Purple Row, a Colorado Rockies community

Mike Shanahan is certainly a Hall of Fame coach. I know I've got to be on the list of people he'll thank because of all the games that have been scheduled against us. He has done pretty well. Including when I was an assistant at the Jets and even with the Patriots. I know I haven't beaten him too many times. I'm not disappointed to not have him on our schedule, believe me. It's just hard to believe that coaches like Mike Shanahan and Jon Gruden aren't coaching in the National Football League, but that's not my decision. It's just odd for them to be here but not in a coaching capacity.

Shanahan was a great coach, to a certain level. But I have to admit, I had a smile on my face when I heard he was fired. Not that it did me any good.

"I loved going out and competing, but it's tough when you're constantly second-guessed. I can still remember throwing a ball in practice, and I didn't know whether he was going to scream at me or say, 'Great play.' "

I’m sad for Mike. I’m sad for Mr. Bowlen that he had to do this, I know how hard Mike works, and I know the kind of money Mr. Bowlen invests. I’m sure a week or two will pass and I’ll call Mike and Mr. Bowlen. Right now, I’m too emotional to talk to either one. I wish it could have worked.

"The reason I’m one of the 25 semifinalists for the Hall of Fame is because both gave me a chance. I’ll always be indebted to both of them.