Broncos safety Kareem Jackson met the media following Tuesday's second "voluntary" veterans mini-camp. It was the first time he spoke to the assembled group of reporters since re-signing in Denver. He said he had options, but returning to The Mile High City was an easy decision. A lot of that decision was made easier by the arrival of quarterback Russell Wilson, as well as some of the other players the team brought in. "with the additions in the off-season, the first 3 years here for me having some highs and lows, and to finally have, I feel like as a team, to be in a situation where we can go compete at a high level. For me, coming back, it's obviously just wanting to finish things, possibly make a run for the Super Bowl."
Jackson's leadership is unquestioned. He can be both heard and felt on the field, and the way he's played since coming to Denver from Houston has been noticeable. Broncos new defensive coordinator, Ejiro Evero, was asked what it meant to have Jackson back in the fold, especially in terms of setting a tone for the team. "It's vital," Evero said. "First of all, let's not be mistaken, he can still run. There's still a lot of juice there. There's still a lot of playmaking ability there, and just the intangibles as well. Being able to be a locker room presence, a veteran presence. To be a guy that's in charge of the communication and all that stuff, it's invaluable...so happy to have him."
Jackson is headed into year 13, and he knows a Super Bowl would be the icing on top of a great career, and having Russell Wilson under center, he should have his best look at championship. "It’s a huge difference," Jackson said. "[He’s] another leader in the locker room and he’s a guy that’s played some great ball since he’s been in the league. He’s seen it at every level. He’s played at the highest level. He’s played in a Super Bowl—a couple of Super Bowls. He’s seen everything there is and he knows what it takes to be a leader on that side of the ball and in the locker room in helping the young guys. It’s just his presence and the energy that he brings [along with] his excitement—it’s huge for us."
2nd year running back Javonte Williams had a stellar rookie season rushing for nearly 1,000 yards. He acknowledged that he just talked with Melvin Gordon, whom he split carries with, but is ready to carry the load, if that's what the team calls on him to do. And, "Pookie" as his friends and family call him, echoed the sentiments of Jackson, that a title is not out of the question for this team," "That’s definitely our goal—me, [Running Backs] Coach [Tyrone] Wheatley and everybody in the running back room," Williams said We’re just trying to be the best room in the league and do whatever we can to win a Super Bowl."
Watch Jackson, Evero and Williams' press conferences below: