Denver Broncos inside linebacker Jonas Griffith has been dealt a tough hand with injuries the last two seasons, but faith, perseverance, and hard work have him in a position to compete for the starting job at linebacker next to Alex Singleton.
Denver Broncos LB Jonas Griffith and his journey back
The Denver Broncos are trying to find their replacement for long-time veteran Josey Jewell, who departed the team in free agency. One potential option has been in-house for the last three seasons, and that option is Griffith.
On the football field, he’s got a freakishly athletic body type for his 6-foot-4 size. He moves quickly laterally and can cover a lot of ground with big strides. Griffith first came to Denver via trade in 2021, where he ended up starting in the final four games of the season at linebacker, racking up 40 tackles in those four games.
In 2022, Griffith was the starter next to Jewell before a foot injury ended his season. That thrust Alex Singleton into the starting lineup, which he has maintained. Now, Griffith is competing against veteran Cody Barton for the starting job.
“Yeah, it most definitely is [even],” Griffith said. “Cody is a great guy and also a great player. We have a great relationship, so it’s good and I have fun competing with him every day, too. It’s really good.”
While competition is good, Griffith’s journey back saw him deal with two season-ending injuries: a foot injury in 2022 and an ACL injury in training camp last season. Not only did those things take a physical toll, but they took a mental toll on him as well. Griffith said he relied on his faith to get him through those moments.
“Honestly, my faith,” Griffith said. “I feel like last year, I fought a lot to get back, and it was tough after you train for a whole offseason just to get back into playing shape and feeling ready for the season. When you get injured, it’s really a gut punch. There is no other way to put it. It hurt. [I] just went back to the drawing board, and stuck to my faith, stuck to my core, and went back to work.”
Now he’ll get the opportunity to win the starting job by playing in the preseason, something he’s been looking forward to for the past two years.
“I am going to feel like a kid on Christmas Day,” Griffith said. “It’s been 18 months since I played and put on a jersey on, so I’m just thankful. I’m excited to have the opportunity to strap it up again.”
He’ll have the opportunity to do just that when the Denver Broncos travel to take on the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.