Bradlee Van Pelt

Last updated

Bradlee Van Pelt
College Football CSU AF.jpg
Van Pelt (#11) against Air Force in 2003
No. 11, 9
Position: Quarterback, safety
Personal information
Born: (1980-07-03) July 3, 1980 (age 44)
Owosso, Michigan, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:220 lb (100 kg)
Career information
High school: San Marcos
(Santa Barbara, California)
College: Colorado State
NFL draft: 2004  / round: 7 / pick: 250
Career history
Career highlights and awards
  • MWC Offensive Player of the Year (2002, 2003)
  • 2× First-team All-MWC (2002, 2003)
  • Colorado State Rams Hall of Fame (2013)
Career NFL statistics
Comp-Att:2–8
Passing yards:8
TD-INT:0–0
Passer rating:39.6
Rushing attempts:11
Rushing yards:48
Player stats at PFR

Bradlee Van Pelt (born July 3, 1980) is a former American football quarterback and safety. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL draft, and was also a member of the Houston Texans, Bergamo Lions in Italy and Leicester Falcons England. Van Pelt played college football at Michigan State and Colorado State.

Contents

He played professionally in the Italian Football League and in the British League. Van Pelt is currently working for Sky Sports in the United Kingdom as a studio analyst for their NFL programming.

He is the son of late NFL linebacker Brad Van Pelt. [1]

Early life

Van Pelt attended San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara, California, where he played quarterback and safety. There he earned accolades with spots on PrepStar's All-Western and SuperPrep's All-Far West Region Teams and being named a first-team all-state selection as an athlete. In 1998, during his senior season, he completed 89-of-155 passes (.574) for 1,265 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushed for 1,294 yards and 24 TDs; on defense, he had 41 tackles and three interceptions. [2]

College career

Van Pelt originally joined the college program where his father was an All-American, Michigan State. The head coach at the time was Nick Saban, who departed after Van Pelt's first season to coach LSU. However, after he was pressured to convert from quarterback to defensive back, he opted to transfer to Colorado State where he was given the opportunity to play quarterback. [3]

At Colorado State Van Pelt was twice named the Mountain West Conference player of the year and managed to throw for nearly 3,000 yards and over 60% completion rate his senior year, and came within 100 yards in passing and rushing of becoming the first collegiate quarterback to pass for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in the same season. [3] In 2005 Vince Young passed for 3,036 yards and rushed for 1,050. He was inducted to the Colorado State Rams Hall Of Fame in 2013.

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump
6 ft 2+14 in
(1.89 m)
231 lb
(105 kg)
30+58 in
(0.78 m)
9+58 in
(0.24 m)
4.96 s1.75 s2.88 s4.11 s6.89 s33.5 in
(0.85 m)
9 ft 7 in
(2.92 m)
All values from NFL Combine [4]
Van Pelt (back row, fourth from right) in 2006 USMC-060809-F-3695C-074.jpg
Van Pelt (back row, fourth from right) in 2006

NFL scouts criticized Van Pelt for his "run first, then throw" mentality while playing quarterback for Colorado State. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL draft, where he spent the next two years as a backup. [5] In the 2006 NFL draft, the Broncos drafted Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler. In training camp, Cutler moved ahead of Van Pelt on the depth chart making Van Pelt the third-string quarterback, behind Jake Plummer and Cutler. He was released by the Denver Broncos on September 2, 2006. His attempt to make the team was chronicled in Stefan Fatsis's book A Few Seconds of Panic . [6]

Van Pelt was then signed by the Houston Texans on November 27, 2006, to be their third-string quarterback, brought in by his former coach in Denver, Gary Kubiak. He was released by the Texans on August 27, 2007.

It was announced on March 8, 2009, that Van Pelt would attempt a comeback as a safety with the Broncos, though he failed to make the roster. [7]

In late 2009, it was announced that Van Pelt had signed with the Bergamo Lions of Italian Football League for their 2009 & 2010 Italian and Eurobowl campaigns. He would play quarterback and assist on defense as a safety. [8]

At the end of the Italian season in July 2010, he signed to play for the Leicester Falcons in the BAFA Community Leagues Division 1 (second highest level league in Britain), [9] leading the team to the Division 1 playoffs.

After retiring from football, Van Pelt moved to Santa Barbara, California, and occasionally provides football commentary for Sky Sports. [10]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Denver Broncos</span> National Football League franchise in Denver, Colorado

The Denver Broncos are a professional American football franchise based in Denver. The Broncos compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) West division. The team is headquartered in Dove Valley, Colorado.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Elway</span> American football player and executive (born 1960)

John Albert Elway Jr. is an American former professional football quarterback who spent his entire 16-year career with the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Following his playing career, he then spent 11 years with the Broncos in various front office positions, eventually being promoted to general manager. Elway, along with former backup quarterback and head coach Gary Kubiak, are the only individuals to be associated with all three of the Broncos' Super Bowl wins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jake Plummer</span> American football player (born 1974)

Jason Steven "Jake" Plummer is an American former professional football quarterback who played 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils. Plummer was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 1997 NFL draft, spending six seasons with the Cardinals and then four with the Denver Broncos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dan Reeves</span> American football player and coach (1944–2022)

Daniel Edward Reeves was an American professional football running back and coach in the National Football League (NFL). During his 38 years in the NFL, Reeves participated in nine Super Bowls, the third most for an individual. He was a head coach for 23 seasons, a position he held with the Denver Broncos from 1981 to 1992, the New York Giants from 1993 to 1996, and the Atlanta Falcons from 1997 to 2003. As a player, he spent his eight-season career with the Dallas Cowboys, who signed him as an undrafted free agent out of South Carolina in 1965.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jay Cutler</span> American football player (born 1983)

Jay Christopher Cutler is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. A member of the Chicago Bears for most of his career, he is the franchise leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, attempts, and completions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tony Scheffler</span> American football player (born 1983)

Tony Scheffler is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football and baseball for the Western Michigan Broncos. He was selected by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Anderson (American football)</span> American football player (born 1983)

David Kent Anderson is an American former professional football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Houston Texans in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL draft. He played college football at Colorado State.

The history of the Denver Broncos American football club began when the team was chartered a member of the American Football League in 1960. The Broncos have played in the city of Denver, Colorado throughout their entire history. The Broncos did not win any titles as members of the AFL. Since the 1970 AFL–NFL merger, the Broncos have won 15 division titles, and played in eight Super Bowls, following the 1977, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1997, 1998, 2013, and 2015 seasons. They won Super Bowl XXXII, Super Bowl XXXIII and Super Bowl 50. Their most famous player is former quarterback John Elway, starting quarterback in five Super Bowls and holder of many NFL records. The Broncos currently play in the National Football League's AFC West division.

<i>A Few Seconds of Panic</i> 2008 book by Stefan Fatsis

A Few Seconds of Panic is a nonfiction first-person narrative by Stefan Fatsis, published in 2008. The book chronicles Fatsis, a professional 43-year-old sportswriter working for The Wall Street Journal, and his attempt to play in the National Football League. Along the way, he relates the personal stories and struggles that professional football players face in the league. After some setbacks, Fatsis eventually finds some success as a backup placekicker for the Denver Broncos. The book's title comes from Jason Elam's description of being a kicker as "hours and hours of boredom surrounded by a few seconds of panic."

The 2010 Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League (NFL), the 51st overall and the 10th playing their home games at INVESCO Field at Mile High. The off-season was marked by the draft selections of Georgia Tech wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and All-American Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, as well as season-ending injuries to All-Pro linebacker Elvis Dumervil and free agent running back LenDale White. The team failed to improve on its 8–8 record from 2009, and set a new franchise record for losses in a single season, with a 4–12 record, which was their worst record in the post-merger era, and worst in a 16-game schedule. In addition, this was the Broncos' fifth consecutive non-playoff season, which was second-longest such streak in franchise history at the time, behind 1960–1976. The regular season was marked by a videotaping scandal and the firing of head coach Josh McDaniels.

The 2011 season was the Denver Broncos' 42nd in the National Football League (NFL) and their 52nd overall. It also marked their first season under head coach John Fox, as well as the first with John Elway as the team's Executive Vice President of Football Operations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ronnie Hillman</span> American football player (1991–2022)

Ronald Keith Ryan Hillman Jr. was an American professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the San Diego State Aztecs, earning third-team All-American honors as a sophomore in 2011. He was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft and was a member of their team that won Super Bowl 50. Hillman later spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, San Diego Chargers, and Dallas Cowboys.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 Denver Broncos season</span> Sports season

The 2012 season was the Denver Broncos' 43rd in the National Football League (NFL), their 53rd overall and their second under head coach John Fox. The offseason was marked by the signing of former Indianapolis Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning on March 20, leading to the team trading incumbent quarterback Tim Tebow to the New York Jets. The Broncos did not have a first-round selection in the 2012 NFL draft, and selected defensive end Derek Wolfe as the team's first pick in the second round of the draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013 Denver Broncos season</span> NFL team season

The 2013 season was the Denver Broncos' 44th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 54th overall. It also marked their 30th season under the ownership of Pat Bowlen, the second with Peyton Manning as the team's starting quarterback and the third under head coach John Fox.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Denver Broncos season</span> NFL team season

The 2014 season was the Denver Broncos' 45th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 55th overall. It also marked the third season with Peyton Manning as the team's starting quarterback.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kapri Bibbs</span> American football player (born 1993)

Kapri Lashaw Bibbs is a former American football running back. He played college football at Colorado State, and was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2014. He was also a member of the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, and Green Bay Packers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Garrett Grayson</span> American football player (born 1991)

Garrett Bradley Grayson is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Colorado State Rams. He was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Denver Broncos season</span> NFL team season

The 2015 Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 46th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the 56th overall. It was also the fourth season with Peyton Manning as the team's starting quarterback, as well as the final season of Manning's 18-year NFL career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paxton Lynch</span> American football player (born 1994)

Paxton James Lynch is an American professional football quarterback who is a free agent. He played college football for the Memphis Tigers, and was selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos. Lynch played just two seasons in Denver and made four starts before being released prior to the 2018 season. Lynch has also been a member of the Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL), the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League (USFL), and the Orlando Guardians and San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justin Simmons (American football)</span> American football player (born 1993)

Justin Simmons is an American professional football safety for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Boston College Eagles and was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft.

References

  1. Associated Press:[ permanent dead link ] February 18, 2009, Bradlee Van Pelt's Father Dies
  2. Bradlee Van Pelt profile Archived December 31, 2013, at the Wayback Machine , msuspartans.com, accessed May 9, 2012.
  3. 1 2 Brian Beaupied, BEAUPIED: Bradlee Van Pelt comes full circle, returns to MSU, The Argus-Press, September 19, 2010, accessed May 9. 2012.
  4. "2004 NFL Draft Scout Bradlee Van Pelt College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  5. "2004 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  6. "'A Few Seconds of Panic' by Stefan Fatsis - Chicago Tribune". Articles.chicagotribune.com. January 31, 2009. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
  7. Mike KlisThe Denver Postdenverpost.com (March 7, 2009). "Klis: Van Pelt taking a shot at safety". Denverpost.com. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
  8. "Ecco i nomi dei primi 2 americani" (in Italian). Lionsfootball.it. Archived from the original on March 2, 2012. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
  9. "Leicester Falcons News". Archived from the original on July 24, 2010. Retrieved August 6, 2010.
  10. "Bradlee van Pelt". January 18, 2012.