Local product Mike Purcell finds fit in center of Broncos defense

[Miles]

Ahead of the Broncos’ game against the Chargers in Week 5, Head Coach Vic Fangio decided to make defensive lineman Mike Purcell active to give the team’s run defense a boost. It worked. Purcell, a veteran player who bounced around the NFL before signing with Denver this offseason, helped shore up the Broncos’ run defense and has been a major piece of Denver’s defense over the last month. Now a starter, Purcell has taken advantage of his opportunity. We caught up with Purcell before a recent practice about his high school alma mater, reuniting with Fangio and his plans for the future.


Aric DiLalla: What does it mean as a Highlands Ranch High School alum to be back in Denver and get to play for the hometown team?


Mike Purcell: “It’s just a great feeling. I think anybody would like that opportunity to play for their hometown team or their favorite team growing up.”


AD: What’s it like for your family and friends?


MP: “They loved it. Me and my family live in Idaho now — it’s where my wife’s from — so being able to be back here for most of the year, especially for football season, is a cool feeling.”


AD: Have you gotten to get back to Highlands Ranch?


MP: “I went once at the end of training camp. I got to talk to the team, and they’ve done well the last three games. I think they’re on a three-game win streak.”


AD: What was it like being back?


MP: “It was different. Nothing much has changed in the high school itself. Any time anybody gets to go back to their old stomping grounds, it’s a cool feeling.”


AD: What have these past few weeks been like for you to get back on the field and to establish yourself as a starter?


MP: “Every week I’m going to prepare like I’m going to play, and the last [few] weeks my number has been there to start. It’s just that much more that I have to do to help this team win.”


AD: What does it mean that Head Coach Vic Fangio put that kind of faith in you?


MP: “I’ve been with Vic for a long time. I came into this defense when I was a rookie [in San Francisco] and stayed with him a couple years. I even spent some time with him in Chicago. He believes in me. Being able to play this defense, play what I need to — I feel like my football smarts have gotten that much better since my rookie year [in regards to] blocking schemes, how offenses want to attack his defense. He has faith in me, and I’ve just got to go out there and prove it.”