ENGLEWOOD — Broncos rookie cornerback Jahdae Barron changed jersey numbers in training camp to the regular season from No. 12 to No. 23.

It carries a special meaning.

The University of Texas product, selected No. 20 overall in the NFL draft, formerly wore the jersey number in college to honor someone he called “a close family friend” who passed away.

Tardrick Fowler Jr. played football at Smithville High School (Texas), located southeast of Austin, and he wore the No. 23. He died in June 2020 from what police described as “playing Russian roulette” at a party, according to The Austin American Statesman. Fowler was 19.

“It was a friend that had passed away,” Barron told The Denver Gazette after practice on Wednesday. “So, it means something very special to me. I just felt the need to get back to 23 for myself and also for his family. … He wore 23. His name was Tardrick Fowler Jr. But we called him Trollie.”

Barron also honored Trollie during his Broncos introductory press conference in April. Barron wore a necklace with a photograph of his fallen friend.

“On the back, I have the day he was born and the day that he passed away,” Barron said on April 25. “So, it’s a good memory to have of him, just to always know that he’s with me. I know that just me wearing it, it makes his parents, and his friends and his family proud.”

The Broncos host the Titans on Sunday for Week 1 of the NFL season.

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Jackson makes roster (again)

Ex-Air Force defensive end Jordan Jackson has made the Broncos 53-man roster two seasons in a row.

“Every year is exciting and surreal in a way,” Jackson told The Denver Gazette. “This is everybody’s dream to play in the league. So, it hit me the same this year as it did last year. It’s definitely a blessing.”

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Jackson finished last season with 17 combined tackles. He played on 27% of all defensive snaps (310 total) and 35% of all special teams snaps (164 total).

The Broncos kept seven defensive linemen on their 53-man roster to begin this season.

“For a team to keep seven defensive linemen, that kind of shows the depth and skill that we have,” Jackson said. “It’s amazing.”

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Prentice talks CSU roots

It felt like home when fullback Adam Prentice signed last month with the Broncos.

Prentice started his college football career as a walk-on at Colorado State University. He was later put on scholarship and appeared in 37 games with the Rams (2017-19). Prentice reflected on his Fort Collins experience after practice Monday.

“To me, being a Ram was a way of life,” Prentice told The Denver Gazette. “It was how you carried yourself off the field, on the field and in the community. I loved being a Ram. I was there for five years. I got my degree there and I met my wife there. Her family is in (Fort Collins) and that was kind of my home away from home.”

Prentice is currently on the practice squad. But he is a strong candidate to get promoted to the active roster on Sunday against the Titans. Broncos fullback Michael Burton went on season-ending injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Nate Adkins, a hybrid tight end/fullback, is also on the mend from ankle surgery.

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Prentice appeared in 48 games with the Saints between 2021 and 2024. It created familiarity with coach Sean Payton’s offense and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi.

“I’ll just be ready to fulfill any role they ask me to do,” Prentice said. “Having been in those systems for multiple years, this is definitely the most ideal situation with those relationships that I have. … I’m intelligent enough to decipher defenses on the run and sudden changes. My physicality and being a force in the run game is something I take a lot of pride in.”