Broncos name five captains for 2022 season, with no huge surprises

Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett announced the team’s 2022 captains on Tuesday.

There were no big surprises, with five names all Broncos fans will recognize.

The captains are QB Russell Wilson, WR Courtland Sutton, DE Bradley Chubb, safety Justin Simmons and kicker Brandon McManus.

That group makes sense. Wilson was a no-brainer, Sutton is the longest tenured receiver, Chubb’s been here four seasons, Simmons is the clear leader on defense and McManus is the only remaining player from Super Bowl 50. Still, Hackett said while the Broncos picked those guys, he was happy to see a lot of players on the roster earn consideration.

“We have everybody vote. I think the best testament was how many guys got votes. It wasn’t just those five. It was numerous, numerous guys. On the offensive line we had a bunch of guys and I just think it’s great to see that there’s so many people that believe in their teammates. It wasn’t just such a very specific amount of guys so that’s what’s great to see,” Hackett said.

It’s interesting to see Hackett mention the offensive line, as Garett Bolles certainly could have been in the conversation. Denver’s left tackle has played five years with the team, and received a big contract as the Broncos’ long-term answer at left tackle.

For Sutton, this is his second straight year being named a team captain.

“For it to come from your peers, your teammates, guys that you grind with every day. (They) see the things we do on the field, off the field, trying to carry the team in the right direction. It’s an honor,” Sutton said.

The Broncos newly named captains now begin their first real game week as a group. The 2022 season finally begins in just six short days in Seattle.

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