Talanoa Hufanga targets which former teammate he’ll fight when Broncos meet 49ers

When the Denver Broncos signed safety Talanoa Hufanga to a three-year contract back in the spring, they knew that they were getting a player who could be a force of the defensives side of the ball in both the run and the pass game. What they might not have known, however, is that they were getting a jokester as well.

Hufanga, who signed with Denver after spending the first four years of his career in San Francisco with the 49ers, was asked about his emotions surrounding his first game — albeit preseason — with the Broncos being against the 49ers. He made sure to show his appreciation for the organization that helped him grow as a young player.

“Man, it’s going to be blessed. I’m very grateful for opportunity they gave me my first four years there. [It] was special. You know, I had a lot of great moments, a lot of moments of injuries, as you talked about, but for me, it was a special place in my heart,” Hufanga said after Broncos practice on Thursday.

While Hufanga was very appreciate of the Niners organization, he also called out one of his old teammates in a lighthearted way.

“I always joke around. I told Trent, I’m gonna tell Trent that. I’m gonna start a fight with him, just for fun, probably the last person you guys want to fight. I’m gonna tell you guys that right now, Trent Williams is not the one. Trent, if you see this, I’m so sorry. I got to do it so … But all jokes aside, man, I’m very blessed and excited to be there,” Hufanga said.

For those who don’t know about Trent Williams, he is a 6-foot-5, 320-pound tackle who has consistently been one of the best offensive lineman in the league since he first played in the NFL back in 2010. He began his career with Washington, where he spent nine seasons, and has played for San Francisco for the last five. He is an 11-time Pro Bowler and has earner First-Team All-Pro honors three times, with one Second-Team All-Pro nomination. The two have spent the last four years as teammates in San Francisco and have clearly created a strong bond.

While Hufanga was giving his flowers to San Francisco, he made sure to emphasize how happy he is to be in Denver with his family.

“I got the family out here, and it’s been good, but I’m excited to see all [the fans]. Just orange. I know they fill it up … I’m very excited and very blessed to be here,” Hufanga said.

The preseason bout with the 49ers is set for Aug. 9 in the Bay, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. MDT. While Hufanga claims he’s going to pick a fight with Williams, only time will tell if Sean Payton and the rest of the Broncos organization lets him do it, even if it’s just a harmless joke.

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