On Sunday, October 15, the Denver Broncos hosted more than 125 cancer survivors and their guests as part of the team's "Fight Like A Bronco" initiative and the NFL's "A Crucial Catch" campaign.
Prior to the halftime ceremony, survivors and their guests took part in a pregame reception featuring Denver Broncos President and CEO Joe Ellis and speakers from the American Cancer Society. Each guest was providing with a "Fight Like A Bronco" t-shirt, pin and rally towel.
The Denver Broncos were the first NFL team to transition away from a sole focus on breast cancer awareness and shift towards recognizing all cancers. The campaign proposal was brought to life by a special member of the Denver Broncos organization, Assistant Turf Manager Luke Kellerman. Luke was diagnosed with colon cancer in September of 2015, and spearheaded the team's transition to being inclusive and recognizing those affected by all cancers.
"The NFL is such a huge, huge organization that we can do something for men and still touch women at the same time. There's no reason why we can't," Kellerman said.
He began his proposal for an expansion of the NFL's "A Crucial Catch" campaign, and seven months later the Broncos announced the "Fight Like A Bronco" initiative. To honor Kellerman's contributions, the Denver Broncos hosted him and his family at practice on Friday, October 13 during which he met with the team and was presented a signed team ball.
The Denver Broncos also honored Kellerman during halftime on Sunday with a special recognition at the 50-yard line for his efforts to raise awareness for all cancers, and for his own fight with cancer. Behind Kellerman were 125 cancer survivors and their guests, all who would not be on field being recognized if it were not for Kellerman and his simple idea to recognize all cancers and their survivors.
