CJ: ‘Proud’ of friend, ex-teammate, Broncos head coach Vance Joseph
Jan 12, 2017, 12:00 AM | Updated: 7:24 am
It was more than a quarter century ago when Vance Joseph, a highly-recruited option quarterback from Marrero, Louisiana, showed up on the Boulder campus of the University of Colorado.
It was 1990, a year removed from the Buffs’ crushing defeat while playing for a national title against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The season would lead to another Orange Bowl berth against the same school with the same stakes on the line but with a different result.
Backup quarterback Charles Johnson earned MVP honors in the championship-winning game.
It was the only season C.J., a junior, and Joseph, a freshman, would play together at CU, but it would be the start of a relationship that’s lasted more than 25 years.
“We were both quarterbacks, so we spent a lot of time in that quarterback meeting room and that huddle. He’s a fraternity brother of mine. I pledged him,” said the co-host for Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan’s “C.J. and Stokley.” “We have a good relationship, a great relationship that goes back many years.”
BUFFS CONNECTION: Kordell Stewart talks about his longtime friend, former CU teammate Vance Joseph
So when Vance Joseph was named the new head coach of the Denver Broncos on Wednesday, pride came to mind for C.J.
“I am so proud of this guy. I think this fan base will be extremely excited and happy the more they get to know who John Elway just named as head coach,” C.J. said.
Elway highlighted Joseph’s character and personality among the reasons for hiring him as the 16th head coach in Denver’s history in a statement released by the team Wednesday.
“Vance is very good football coach and teacher who is ready for this opportunity. His leadership qualities, his vision for building a championship team and his ability to get the most out of players are off the charts,” said the Broncos general manager.
And C.J. championed a similar viewpoint, calling Joseph a “leader of men.”
“Broncos Country, get ready for a real guy, a real leader leading the charge for this Denver Broncos team,” C.J. said.
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.
