Broncos love their ‘Pot Roast’

  • By Kimberley A. Martin Newsday
  • Sunday, January 26, 2014 9:46pm
  • SportsSports

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The text messages came in steady succession, flooding Terrance Knighton’s cellphone just days before the AFC Championship Game.

Naturally, his family and friends had wished him well against New England. But they also had a special request for the native of Hartford, Conn.

“Before the game they were saying ‘good luck — just don’t hurt (Tom) Brady,”’ the Broncos’ 6-3, 335-pound defensive tackle said. “That’s all everybody kept saying.”

Then he added with a laugh: “I didn’t slam him as hard as I could have. I took it a little easy on him.”

The Temple product made headlines last week when he tossed Brady like a rag doll on a third-quarter sack in the Broncos’ 26-16 win. The 10-yard loss stalled New England’s momentum and helped pave the way to victory and a berth in the Super Bowl.

Knighton — nicknamed “Pot Roast” since his rookie season in Jacksonville (2009) — instantly became a household name.

On-the-field success, however, has been a long time coming.

A former third-round pick, Knighton, 27, struggled to keep his weight in check during his first few years in Jacksonville. Then he underwent eye surgery in April 2012 after being struck with a vodka bottle during a bar incident. Knighton, who said he was attempting to break up a fight, later apologized to the Jaguars and the city of Jacksonville.

After being a full-time starter in his first three seasons with the Jags, he started only four games in 2012. And when he became a free agent at the end of that season, he chose to sign a two-year deal with the Broncos. Coincidentally, his former head coach, Jack Del Rio, is his defensive coordinator in Denver.

“He’s been tremendous,” Broncos coach John Fox said of Knighton, who has started every game this season. “ … Our strength staff had been with him in Jacksonville. So we had some pretty good insights on what kind of person and player he was. He’s been nothing but ‘A-plus’ for us since he’s been a Bronco.”

Knighton never got to experience a winning season in Jacksonville, and all that losing made him hungry — on the playing field. Armed with an infectious personality and killer instincts when it comes to stopping the run, Knighton is a trusted member of the Broncos’ defense.

“He took the D-line by storm and said, ‘You know what? I’ve got this,’” safety Mike Adams said, referring to Knighton’s improved play in the absence of defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson (injured reserve). “At times in the game, he’ll say, ‘Mike, don’t worry about nothing. Don’t worry about the run. Just stay back, take care of the pass and I’ll take care of the run.’”

Knighton’s next test will be his biggest: slowing down Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch. But Knighton’s not worried.

“Obviously, I think I can go out there and handle it all by myself, but we have to gang-tackle him,” he said.

Unlike last week, Knighton hasn’t been bombarded by requests to take it easy on his opponent. Instead, his family and friends have been preoccupied with a more pressing matter: securing Super Bowl tickets.

“A lot of requests,” he said. “But the good thing is that my mom is my ‘no’ person. Once you tell people ‘my mom is handling all the ticket stuff,’ they don’t even ask.”

Knighton has spent the past week preparing to play the biggest game of his career “in my backyard.” But returning to the tri-state area is both a blessing and a curse for this Bronco.

“If the game was in California — San Diego — then I probably wouldn’t have gotten as many hits on Facebook,” he said with a laugh. “ … But that’s not going to change me telling people no or my mom telling people no.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Tulalip Heritage’s JJ Gray makes a layup during the winner-to-state playoff game against Muckleshoot Tribal School on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Hawks beat ‘brothers from the south’ to earn state bid.

Tulalip Heritage wins Tri-District game, pride against Muckleshoot Tribal School.

Stanwood junior Ellalee Wortham (2) lunges toward the basket past several Monroe defenders to attempt an underhand layup in the Girls 3A Basketball District 1 semifinals at Marysville Pilchuck High School in Marysville, Washington on Feb. 18, 2025. Wortham scored 33 points in the 59-41 win for the Spartans, eclipsing 1,000 career points. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Wortham hits 1,000 career points, leads Stanwood to state

A 33-point outing led to a 59-41 win against Monroe in the Girls 3A District 1 semifinals.

The Shorewood bench reacts to 3-point shot during the 3A district playoff game against Shorecrest on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep girls basketball roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 18

Meadowdale, Shorewood keep state hopes alive.

The Arlington bench reacts to a three point shot during the game against Glacier Peak on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys basketball roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 18

Arlington, GP punch state tickets.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Feb. 9-15

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Feb. 9-15. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Tips Week in Review: Everett splits at Prince George, beats Victoria

Eric Jamieson’s hat trick against Victoria highlights Presidents’ Day Weekend

Marysville Pilchuck’s Michael Smathers Jr. takes the ball up the court during a Feb. 7, 2025 home league game against Monroe. (Courtesy of Spencer Janzen)
Marysville Pilchuck’s Michael Smathers Jr. stars in freshman season

The guard averaged 19 points per game for the Tomahawks this season.

Everett qualifies 13 girls for Mat Classic

Mia Cianega wins at 190 as Seagulls place third at district wrestling tournament.

Arlington’s Leyton Martin puts three fingers in the air after making a three point shot during the game against Glacier Peak on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Saturday, Feb. 15

Leyton Martin’s triple-double leads Arlington to district win

Freshman leads Jackson to 4A district swim title

Syunta Lee sets two meet records as Timberwolves edge Lake Stevens.

Shorecrest wins 3A district swim title

Snohomish’s Torsten Hokanson sets two meet records and leads two winning relays.

Marysville Pilchuck claims 2A district wrestling title

Tomahawks win three individual championship bouts.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.