciate his rise.

“I’m very popular and I don’t take a day for granted,” Williams said Thursday at Broncos training camp.

Just two years ago, before he became a fixture on the Broncos’ defensive line, Amazon was his primary employer.

One of the reasons Williams re-signed to a one-year deal with the Broncos this offseason was because general manager George Paton “wanted me back,” the veteran said. Another reason was what the addition of quarterback Russell Wilson meant to the franchise’s championship prospects.

“No disrespect to any past quarterback that’s come after Peyton Manning, but it’s just a different urgency,” Williams said. “He tries to hit our (butt) every day in practice. That makes it competitive. …

“For the past few years it’s been one-dimensional. They come to practice, we hit attacking and it will be a constant base. Now they strike first.”

Wilson has the hunger of a rookie, Williams said, and it’s encouraged a new energy in the practice.

Williams, who has been cut nearly a dozen times throughout his career, has a similar sentiment. Just because Williams has pole position as one of the team’s first defensive ends doesn’t mean he’ll act that way. He knows what could happen if he catches his breath.

“He’s a completely different player (since he first came to the Broncos),” said teammate Dre’Mont Jones. “…He just works differently.”

Williams knows he has younger eyes on him, curious about how he carries himself through success and failure.

“That’s one of the reasons they brought me back was just for that lead, to see a guy who’s been in the dressing room and works his (butt) off every day because he knows I still get circumcised.” could,” Williams said. “It’s just how I walk around. … Treat every day like you could cut yourself.”

Williams said numerous players, including veterans, have approached him in recent years to say he is an inspiration to them. His persistence is a living, breathing testament to guys whose NFL existence has stayed in the bubble. And that was Williams until recently.

When asked what it’s like not sweating a roster spot during training camp, Williams laughed. After two encouraging seasons in Denver (76 tackles and three sacks in 822 snaps in 29 games), this upcoming season could represent Williams’ best opportunity with the Broncos.

Of course, he doesn’t take it lightly or with a claim.

“I’m putting myself under pressure because without saying the spot is taken because I’ve got a guy like (McTelvin Agim) on my heels, Jonathan Harris is on my tail, so anyone can start,” Williams said. “It’s just the competition that drives everyone. … I’m not going to say it’s a locked position set in stone. It’s up to me to give up and I don’t want to give it up, but I’m glad I have a group of guys who push me every day not to give up.”

Williams lined up in first-team defense Wednesday and Thursday but is careful not to overstep so early in camp.

“Not to say it rudely, it’s just that I’ve put in the time, I’ve put in the work, not saying others haven’t, but I want that spot,” Williams said.

Coach Nathaniel Hackett said: “His ability to disrupt and obstruct at the line of scrimmage is incredible. He has a low center of gravity and has the ability to use and disrupt his hands. I was really blown away watching him parry blocks. He’s done a good job and is struggling all the time and I’m just happy with where he’s going.”