Opinion: Sapp has worked for his spot with the Broncos

ENGLEWOOD -- Cecil Sapp has this simple approach to his profession. He believes if you work with more intensity than anyone else, you’ll enjoy the rewards.

His stubborn, relentless philosophy has kept him employed. Sapp is preparing for his fifth season with the Denver Broncos, a feat that once seemed beyond the realm of possibility.

“He’s a great story from the National Football League,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “He proves that we don’t care if you’re drafted in the first round or come in as a free agent. You’ve got to work hard.”

Sapp arrived at his first Broncos camp in 2003 as a free agent. He had blitzed Colorado State opponents for 1,608 yards as a senior tailback, but scouts believed he lacked the speed to excel in the NFL.

His car revealed everything about his confidence. He drove into the parking lot in a 1976 Chevy Impala, a battered brown cruiser.

But Sapp had this vision. He believed he was destined to play in the NFL and he would play anywhere and perform whatever menial task required to make his vision come true.

It hasn’t been easy. Sapp has been cut twice, but kept coming back. He’s been a ruthless, enthusiastic member of special teams. He brings the same ferocity to blocking as he does to running.

The scouts were correct. He is a touch slow to play tailback in the NFL. But those scouts missed his versatility and his perseverance.

He could start at fullback Sunday in the Broncos’ season opener at the Buffalo Bills. Kyle Johnson, last year’s starter, was cut Saturday, and Mike Bell, Sapp’s prime competition, is learning the position.

After a long wait, Sapp’s moment could be imminent.

“It makes it sweet because I didn’t get handed anything,” Sapp said in his thick Florida drawl. “You know, a lot of times when you’re one of those who are called ‘undrafted,’ coaches don’t expect you to make the team and that means you’ve got to work harder than the guy who was drafted ahead of you.”

Sapp’s story isn’t unique. Rod Smith played quarterback in college, wasn’t drafted, and still became the Broncos’ all-time best receiver.

Broncos safety Nick Ferguson walked on at Georgia Tech and failed to be selected in the draft. He used the doubts as fuel and is beginning his fourth season as a starter.

“You know,” Ferguson said, looking across the room at Sapp’s locker, “it’s always great to see guys who are coming up the same way you did. To come up with a struggle. I like the guys who the game isn’t handed to them, who had to work hard. When you’re not drafted in the first round, you have to work and scratch and you appreciate it even more.”

That’s true of Sapp. He grew up in a modest home in Miami, where he watched his parents, Lewis and Lessie, depart for work every morning. They taught him the secrets of satisfying your employer. They demanded he develop a work ethic. He listened.

The linebackers and defensive backs who play for the Bills should be warned. Sapp will be roaring out of the backfield Sunday. Sure, he’ll seldom be carrying the ball.

He’s still motivated. He’s still dangerous.