Denver Broncos offensive (and formerly defensive) lineman Ben Garland has officially been waived by the team, it was announced on Saturday. The move did not come as a particular surprise, as Garland had made the move from defense to offense in attempt to maintain a roster spot, but for the former Air Force Falcon and Colorado native, it was still a tough announcement.
Garland joined the Broncos in 2010 and moved between the roster and a team ambassador role and back while he served his duties to the United States Air Force.
The Grand Junction native began the year as the starting left guard for the Broncos, but lost the job to rookie Max Garcia in the first week of training camp. Garcia has subsequently surrendered the job after the Broncos signed All-Pro guard Evan Mathis.
Garland, though with the team in some capacity since 2010, was classified as a second-year player because of time spent with the Air Force and on the practice squad. He saw action on offense and special teams in eight games for the Broncos in 2014.
To this day, Garland still serves in the Colorado Air National Guard as a public affairs officer and holds the rank of captain. He was named the Broncos’ 2014 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for his leadership on the field and in the community.
Garland remains practice squad eligible.
Garland and those around him took to Twitter in the wake of the announcement. Here are some of the highlights…
Blessed to of had the opportunity to play for the Broncos. Class act organization top to bottom,God has a plan for me pic.twitter.com/McFCuQ80K0
— Ben Garland (@BenGarland63) September 5, 2015
No one was prouder or happier to wear the Denver Broncos uniform than @BenGarland63 – never missed an opportunity to rep the team. Good man!
— ProLink Sports (@ProLinkSports) September 5, 2015
@SyndeeGarland @BenGarland63 @BenGarland63 – We are also #TeamGarland!!! Our awesome God has greater plans for Ben. Stay tuned!
— ATHLETES FOR CHARITY (@A4C_ATHLETES) September 5, 2015
@BenGarland63 prayers for you!!!
— Joni LaCentra (@jlacentra1) September 5, 2015
@BenGarland63 U R the true Big Ben, exemplary Class Act. Hard work u did on the field and off with the young men @ 60. U are a GR8T mentor
— Chris Shear (@bigsniperchewy) September 5, 2015
Members of the media offered their two cents as well…
Never has the phrase, nice guys finish last more true than about @BenGarland63 … Great guy and a true gentleman! #Broncos
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) September 5, 2015
Always cheering for Ben Garland in my household! https://t.co/iIvo2Efm5C
— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_TV) September 5, 2015
Disappointed for @BenGarland63 who set the tone every morning at Training Camp. Wish him nothing but the best. #gamer pic.twitter.com/vu3VV29xSB
— Arran Andersen (@arranandersen) September 5, 2015