Broncos training camp has always been tough — but this summer, the sweltering heat and nonstop schedule are testing even the most promising rookies. As the grind intensified, frustration began to boil over among a few new faces.
One rookie defensive back finally cracked, voicing doubt about the workload and calling the jump from college to NFL “overwhelming.” That didn’t sit well with Denver’s locker room leaders.
Enter Cam Heyward — now a veteran force on the Broncos defense — who wasted no time delivering a harsh wake-up call.
"You think this is college conditioning? Welcome to the fking NFL. You’re in Denver now — we don’t complain, we outwork everyone. If you’re tired, get stronger. If not, get out the damn way," Heyward barked in front of stunned teammates.
The message was aimed at Donte Kent, a seventh-round pick out of Central Michigan, brought in for his blazing 4.38 speed and versatility. Kent recently signed a four-year, $3.6 million deal and is competing for a backup spot in the secondary.
Coaches — including head coach Sean Payton — credited the fiery moment with injecting intensity into the team. Payton, known for his no-nonsense approach, has made it clear: softness won’t survive under his leadership.
To his credit, Kent responded immediately, powering through drills and showing off the speed and resilience that got him drafted.
Fans took to social media to rally behind Heyward’s tough-love leadership, with one comment summing it up:
“That’s the Denver standard. You earn the orange and blue — nothing’s given.”
In a city that demands results, the message couldn’t be clearer: if you want to be a Bronco, you’d better embrace the grind.
