NFLPA externship with LAPD gives cornerback Linden Stephens invaluable perspective during National Police Week

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Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen says he believes Stephens’ convictions reveal an important commonality that shows the bond between the two groups.


“Often we forget that police officers are part of the community, just as professional athletes are part of the community,” Pazen says. “We all fit together, and it’s important that we recognize that, that we ultimately have a lot of goals that are aligned. We have more things in common than differences. Sometimes when events happen across the country, it can drive a wedge between law enforcement and community, but we’re all part of that same community.”


During National Police Week this week, building that bridge becomes even more important. The Broncos did a small part of that Tuesday when a dozen players visited the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club along with numerous Denver police officers to package more than 12,000 individual meals for local families. Stephens was one of the players who took part.


“Police Week is a great time for us to reflect on those who have gone before, those who have given everything and not only celebrate what they have given, but also the officers that continue to do it,” Pazen says. “When you have a law-enforcement agency like ours, who have had 72 women and men killed in the line of duty, sometimes you ask yourself, Why do we still have officers willing to do this? What drives them to do this? The economy is great. They don’t need this job. So it just shows that there’s a higher calling. It’s just during this week, it’s good to reflect on why we’re drawn to this field in the first place and what it means, the responsibilities we have as a result and what opportunities we have as a result. It’s just a great time to reflect on the kind of totality of this position.”


Stephens may have focused on law enforcement with this externship as a learning experience, but if he wants to transition it into a career opportunity after his NFL career, he will likely have the opportunity to do what many former players have done.


In Denver, there are at least three former NFL players serving as police officers, per Pazen. He says the transition from pro athlete to police officer is a natural one.


“There’s a lot of similarities in what we’re looking for,” Pazen says. “You want professional athletes or football players to have big hearts and really be passionate about what they do, and it’s the same here in the police department.”