Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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IRISH IN THE PROS BY ANDREW OWENS F or years, safety David Bruton has been a special teams standout for the Denver Broncos. It's a role that earned him the respect of teammates to the point that he has served as a captain of one of the most successful professional football franchises. Now's he's also a vital contributor on the NFL's No. 1 defense. "It's always fresh to kind of break that label a little bit," Bruton told re‑ porters. "I've been heralded as a spe‑ cial teams guy for years, and I can't necessarily downplay it. I've been here in the league and here with the Broncos for that reason for so long. "Having a fresh set of eyes, going out there and competing and still building on what I started last year, it's definitely great. I'm relishing the opportunity and the moments, and taking full advantage of any chance that I get." On the bright stage of Sunday Night Football Sept. 27, Bruton regis‑ tered two tackles, one pass defended and an interception in a dominant 24‑12 win over the Detroit Lions. He's maintained his high level of special teams play while elevating his role on the defense. According to ESPN, his defensive participation has jumped from 17 percent of the snaps in 2014 to 59 percent this sea‑ son. "It's been awesome, hasn't it?" Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak said. "It's been special. … We're only three weeks deep, and he has been a factor in every week — just very proud of David." Bruton was a standout defender at Notre Dame, particularly as a rare bright spot during the 3‑9 season in 2007 and 7‑6 campaign in 2008. As a senior, Bruton recorded 95 tackles, two forced fumbles and four inter‑ ceptions. In the Sunday Night Football win, Bruton's dedication to film study paid off with an interception of quar‑ terback Matthew Stafford. During the play, Bruton noticed a tendency and anticipated a pass to receiver Calvin Johnson. He intercepted the attempt and provided a turning point in the victory. "All of our personalities get a chance to show," Bruton said. "Not to say that we're arrogant, but we're confident players, and the fact that we're playing so well definitely boosts our confidence even more." Through three games, Bruton had compiled 11 tackles, one sack, three passes defended, one interception and one forced fumble. NFL NOTES For games played Sept. 24‑28 • Minnesota Vikings safety Robert Blanton (2008‑11) has lost his starting spot this season, David Bruton Is Taking Advantage Of An Expanded Role