It’s nice to have friends in high places.
When the Broncos were courting Peyton Manning, Brandon Stokley helped out by giving Manning a place to stay in Denver. The Broncos have now returned the favor by signing Stokley to a one-year deal. Jason La Canfora of NFL.com reported the reunion on Monday afternoon.
It’s not just a reunion with Manning, of course. Stokley spent three years with the Broncos from 2007-2009, catching 108 passes and 12 touchdowns during that time. One of those touchdowns was a memorable game-ending touchdown to win the 2009 season opener when Stokley grabbed a pass that had been deflected by Leon Hall of the Bengals and then ran it into the end zone for an 87-yard touchdown as the clock ran out.
Before that, Stokley played four years in Indianapolis with Manning. He caught 139 passes and 15 touchdowns during those years, including a 1,077-yard/10 touchdown 2004 campaign that ranks as the best of his 13-year career. Stokley played two games with Manning’s younger brother in New York during the 2011 season and has also played for the Ravens and Seahawks.
Along with tight end Jacob Tamme, Stokley makes it two former Colts targets who have joined up with Manning in Denver.