Denver Broncos Players Rank High Among Pro Bowl Vote-Getters

With several weeks of voting still to go, 19 different Denver Broncos players rank among the top ten Pro Bowl vote-getters at their respective positions. That's out of 22 starters (and a handful of specialists) and among all  NFL players (this year's All-Star game is unconferenced).

#Broncos' @WesWelker has received 312,056 Pro Bowl votes, per @OldSpice (4th among WRs). http://t.co/OC0VgO9Lml pic.twitter.com/ZOslPRZnOG
— Jon Heath (@JonHeathNFL) November 21, 2013

If the Broncos aren't busy preparing for the Super Bowl in late January, they will be well represented in Hawaii, there's no questioning that. Since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger, the most players that one team has sent to the Pro Bowl has been 13 (set by the Dallas Cowboys in 2007).

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has received more votes (654,309) than any other player in the NFL. Fan voting ends on December 26 (cast your ballot here).

The 2014 Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, Jan. 26, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu and will be televised on NFL Network. The Broncos sent six players to Hawaii last season.

Looking for game day tickets? Check out Broncos tickets from Go Tickets.

Wes Welker's Touchdown Streak Ends; Receiver Still on Pro Bowl Pace

Going into last weekend's game, Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker had caught eight touchdowns through six weeks, tying a franchise record for the most consecutive games with a touchdown catch. In Sunday's 39-33 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Welker caught seven passes for 96 yards but was held scoreless, thus ending his streak.

Though his scoring streak has snapped, Welker is still on pace to catch 99 passes for 1,083 yards and 18 touchdowns this season. If those are not Pro Bowl worthy numbers, nothing is.

Hoping @WesWelker will be busy w/SB 48, but we still want to help @OldSpice get him his 6th Pro Bowl nod. VOTE! http://t.co/nstQ2D7Slh
— Jon Heath (@JonHeathNFL) October 22, 2013

To help Welker earn his sixth Pro Bowl selection, I have teamed up with Procter & Gamble and Old Spice to help generate votes for Welker on the ballot. Though all Broncos fans certainly hope Welker is ineligible to play in the Pro Bowl while preparing to play in Super Bowl XLVIII, there's no denying that the players appreciate the honor of being selected to represent their teams in Hawaii.

Vote for Welker and follow @JonHeathNFL for game day Welker memes from Old Spice.

Denver Broncos Cornerback Champ Bailey Ruled Out for Thursday

The Denver Broncos will be without star cornerback Champ Bailey tomorrow night in the NFL's 2013 season opener, Mike Klis of the Denver Post first reported (via MHR).

Bailey (foot) has not participated in practice all week and has missed most of the preseason.  In Bailey's absence, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will start at cornerback, likely across from Tony Carter with Chris Harris Jr. providing coverage in the slot in nickel packages.

Even without Bailey, the Broncos are currently 7.5-point favorites over the Baltimore Ravens.  The game will mark the first time the two teams have faced off since Baltimore knocked the Broncos out of the 2012 playoffs earlier this year. 

Meanwhile, wide receiver Wes Welker (ankle) has fully participated in practice this week and is expected to be able to play tomorrow night.  Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET.

PHOTO: Denver's Manning, Thomas, Decker and Welker Grace SI Cover

You'll probably recognize the four cover boys on this week's Sports Illustrated issue.

Denver Broncos 2013 Training Camp Quick Hits: Day 1

(Photo courtesy of @Bmackey34)

The Denver Broncos kicked off training camp on Thursday with two practice sessions at the team's Dove Valley headquarters.  Below, we've compiled some of the best quick hits from the day that was:

• Over 3,000 fans and 120 media members were in attendance, with the first fans arriving in line at the gate at 2:30 this morning.

• For Thursday's morning session, all players except rookie defensive tackle Sylvester Williams were present. After Williams signed a four-year, $7.6 million deal with the team, he made his debut in the afternoon session.

• Offensive tackle Ryan Clady (shoulder) participated in individual drills and rookie defensive end Quanterus Smith fully participated while center J.D. Walton and guard Chris Kuper sat out (the two offensive linemen were placed on the team's PUP list).

Enter to Win a "Got Wes?" T-Shirt from Bill's Sports Collectibles!

Update:  Congratulations to Scott M. for winning the tee!

Happy Independence Day, Broncos fans!

To celebrate, we've teamed up with Bill's Sports Collectibles to giveaway one of their new "Got Wes?" t-shirts!  The tee proclaims "We do!" on the back and includes Welker's No. 83 jersey number.

To enter the contest, simply 'Like' Bill's Sports Collectibles on Facebook and comment below letting us know when you have done so.  If you are new to Disqus, be sure to register with an email that you frequently check, because that is how we will be contacting the winner.

Unfortunately, those who do not live in the continental United States are asked to not enter a contest, simply because shipping becomes too costly otherwise.  Additionally, if you enter more than once, you will be disqualified.

If we are unable to contact the winner, we will select the runner-up.  Also know that your personal information will never be published, sold, or given to third parties.

We reserve the right to change these rules without notice to contest participants.

The contest will end next weekend (7/12).  Impatient fans can purchase the tee at BSC, located at 2335 S. Broadway, Denver, CO 80210 for $15.95.

Good luck!