吉姆Saccomano

吉姆Saccomano spent 36 years with the 丹佛 Broncos, serving in a variety of roles before his retirement at the conclusion of the 2013 football season. 从那时起, the former vice president of corporate communications has kept a not-so-low profile, continuing to produce his “Broncos Sideline Stories” television series and working as a consultant for the team.

In honor of 密歇根州立大学丹佛’s 50th anniversary, the 丹佛-native answered some questions about his unforgettable decades with the Broncos and the University that put him on the road to success.

When you first got started with the Broncos did you ever think you would spend so many years with the team?

“You start off your career and you never think it’s a career. 这是一份工作. 回想起来, 你会说‘哇, I’m really fortunate to have a career of this length, 在这个层面上.’ I worked under enlightened ownership. 赢得了教练. Sold-out stadiums and a crazed populace. Patrick Smyth (executive director of media relations) figured out that in 39 years, including three with the 丹佛 Bears, I did 74 years of 40-hour weeks in the office. But then, because it’s PR and you have to take calls at home, I 太k about 55,000 calls at home. So 74 years of 40-hour weeks in 39 years, and 55,000 calls at home. Otherwise I just kind of cruised along.”

What do you consider the highlights of your career with the Broncos?

“I was fortunate, I think, to have been there for the four greatest moments in Broncos history. The four greatest moments, and there can be little debate with me, were winning the two championships, because they’re the world championships, and the acquisitions of John Elway and Peyton Manning.”

How do you feel 密歇根州立大学丹佛 prepared you for your time with the Broncos and life in general?

“My time at 密歇根州立大学丹佛 was literally the foundation of my entire career. The school gave me a chance to grab and hold on to an uncertain but promising future. It is always up to the individual, but 密歇根州立大学丹佛 gave me a chance.”

Could you share a specific memory from your time at 密歇根州立大学丹佛, maybe a moment that meant something to you, something you have carried with you ever since?

“I have so many memories of 密歇根州立大学丹佛 seared into my mind, as seminal moments often are. But seeing my wife in a class, 第一次, 突出, along with the positive influence of being with returned Vietnam vets in the classroom — if they could work that hard in school, 我可以, 太. I learned that 我可以 do anything I wanted if I worked hard enough.”