Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos made major headlines by winning the Peyton Manning sweepstakes last season. After a sensational year, the team clearly looks to be heading in the right direction with their sights set on the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
While the obvious guy to lead them to victory is of course their franchise quarterback, another acquisition last year provided extraordinary success that labeled the squad as one of the best special teams squads throughout the NFL.
This acquisition, of course, was former Houston Texan, Trindon Holliday.
When the Broncos got word that the Texans decided to part ways with the LSU product, they did not hesitate to quickly sign the speedster.
Holliday proved his worth last season as he quickly made a name for himself as one of the premier returners in the league. He essentially earned himself the consideration of being a nightmare for any special teams coach to prepare for.
And yet despite his extremely small frame (5-foot-5, 169 pounds), Holliday does not shy away from contact. But make no mistake, his agility is ultimately what makes him a special gem for a team looking to win now.
“Trindon is an explosive guy — we feel like he’s probably the fastest guy in the NFL,” Director of Player Personnel Matt Russell told DenverBroncos.com. “What he did last year was really unprecedented in the NFL. So we’re excited to have him.”
Last season, Holliday finished ninth in the league for kick return yards and 10th in punt returns. He recorded a crucial kickoff and punt return touch in the Broncos’ collapsing loss against the Baltimore Ravens during the postseason last year, and he currently holds the record for the longest touchdown in postseason history (90 yards).
Still a very young player, the three-year veteran has solidified his position as a dominant special teams player, and now with an extensive year of much playing time under his belt, Holliday will allow the Broncos the ability to run more advanced special teams formations in the upcoming season.
Ask any football coach about the success of winning and they’ll tell you that in order to become a successful football team, players must perform on all cylinders and be balanced on all phases of the game.
Holliday gives the Broncos that balance.
Gary Fiore is a writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @gmf721 and add him to your circle on Google.
