Evan Engram explains Broncos signing, picking jersey number

The Denver Broncos have long needed more production at tight end, and this offseason, they went shopping for one of the biggest names on the market — signing two-time Pro Bowler Evan Engram to a two-year deal.

The 30-year-old will be calling back to his high school days when he first takes the field in Colorado this fall. He’ll be the first tight end in years to wear No. 1 in the NFL, but it’s something he’s done before.

“I had No. 1 in high school. That was my number for three years,” he explained. “Wore No. 17 in college. I got to Jacksonville, got to wear No. 17 again. Once I signed, Sean (Payton) sent me a list of numbers that were free. I sent the list to my family, and honestly didn’t even notice No. 1 was open — and all of them said No. 1. So it was just a cool thing, reconnecting to the glory days of high school football, where I really started to come into my own. Where I’m at in my career, how much I’ve learned, the talent I’ve worked for, and the experiences I have — to bring that here and wear that number again, I don’t take it lightly.”

No. 1 is a big honor in sports, and it points to the large role both the Broncos and Engram expect the tight end to have.

(Photo by Andrew Mason / Denver Sports)

“They were the first team to call when I got cut. Just talking to them, getting to know them, getting here, getting in the building — just feeling the energy, meeting some of the guys, hanging out with the coaches and front office. Just the expectations that are here, the team that’s here, the quarterback that’s here, the coach that’s here,” he said. “I literally can go on for days. So blessed to be here. Everything happens for a reason, and I’m really glad to be in Denver.

“The best place for me and my family was here in Denver — just with the offense, the history here, the way the organization takes care of its players.”

Engram figures to be a “joker” tight end — or at least that’s the dream head coach Sean Payton has for his scheme. Having played in 108 NFL games since going in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Ole Miss, the 6-foot-3 target hauled in the most catches (114) among tight ends in 2023; four went for touchdowns, and he gained 963 yards.

“It was a big part of the pitch coming here, so I was just kind of embracing that narrative a little bit. I see that as something that’s got to be earned — with the way I work, the way I come in and learn the offense, and gain the trust of Sean, Bo (Nix), the rest of the coaches and the players,” Engram said. “I think we’ve got a bunch of jokers, honestly, on this team that can have a great role in this offense. So it’s something that I like to embrace — but something I’m going to go earn, too.”

Engram was hampered in 2024, limited to nine games due to a hamstring injury and, later, a season-ending torn labrum. Still, he nearly outproduced all the Broncos who played the position.

“I welcome all types of adversity, anytime, anywhere,” he said. “Everything happens for a reason. Had a great year in 2023 and a great learning experience in 2024. Some things were in my control, and some weren’t. But ultimately, it led me here. I’m blessed to be here.”

Now, he’s playing with Nix — one of the most promising rookie quarterbacks the NFL has seen in years. Engram is well aware of the young star he’s joining forces with, in part because of his close friendship with quarterbacks coach Davis Webb. The two were drafted in the same year and played together for the New York Giants. In following Webb’s coaching journey, Engram found himself dialed into Nix’s rookie campaign — and it’s part of why he inked with the Broncos.

“Once Bo turned it on, you could see it all over the tape. The potential is through the roof. Really impressive young guy,” Engram said. “I like to see myself as somebody who could come in and help with his development and take this team to another level.”

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