Lessons learned from watching this year's Broncos

The Denver Broncos' exciting run through the playoffs and into the winner's circle at Super Bowl 50 certainly gave even casual sports fans many incredible story lines from which to choose. No doubt coaches and teachers all over the metro area were taking advantage of Broncomania to emphasize team and life lessons. I certainly got caught up in the drama myself and, from the perspective of an English teacher and sometime playwright, I couldn't help but think "you couldn't script this any better."

We can start with the most obvious story of Peyton Manning. Here was a five-time league MVP barely able to move, fresh off a mid-season benching, setting aside his ego and individual statistics for the good of the team. Clearly nowhere near the player he had been even two years ago, Manning nevertheless accepted his reduced role and allowed the superior defensive squad to carry the day. In the end, the numbers spoke for themselves: an even 200 wins as a starting quarterback now, most of all time. His second Super Bowl win, tying his brother for family bragging rights. If he knows anything about a feel-good storyline, the SB 50 number will be his "last rodeo," and he can ride into the sunset of Nationwide ads and Saturday Night Live appearances. Throughout the whole season, he handled his situation gracefully and gratefully. Good lessons there.

Von Miller's story is also one worth noting. Just two years ago he looked like he couldn't get out of his own way. Injuries and run-ins with the law had fans worried that he would never fully live up to his potential or grow into his professional responsibilities. This year's performance changed that trajectory. What was a key difference? The veteran mentorship of teammate DeMarcus Ware, whose ten years in the league had taught him a lot about humility, hard work and commitments to self and others. Like a wise older brother, DeMarcus Ware encouraged and challenged Von Miller to be a better version of himself as a person and player. The results spoke for themselves and when Miller becomes the highest paid defensive player in the league next year, he ought to send a hefty portion of the salary to Mr. Ware. (And support his foundation Von's Vision, which helps low-income kids get the eye care they need.)

Let's not forget the story of Wade Phillips, the defensive coordinator. Unemployed and passed over for multiple jobs, the 68-year-old veteran coach sat out all of 2014-2015, waiting for the phone to ring, until he finally got the call from the Broncos this year. He and the players responded brilliantly, and will be regarded as one of the strongest defensive teams in NFL history. By the way, it's worth noting that an old guy was willing to change his spots as needed. Not only did he put his blitzing tactics to the side to suit the opposition, Coach Phillips also maintained relevance through social media; his Twitter feed @sonofbum, in which he dispenses wit and wisdom, has over 100 thousand followers.

In the end, however, these individual stories will be overshadowed by the tale of the team. Coaches will be citing this example in team sports of all kinds. The group pulled together, stayed focused on doing their jobs, and when someone got hurt, the next player stepped in and the team persevered. In an age of self-absorbed athletes more interested in their dance steps than team success, the Broncos were a breath of fresh air.

Now, as for the Rockies . . .