Dear Denver Broncos,
On June 29, 2013 my brother Mark passed away unexpectedly at
the age of 41. Yes, he died young but that is only a small piece of Mark’s
story. Mark was born with Cerebral Palsy in Texas in 1971. My parents relocated
to Denver soon after he was born so he could receive the best care available
from the Children’s Hospital of Denver. Though he was never supposed to speak,
Mark defied the odds and often we couldn't get him to be quiet. Mark was one
of the most joyful people I have ever met despite the physical limitations he
faced each day.
One of the things that truly brought excitement into his
life was his love for football. Mark was a lifelong Broncos fan and often
placed bets with my Dad that went unpaid if he lost. For Mark football was
something he could be a part of if only as a fan, but your team truly was a big
part of his life.
Sadly, Mark died before this football season began but I
know he was in Heaven cheering and screaming louder than he did on Earth.
During some games I was convinced he may have been running right alongside of
you, something he could have never done during his life. At the beginning of
the season I told my husband (a devout 49ers fan, I love him anyway) that this
was going to be the year the Broncos won the Super Bowl, for my brother. With
each win he would just laugh and brush me off, but sure enough you made it all
the way.
Going into Sunday’s game I just knew you would be Super
Bowl winners. There was no doubt in my mind. But quickly it became clear that
this was not the Broncos year. I was sad. I was heartbroken for my brother. But
then I thought about what my brother would have done. He would have been upset
for a moment but quickly he would get over it and begin looking forward to the
next season. I am simply writing you this letter for two reasons: one, to say
thank you. Thank you for playing your heart out. Thank you for going out there
every game and putting on a show. And, second, don’t let your loss define you.
Lick your wounds and move on. Do it for yourself and do it for fans like Mark.
A guy who quietly watched from the sidelines, but whose life was changed for
the better because of you.
Thank you, Broncos. I will be watching and cheering in
Mark’s memory.
Fan for Life,
Megan Neri
P.S. Attached is a photo of Mark that captures his joy
perfectly. Enjoy!
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