Angela Rae Harris's Blog

A battery-powered era is dawning on the Grand Canyon Railway. 

The whistle echoes across the high desert as the vintage locomotive pulls away from Williams, Arizona, its wheels clicking rhythmically against the rails. For more than a century, this has been the soundtrack of adventure — the Grand Canyon Railway carrying travelers on a 65-mile journey through stunning landscapes. But soon, that familiar diesel rumble will give way to something revolutionary: the quiet hum of zero-emission, battery-powered travel. 

Thanks to a $3.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program, the Grand Canyon Railway is transforming one of their classic diesel locomotives into a cutting-edge, battery-electric marvel — a bold step in redefining sustainable travel to one of our most treasured landscapes. 

There’s something undeniably magical about approaching the Grand Canyon by rail. The train offers a contemplative journey that builds anticipation as high desert gives way to towering ponderosa pines, until, at last, you’re met with the breathtaking spectacle of the South Rim vista.  

The Grand Canyon Railway has long been committed to preserving this delicate ecosystem, having already converted their historic steam locomotives to run on recycled waste vegetable oil. Now they’re pushing that boundary even further. When the new battery-electric locomotive begins service in 2027, it will glide silently through Arizona’s high country on a single charge, carrying passengers while leaving virtually no environmental footprint. 

“We’re not the first battery-electric locomotive on the planet, but most operate in switching yards, industrial plants, and on short-line railways,” says Eric Hadder, Chief Mechanical Officer at Grand Canyon Railway. “To operate one on a daily basis, on a passenger railroad traveling at speeds up to 40 miles an hour with a 130-mile round trip, that range is going to be unique.”  

The real magic happens in regenerative braking, technology that transforms the train’s 65-mile journey across varying elevations from an energy drain into an energy source. “As we go downhill, we recapture that potential energy from gravity and then store it in the battery,” Eric says. The system recharges the battery by approximately 30 percent during each trip.  

“It’s going to be a much more environmentally friendly and efficient operation for us,” he adds. “It’s going to require so much less maintenance than our regular locomotives.”  

For passengers, the experience will remain beautifully familiar while becoming subtly enhanced. “Most customers won’t even notice the difference,” Eric observes. “But if they pay attention, they’ll notice when the locomotive is sitting up at the station, there’s a quietness that you don’t have with the diesel engine, and there’s a lack of smoke emissions.” The magic of the journey—the stunning scenery, superb service, and extraordinary Old West entertainment—remains intact, but with a whisper-quiet efficiency that enhances the natural wonder surrounding it.  

What makes this train truly special isn’t just the technology, though, it’s the destination. “We’re the only railroad you can ride that will take you right to the Grand Canyon,” Eric says. “To be able to walk those last few steps off the train and look over the rim and have that huge, natural wonder stretched out in front of you is the most exciting thing. And you got therein a historic and nostalgic way that takes you back 100 years.”  

As part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s CRISI grant program, this project is pioneering environmentally forward-thinking rail projects across the country. The Grand Canyon Railway isn’t just preserving a historic mode of travel; they’re reimagining its future. 

As the railway prepares for this transformation, the journey to the Grand Canyon is about to become as remarkable as the destination itself — proving that the greenest choice can also be the most magical one.  

The Grand Canyon Railway operates every day except Christmas, carrying passengers through landscapes that stir the soul. And soon, with a new battery-electric locomotive designed to handle Northern Arizona’s every season, that beloved journey becomes even more meaningful. It’s the same breathtaking ride to one of America’s greatest natural treasures — now powered by quiet innovation, and a profound commitment to protecting the beauty that makes it unforgettable. 

For more information on Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel, please visit www.TheTrain.com.

From one extreme to the other.

Air Force hockey notched its first victory of the season on Saturday night, topping St. Thomas 6-2 at Cadet Ice Arena. These were the same teams that met the night earlier in an 11-2 victory for the Tommies that was the most lopsided loss for the Falcons in more than 20 years.

“It takes a lot to inspire me after all these years,” said Air Force coach Frank Serratore, who is in his 29th season with the Falcons and 33rd overall in college hockey. “Of course last night was a disaster. It was as far left as you can get. To be able to bounce back. These academy kids are just so resilient.

“Tonight, that performance inspired me.”

After trailing 1-0 in the first period Air Force reeled off four consecutive goals – including a pair from sophomore Will Dawson the first collegiate goal for sophomore Ren Morque.

Sophomore Jake Peterson also scored for the Falcons (1-2-1) during the flurry. The Falcons tacked on a pair empty netters from senior Holt Oliphant and junior Brendan Gibbons in the final three minutes after the Tommies had closed to within 4-2.

A night after a disastrous performance that saw the hosts trail 10-0 at one point, it was an entirely different story. The Falcons brought the action to St. Thomas (2-3) with skaters consistently finding space in front of the goal to redirect passes past goaltender Carsen Musser.

Air Force goaltender Carter Clafton stopped 25 of 27 shots.

Coming on the same day the Air Force football team, stuck in a frustrating five-game losing streak, came from eight points down to win, Serratore saw the same sense of fight in his team.

He won’t remember much “when he’s old and gray and on his last leg,” the coach said, “but I’ll remember this one.”

Victor Olofsson has a lot of love for the city of Buffalo and their fans. He was perfectly fine being in the opposing locker room when the Avalanche visited his old stomping grounds last week, though.

The 30-year-old winger, who moved to the top power play unit in Saturday’s 4-1 win over the Boston Bruins, spent the first six seasons of his NHL career. Seeing as how the Sabres haven’t made the postseason in 14 seasons, it should come as no surprise that he never experienced playoff hockey in Buffalo.

After the Avalanche beat down the Sabres earlier this week, fans in the Buffalo stands began tossing their jerseys on the ice. Just one week into the season, many of them had given up hope on yet another season. Olofsson can sympathize with them.

“For sure (I feel bad for them),” Olofsson told The Gazette prior to Saturday’s game. “I feel for the guys in that locker room too, guys that I played a lot of years with.”

Hockey is supposed to be fun. When you’re losing and losing a lot, it’s the opposite of that.

“It definitely makes it easier when you’re winning, I can tell you that,” Olofsson said. “When I was there, I feel like a lot of times they played good hockey, but the lows have gotten too deep and too long. It’s not always easy when you’re losing to turn things around.”

After six seasons in Buffalo, Olofsson left as a free agent, joining the Vegas Golden Knights last season. He still contributed on the scoresheet, but for someone who had mostly been known as a one-dimensional player, he wanted to improve his overall game.

He found being in a winning culture with strong leaders around him played a big role in him accomplishing that goal.

“I think it helped a lot, especially last year in Vegas,” Olofsson said. “Got to play my first playoffs and got that experience. I know that helped me a lot to grow and also just feel the level of the playoffs and know where you have to be every day to play at a high level and be competitive. It definitely pushed me to become a better player.”

It can’t be overlooked how much being in a winning environment can help a player grow.

“It helps a lot,” Jared Bednar said. “You got to hold yourself to a higher standard. Vegas plays with a really good structure, I think we do the same. When you know what everyone’s supposed to be doing on the ice and you’re sort of predictable to yourselves, it helps you focus in on your job and what you need to do. Players become better with a team that plays a good structure and I think it’s paid off for (Olofsson) in Vegas and we’re seeing it again with us this year.”

It’s been a strong start for Olofsson in Colorado. Heading into Saturday’s game, he had three assists in five games, all of which came at even strength. There’s one big reason why he was promoted to the top power play unit against the Bruins — he’s a shooter and he’s stuck to his identity.

Through five games, only Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar had registered more shots on net than Olofsson’s 14. None of those shots have entered the net, but he’s not too worried about that right now.

“I don’t feel frustrated yet,” Olofsson said. “I want to put the puck in the net, but I feel like I’ve had a lot of shots and good chances too. Usually when you do pile up the shots, they go in eventually. I’ve gone through it a couple of times in my career and I’m not stressed or worried about it. I’m happy with the way I’ve been playing here in the beginning (of the season), and I feel like that’s more important than to just get the goals.”

Avalanche 4, Bruins 1

What happened: If not for Jeremy Swayman, this game could have gotten ugly early. The Avalanche outshot the Bruins significantly on their way to a relatively easy win.

What went right: There’s a reason why Bednar always goes back to Artturi Lehkonen on MacKinnon’s wing – it works. Outside of his ability to do all the little things, he has terrific chemistry with the superstar center and assisted on two more of MacKinnon’s goals Saturday.

What went wrong: The Avalanche continue to tease their not-so-secret Nordiques throwback jerseys, wearing the setup at morning skate. They did not wear them on Saturday night, despite teasing it multiple times on social media. It’s been a bizarre marketing plan for something everyone seems to know is coming.

Avalanche goal scorers: MacKinnon (5,6), Manson (1), Necas (4)

Bruins goal scorers: Beecher (1)

Between the pipes: Scott Wedgewood was not a busy man but did what he needed to do against the Bruins, stopping 13 of the 14 shots he faced. His best save came late in the third when he robbed Beecher with his glove.

What’s next? The Avalanche head to Utah to take on the Mammoth Tuesday evening at 8 p.m.

FORT COLLINS — The Hawaiian word “imua” means to move forward. After a blowout home win over Fresno State last week, Colorado State was hoping to feel the “imua” effect on Saturday night against Hawaii.

However, a sputtering offense for three quarters against the Rainbow Warriors represented a step back for Jay Norvell’s team.

In front of a homecoming crowd of 40,416, the highest attendance in Colorado State football history, the Rams’ fourth-quarter rally against Hawaii fell short in a 31-19 defeat. Dropping to 2-5 on the season and 1-2 in Mountain West play, Colorado State was outgained 435-261 on the night, with 117 of the Rams’ yards coming in the fourth quarter.

Hawaii entered Saturday on an offensive roll, posting 44 points in back-to-back games. While the Rainbow Warriors didn’t hit that mark in Fort Collins, the run-and-shoot offense did plenty of damage. Hawaii freshman quarterback Micah Alejado finished with 301 yards through the air on 26-of-38 passing, marking the third consecutive week he topped the 300-yard mark.

He also tossed three touchdown passes while running back Cam Barfield reeled off a 35-yard touchdown run on a fourth-and-1 play with 2:23 left in the game that snuffed out any hope of a CSU win.

Rams quarterback Jackson Brousseau engineered a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown drives to keep Colorado State close, tossing a 7-yard touchdown to Armani Winfield with 11:58 to play and setting up Tahj Bullock’s 3-yard scoring run just over five minutes later to pull the home team within 24-19. Brosseau ended the night 15-of-29 for 176 yards, but had just 58 yards through the air in the first half.

“I thought Jackson did some decent things,” CSU head coach Jay Norvell said. “I think he was just out of sync early in the game and the pressure didn’t help. We didn’t protect him really well. We needed to run the ball and get play action going to get our guys open but we weren’t effective with that.”

CSU had just 85 yards rushing on the night, averaging 2.5 yards per carry. Only one Rams run, a 12-yard burst from Lloyd Avant, went for more than 10 yards.

Despite the low production, Colorado State trailed at the half, 14-7, and was in the game thanks to its special teams.

Two big moments defined Hawaii’s success in the first half, including a 75-yard catch-and-run touchdown from Alejado to Jackson Harris that snapped what had been a 7-7 tie. That play was the biggest chunk of the 252 yards racked up by the visitors before intermission.

The other big block of yards logged by the Rainbow Warriors came on their opening possession, piecing together a 10-play, 75-yard drive to take the quick lead. Alejado’s 17-yard touchdown toss to a wide-open Nick Cenacle down the middle of the field gave Hawaii the 7-0 edge with 8:38 left in the opening quarter.

It would remain that way until Colorado State got on the board on the final play of the first quarter with an electric punt return that etched itself into the record books.

Freshman Javion Kinnard took the punt at his own 9-yard line and weaved through the middle of Hawaii’s coverage and up the right sideline for a 91-yard touchdown, tying for the longest punt return in Colorado State history (joining Robert Ruiz’s effort against San Diego State in 2016).

“Too much space,” Kinnard responded when asked what he saw when he fielded the punt. “I was kind of surprised.”

That, however, was the bulk of Colorado State’s offensive firepower until the fourth quarter, an issue that continues to plague the Rams as the final game of October looms next Saturday at Wyoming.

“Some of the plays that should be easy are really difficult for us right now,” Norvell said.

GAME RECAP

Hawaii 31, Colorado State 19

What happened: Colorado State couldn’t find any kind of offensive rhythm for three quarters, with Javion Kinnard’s 91-yard touchdown return representing the Rams’ only points until the final stanza. CSU mustered just 144 yards of total offense through three quarters, showing that last week’s 49-21 blowout win over Fresno State may have been a mirage.

What it means: Are there more questions than ever about CSU’s direction after the Rams reverted to their struggling ways against Hawaii? Any hope of a rebound in the second half of the season was snuffed by a Rainbow Warriors defense that allowed just four CSU first downs in the first half.

Quotable: “We can’t wait to jumpstart ourselves in the third quarter. We have to get going,” said CSU head coach Jay Norvell.

What’s next: The Rams head to Laramie for the Border War battle against Wyoming. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. (Mountain) and the game will be televised on CBS Sports Network.

Air Force lifted its arms in celebration with a little more gusto. The volume of the locker room celebration was a little more piercing.

Victory is always sweet, but when it follows this kind of frustrating delay and comes in such a wholistic team manner, it creates the kind of jovial environment that engulfed Falcon Stadium in the late afternoon Saturday following a 24-21 victory over Wyoming.

“Oh my gosh,” senior defensive lineman Payton Zdroik said after snapping a five-game losing streak, the past two of which came by three points apiece. “That feels so good.”

The Falcons intercepted two passes in the fourth quarter behind a secondary that started three freshmen, the offense leaned on a vintage, 330-yard performance from the running game and senior Reagan Tubbs entered the lineup at kicker and converted all three field goal attempts and his lone PAT try.

“Obviously it’s huge for the whole team,” said Tubbs, who made kicks from 32, 29 and 40 yards. “But for me, personally, to get my chance, finally, after three and a half years, it feels really good.”

The season had been filled with shootout losses, as the offense had been the best in the Mountain West and the defense the worst. This one started like it might bring more of the same. Air Force (2-5, 1-4 Mountain West) opened with a field goal after a drive that covered 16 plays and more than 9 minutes. Wyoming (3-4, 1-2) answered with a nine-play, 74-yard drive that finished with the first of Terron Kellman’s two 23-yard touchdown runs.

But unlike the previous five games, Air Force’s defense started making plays and producing stops.

Wyoming’s final three possessions of the first half were scoreless, and after a touchdown to open the third quarter the Cowboys were held off the scoreboard until the deficit had reached double digits inside the final two minutes.

The pivotal play came when Wyoming had third and goal from the 3 with the score tied 14-14 midway through the fourth quarter. Tight end Evan Svoboda checked in as a wildcat quarterback. He took a direct snap and looked like he might run but instead pulled up for a jump pass. Sophomore safety Roger Jones Jr. read the play and intercepted the pass in the end zone.

Air Force responded with an 80-yard drive that ended with a Kade Frew touchdown run.

On Wyoming’s next possession freshman safety Max Mustell stepped in front of a pass from quarterback Kaden Anderson, who was hurried by Jackson Adams, and the Falcons took over on Wyoming’s 29-yard line.

The turnover led to Tubbs’ third field goal that put the Falcons up 24-14 with 3:04 remaining.

Air Force had forced just one turnover in the past 14 quarters before creating the pair in the fourth quarter.

“They showed what they were capable of, Max and Rog,” Zdroik said. “They played so great. It was awesome to get those turnovers. They were game-changing plays. I’m just so happy that they’re playing like the guys they know they are.”

Air Force averaged 5.9 yards on 59 carries, allowing it to largely keep it on the ground after weeks of passing production that was out of the ordinary for the system.

Sophomore quarterback Liam Szarka ran 26 times for 141 yards and a touchdown. It was his fifth consecutive 100-yard game, breaking a record for Air Force quarterbacks.

Szarka went 3-of-8 passing for 33 yards and hit Frew for a 2-point conversion with 6:39 remaining in the third quarter that tied the game.

Allen added 105 rushing yards, giving him 297 over the past two games.

“We knew that Wyoming was going to be a tough opponent, and we knew that this was going to be a really gritty game,” said Frew, who ran for 49 yards on a career-high 13 attempts. “To go out there, kind of run the ball down after down and make some big plays here and there, it was definitely good to get back to the fundamentals, so to speak.”

Air Force, which saw freshman cornerback RJ Reedus and safety Alexander Perez make their first starts, now goes into an off week before hosting Army on Nov. 1.

Last year the Falcons lost seven in a row. Once they finally broke through they didn’t lose again over the final four games.

“I think we’re going to take the same approach that we did last year,” Zdroik said, “where once we get this train rolling we’re going to ride this momentum and take it out the rest of the year.”

If you have an event taking place in the Denver area, email information to  carlotta.olson@gazette.com  at least two weeks in advance. All events are listed in the calendar on space availability.

Sunday

Cloud9 Fall Fest — With pumpkin patch, root beer floats, caramel apples and carnival and lawn games, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Cloud9 Park, 4116 E. 9th Ave., Denver; 9thandcolorado.com/events.

Stories on Stage – ” Someplace to Call Home – a Celebration of Sandra Dallas” — 2 p.m., Su Teatro Cultural & Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, $26. Tickets: storiesonstage.org.

Dawn Clement, Buster Williams, Matt Wilson — 4:30 and 7 p.m., Dazzle at Baur’s, 1080 14th St., Denver, go online for prices. Tickets: dazzledenver.com/#/events.

Justin Silva — 6:30 p.m., Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, 2635 Welton St., Denver, $44.63-$55.96. Tickets: cervantesmasterpiece.com. 

“Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue” — 7 p.m., Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place, Denver, $55 and up. Tickets: ticketmaster.com.

Arkansauce — 7 p.m., Swallow Hill Music, Daniels Hall, 71 E. Yale Ave., Denver, $31.89-$37.04. Tickets: swallowhillmusic.org.

Denver Blues, Brews & BBQ — 7 p.m., Goosetown Tavern, 3242 E. Colfax Ave., Denver; goosetowntavern.com.

Patrick Wolf — 7:30 p.m., Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, $36.81. Tickets: axs.com.

Penny & Sparrow — With Erin Rae, 8 p.m., Ogden Theatre, Denver, $42.49. Tickets: axs.com.

Denver Takeover — Featuring Young Drummer Boy & El Cacho, 8 p.m., The Roxy Theatre, 2549 Welton St., Denver, $46.61 and up. Tickets: theroxydenver.com.

Glitter Fox — With Lu Lagoon, 8 p.m., Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St., Denver, $25.24-$28.24. Tickets: larimerlounge.com.

The Milk Carton Kids — 8 p.m., Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder, $41 and up. Tickets: axs.com.

Sunday, Saturday, Oct. 26 and 31

Bug-a-Boo Trick-or-Treating — 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Oct. 26, 5-7 p.m. Oct. 31, Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster, included in price of admission. Tickets: butterflies.org/bug-a-boo.

CARLOTTA OLSON, The Denver Gazette

The International Association of Chiefs of Police is holding its annual conference at the Colorado Convention Center this weekend. Saturday was the first day of the four-day event.

The event brings together over 16,000 public safety personnel for educational seminars and networking opportunities, according to the event’s website. This year’s conference will also feature more than 600 vendors showing off products and services.

Events include seminars on minimizing danger to victims during active shootings, effective interview and interrogation of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and the use of artificial intelligence in police tech, according to the website. Other social and networking events are scheduled throughout the weekend.

The first day of the event took place on the same day as the “No Kings” rally occurring in downtown Denver. A notification on the event’s website from 2 p.m. Saturday said that shuttle routes were delayed up to two hours due to protesters downtown.

The association is made up of 35,000 members in more than 170 countries and works to enhance safety and advancement in law enforcement through research, programming and training, according to the group’s website. The organization also acts as an advocacy group, working on federal bills involving law enforcement.

The four-day event will finish on Tuesday.

Google Peyton Manning and Bennie Fowler, and there is plenty of stuff online. 

With 3:08 left in Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7, 2016, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., Fowler caught a two-point conversion pass from Manning for a 24-10 Broncos lead over the Carolina Panthers. That turned out to be the final score of the game, and it was the last time Manning threw a pass in an NFL game since he retired after that season. 

Fowler, who had 97 regular-season catches in the NFL with the Broncos from 2015-17, the Giants from 2018-19, and the Saints in 2020, has gotten plenty of mileage over the years about catching Manning’s final throw. He appeared on ESPN after Manning retired, and he puts it in his biography, including the one he has on LinkedIn. 

“A thousand, hundreds, a million for sure,’’ Fowler said of how many times he’s watched the play on video. “It’s one of the best moments of my life.’’ 

Meanwhile, former Broncos running back C.J. Anderson has something to say about all of this. Anderson points out that two-point conversion passes are not counted in official stats for quarterbacks, so that wasn’t Manning’s official last completion. 

So, what was it? 

“I got the last pass,’’ said Anderson, who played for the Broncos from 2013-17. “Bennie likes to tell people he caught the last pass, but you know I’m on record with it.” 

With 10:16 left in the game, Manning threw a 2-yard reception to Anderson to the Denver 26. That was his last completion included in his passing statistics. 

With the Broncos gathering this weekend for the 10-year reunion of the 2015 Super Bowl 50 team, Anderson is planning to have some fun with Manning and Fowler about who really hauled in the last completion from the Hall of Fame quarterback. Anderson arrived in Denver on Saturday, and the Super Bowl 50 team will be introduced at Sunday’s game between the Broncos and Giants at Empower Field at Mile High 

“I’m going to remind Peyton and Bennie when I see them,’’ Anderson said. “I’ll tell Peyton, ‘Do you know your last completion was a 2-yard reception to me?”’ 

Fowler, who has long had a good relationship with Anderson, vowed to be ready when his former teammate brings it up. 

“It counts to everyone else that was his last throw,’’ Fowler said. “C.J. was an incredible player, and yes, by technical stats, he is right, but they never show that throw. They show mine. That was the last time he ever had an actual pass in the NFL, and it was to me.” 

Interestingly, before Fowler caught the two-point conversion throw, it was Anderson who scored on a 2-yard touchdown run to extend Denver’s lead from 22-10. Anderson had the Broncos’ only offensive touchdown in the game and rushed for 90 yards. 

Anderson is now the head football coach at Benicia (Calif.) High School, which is six miles from his native Vallejo, and 65 miles from where Super Bowl 50 was played. The Panthers defeated Northgate High School 45-35 Friday night, and Anderson flew Saturday morning to Denver, the first time he has been in the city since he was released by the Broncos in April 2018. 

Anderson and Fowler can go back and forth at the reunion about Manning’s last completion. And perhaps wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders will join the conversation. 

Manning is credited in statistics in his 17 regular seasons for having thrown 9,380 passes and completing 6,125. It was Sanders who caught his last regular-season pass, a 15-yard grab with 12:29 left in the game in a 27-20 win over the San Diego Chargers in the 2015 finale. 

Carolina Panthers’ Luke Kuechly (59) makes a tackle against the Denver Broncos C.J. Anderson #22 during the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)

Kubiak says Thomas ‘dearly missed’ 

Gary Kubiak expects it to be very emotional at halftime Sunday when he and others watch as the late Demaryius Thomas is officially enshrined into the Broncos Ring of Fame. 

Kubiak was Denver’s head coach from 2015-16, having Thomas as his star receiver in both seasons and leading the Broncos to their third Super Bowl win. Thomas died at age 33 in 2021 due to what is believed to have been a seizure. 

“That’s really difficult to be so young and to lose him,’’ Kubiak said of Thomas, who played in the NFL from 2010-19, including 2010-18 with the Broncos. “He was such a great man, a very uplifting person, a bright light wherever he went. He’s very dearly missed. I’m sure there will be a few tears shed.” 

Former Broncos tackle Ryan Harris agreed. 

“There will be a lot of champions tearing up,’’ Harris said. 

Harris played in the NFL from 2007-16, including 2007-10 and 2015 with the Broncos. He was Thomas’ teammate when he was a rookie and then returned to Denver and won a Super Bowl with him. 

“He’s the only receiver I ever played with that never complained, the only receiver I played with that ran across the field to make a block for another receiver, and he made spectacular catches,’’ Harris said 

Phillips still wants to coach 

Wade Phillips was 68 when he was the Broncos defensive coordinator in 2015. A decade later, he wants to continue coaching. 

Phillips, who turned 78 last June, maintained his standing as the oldest head coach in pro football history when he was with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League last spring. He took a leave of absence in April for the remainder of the season after the Brahmas started 0-3, and Phillips had a bad reaction to medicine he was taking for diabetes. 

The UFL announced earlier this month that San Antonio will no longer have a team in the league. Nevertheless, Phillips wants to roam the sidelines again. 

“It could be a mandatory retirement, you never know,’’ Phillips said. “They haven’t said anything to anybody (about coaching jobs for 2026), so we’re just kind of waiting to see what happens. I’d still like to coach. It’s hard to retire from something you love. But it could happen.” 

Phillips, in Denver this weekend for the reunion, was the Broncos’ defensive coordinator from 1989-92, their head coach from 1993-94, and again defensive coordinator from 2015-16. 

What I’m hearing 

— Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto has been getting lots of national publicity while leading the NFL with 8.0 sacks. That included a recent interview on NFL Network. “I try not to pay too much attention to it,’’ the four-year veteran said of his increased visibility. “Obviously, it’s pretty cool, just being in talks and stuff like that. But I just got to keep staying grounded and just keep working.” 

— Nose tackle D.J. Jones has just one sack this season, but his ability to plug up the middle has led to many other sacks for the Broncos, who have an NFL-high 30. “That’s my role and I’m going to play it until I’m done playing football,’’ said Jones, in his ninth NFL season. “So, you can’t tell me my role’s not important.” Would anyone want to tell the 305-pound Jones it’s not important? 

What I’m seeing 

— Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw didn’t play in the first six games due to a quad injury, but he still was busy mentoring players, including practice squad linebacker Levelle Bailey. “He always talks to me about getting my pad level down and just coming out being aggressive, and things like that,’’ Bailey said of Greenlaw, expected to make his Broncos debut Sunday after being activated Saturday off injured reserve. “In the meeting room, he pulls me aside (to offer advice). We usually watch extra film after meetings, and he shows me little pointers on how to watch the offensive line, and things like that.” 

— Russell Wilson, the Broncos’ primary starting quarterback from 2022-23 before being released in March 2024, returns for a second straight season to Denver but again might not play. In Week 2 last season, he was injured and served as the emergency No. 3 quarterback in Pittsburgh’s 13-6 win. Now, after being replaced by Jaxson Dart following the Giants’ 0-3 start, he is the backup to the rookie. “Russ was great to everybody here, a really good guy,’’ said Broncos defensive end Zach Allen, Wilson’s teammate in 2023. “I got nothing but respect for Russ. I wish him all the best, and it’ll be good to see him Sunday.” 

At 11 a.m. Saturday morning, Denver’s Capitol Hill was beginning to fill with people. Just an hour later, neither the grass nor the pavement of Lincoln Street in front of it were visible through the crowd.

As October gusts lifted swirls of yellow leaves into the air, tens of thousands of people descended upon downtown Denver to take part in the second “No Kings” protest, holding signs and yelling chants criticizing the actions of the Trump administration.

The protest was one of over 50 “No Kings” demonstrations scheduled across Colorado, and one of hundreds taking place across the country on Saturday. It was the second such protest to take place in Denver this year.

A man holds up a sign that reads “No Kings” as demonstrators walk down 15th Street in downtown Denver during the “No Kings” protest on Oct. 18, 2025. Michael Braithwaite, The Denver Gazette)

The first “No Kings” rally attracted about 10,000 to 20,000 people. Observers who were at both rallies said Saturday’s protest was at least twice as large.

Among those in attendance were members of the Service Employees International Union Colorado, wearing purple shirts with the union’s logo splashed on the front and back. Jerod Truss, a nurse at a Kaiser Permanente medical center and member of the union, said that members were there to protest what he said was Trump’s attack on union rights.

“They’re taking away bargaining rights; he took away the bargaining rights of federal workers, so we just have to stand together and unite,” Truss said. “Working men and woman work hard to survive, and a lot of people are surviving paycheck to paycheck … we just wanted to get out today and support the rally.”

Working on the front lines of medical care, Truss said he’s seen an influx of patients recently who are worried that they may soon lose access to their healthcare.

A member of the Service Employees International Union Colorado holds up a sign that reads “Medicaid saves lives” as cars drive by on Lincoln Street just before the “No Kings” protest on Oct. 18, 2025. Michael Braithwaite, The Denver Gazette

“We have a lot of people who are just frightened,” Truss said. “They’re overwhelming the system right now just to make sure they’re caught up on everything.”

Medical care was also one of the main reasons why Stacey Everson decided to participate both in the protest and the ensuing march downtown.

“My dad’s a disabled vet, all my family fought in the military. Just recently I was disabled from a pedestrian car accident and now I can’t get any help because the government’s shut down,” Everson said. “I’ve only got two weeks left to sign up for for Medicare before I get penalized, and I’m dirt poor.”

Stacey Everson holding a sign that reads “my veteran dad died for u” while participating in the “No Kings” march through downtown Denver on Oct. 18, 2025. She said she needed a knee replacement due to getting hit by a car, but has been unable to with the government shutdown. Michael Braithwaite, The Denver Gazette

Everson, walking down 15th Street with a noticeable limp, added that she needs a knee replacement due to the crash, but she was not going to let that stop her from taking part in Saturday’s rally.

“We live in the best country in the world, and we’re going to fight to keep it that way,” Everson said, wiping away tears.

After gathering at the Capitol and listening to a few speakers associated with the event’s local organizers, the crowd began marching into downtown. When the front turned right to walk down Lawrence Street — over 10 blocks into the march — the rear had yet to leave the Capitol lawn.

The increase in attendance was not a surprise to organizers. Morgan Miransky, a member of Colorado-based activist group Solidarity Warriors, which was the lead organizer of the Denver event, said Friday morning that they had worked with nearly twice as many activist groups in preparation for Saturday’s protest and that he anticipated it to be far larger than June’s.

People walk down Broadway during the “No Kings” protest on Oct. 18, 2025. Michael Braithwaite, The Denver Gazette

“There’s been a growing feeling of discontent with what is going on, and this is all about we the people saying we don’t want a king, we don’t want a dictator, and that has been in the DNA of this country since the very beginning,” Miransky said. “This is the people standing up and saying, ‘This is what we want, and we’re not getting it.'”

After circling downtown, the march moved back in the direction of the Capitol, where it again stopped around 2 p.m. The back of the crowd caught up to the front nearly an hour later.

The protest was one of several “No Kings” rallies in the Denver area and along the Front Range. In Broomfield, hundreds of protesters waving signs and flags were spread out for several blocks along both sides of 120th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard at 11:30 a.m. Many of the drivers passing by honked their horns to the cheers of the protesters.

For 82-year-old Judy Bauer, who was pushing a walker along Lincoln Street with two bubble guns resting on the top seat, the day was a reminder that any change will only come as a result of action.

“We’ve all got to say something, we’ve all got to do something,” Bauer said, placing a sign that read “I am antifa/anti-fascist” onto a small clip attached to the walker. “We can’t just stay home and twiddle our thumbs.”

Judy Bauer, 82, pushing her walker along Lincoln Street during the “No Kings” protest in downtown Denver on Oct. 18, 2025. Michael Braithwaite, The Denver Gazette

A few months after more than 10,000 people took to the streets to protest the actions of President Donald Trump, Denver services are preparing for a second No Kings demonstration on Saturday.

The protest, one of at least 50 different organized demonstrations across Colorado — and hundreds taking place across the country — is expected to contain messages criticizing Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops into several major cities and detaining illegal immigrants, according to an online description on the event’s sign-up page.

Denver’s protest is scheduled to begin at the Capitol at noon and will include a march throughout streets downtown, according to the description. The event is scheduled to end at 4 p.m. The No Kings protest on June 14 ended with Denver police deploying smoke and pepper balls while sweeping demonstrators out of the downtown area around 9:30 p.m.

In preparation for the expected demonstrations, the Regional Transportation District has met with external partners, including the Denver Police Department, for the past several days to assess the level of disruption expected on Saturday, according to a Thursday news release. Based on that information, the agency will be increasing patrols for the security of riders and employees on Saturday.

Light rail and commuter rail services to Union Station will continue as scheduled unless the station is closed for safety reasons, according to the release. In that case, services will operate along the remainder of each individual rail line.

Bus services will continue as scheduled unless streets are closed or it is deemed too unsafe to operate, according to the release. Buses may be rerouted around street closures to continue service if it is feasible to do so.

Officials from the Service Employees International Union announced that its workers and members will also be joining in the protests Saturday, both in Denver and across the country, according to a Friday news release.

“We’re taking to the streets because what we’re seeing is unacceptable,” said Nate Paer, a crisis clinician and mental healthcare worker at Clinica Family Health and Wellness in Boulder, in the release. “Workers everywhere are under attack, from cuts to healthcare and critical funding to the erosion of our democratic processes, and we have to fight back.”

“I have consistently supported the American people’s First Amendment right to peacefully assemble and express their views,” U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank, R-Colorado Springs, said in a statement.

Gazette reporter Nick Smith contributed to this report.