Tag Archives: Denver Broncos

NFL

Smith, Kolby

tofi10 kol smithCard: Topps Finest 2007
Acquired: 2013, Target Autograph Memorabilia

Kolby Smith is one of those players who is faster in pads than he looks. He finished his college career at Louisville with 1698 yards on 288 carries as primarily a part time starter. Running a 4.5 at the combine, Kolby was taken in the 5th round of the 2007 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, who were looking for new blood behind Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson.  He’d get into the lineup sooner than anyone expected after the sudden retirement of Holmes and injuries to Johnson. Listed as a fullback, he’d finish 2007 with 112 caries for 407 yards and 2 TDs .  Smith contributed in 2008 with 100 yards on 35 carries, and 10 receptions for 52 yards.  An ankle injury claimed the end of Kolby’s 2009 season and he’d be waived in 2010. Both the Broncos and Jaguars took speculative looks at him, claiming Smith off of waivers, however he’d not see the regular team roster for either squad.

Kolby has already decided to leap into coaching, where he worked at Arkansas in 2012 as a General Assistant, and 2013 at Western Kentucky University as the runningbacks coach.

G/GS 27/9   RUSH 162     YDS  540    AVG 3.3   TD 3     LG 19
REC  34     YDS 209    AVG 6.1    TD 0        LG   17

NFL, WLAF

Frank, Garry

psetwlaf91 gfrank

Card: ProSet WLAF 1991
Acquired: TTM 2015, C/o Home
Sent:  5/16    Received: 10/26      (163 days)

Garry Frank was a valued offensive lineman at Mississippi State, where he demonstrated versatility playing center and guard on offense, and nose guard on defense.   Frank was also a distinguished shotput and powerlifting champion.

He’d be selected in the 7th round of the 1988 draft by the Broncos. After being released by Denver, Frank signed with the Atlanta Falcons, but spent his entire season on injured reserve.

In 1991 Frank was selected by the Frankfurt Galaxy of the WLAF during the first round of the offensive line portion of the draft. It was a homecoming of sorts for Garry as he was born in Germany. After the season he’d earn First-team All World League Honors. After the season he signed a free agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, but did not make the squad. He’d play again for the Galaxy in 1992 and return stateside when the league decided to reorganize after the season.

Frank returned to the weight room where he became a force in the weightlifting community setting world records in power lifting.

NFL

Lewis, Greg (RB)

aprks91 glewisCard: Action Packed Rookies 1991
Acquired: Albany Acquisition, 2014

As a Junior, Greg Lewis worked his way into the starting lineup for the Washington Huskies in 1989. He’d rush for 1,100 yards and 10 TDs, earning 1,450 total yards from scrimmage. He’d top his previous efforts in 1990, with 1,256 yards rushing and 345 yards receiving- earning him First Team All-American Honors and winning the first Doak Walker Award given annually to the best college running back. Lewis’ stock slipped however, and he would not be taken until the 5th round of the 1991 draft, because of a poor 40 showing.

The Denver Broncos felt Greg fit into their offensive system. Overall he’d have 376 yards and 4 TDs his rookie year, including  119 yards in the Broncos 20-13 victory over the Steelers. In 1992, Greg followed his rookie campaign up with 268 yards and another 4 TDs. (Note that in Greg’s rookie season he wore the number 41 and in 1992 he wore number 20.) Greg unfortunately had a reoccurring knee injury and was forced to retire after the 1993 season.

He returned to his Alma Mater where he is an ambassador for the Huskies and involved in administration at the school- and enjoys coaching as well.

G/Gs  32/6    Rush 172    Yds 644   Avg 3.7     Td 8    Lg 27
Rec 6      Yds 39     Avg 6.5     Td 0     Lg 16