After going undrafted last spring, running back Jaleel McLaughlin signed with the Denver Broncos as a college free agent.
McLaughlin set NCAA rushing records in college, but he did so at Division II and FCS levels. His small-school history and small size (5-7, 187 pounds) made McLaughlin a longshot for Denver’s 53-man roster.
McLaughlin overcame the long odds by standing out in preseason. After rushing for 48 yards and a touchdown in the team’s preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, McLaughlin exploded the next week with 97 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers.
His impressive performances in preseason earned him a spot on the active roster and McLaughlin now has a well-established role on offense.
As the Broncos now prepare to begin their 2024 preseason slate, McLaughlin shared words of encouragement for the rookies attempting to make the squad this summer.
“I would say that game [against the 49ers], I just went out there and played,” McLaughlin explained earlier this week. “I didn’t let anything get to me. It felt like I was playing backyard football. I felt like I was just playing my game. That’s what I was telling a couple of guys, like, ‘Hey, don’t — even when we have fans out here — [with] the fans, enjoy it. Just enjoy every moment you’re out here.’
“That’s what I did last year, and that’s what I’m going to do this first preseason game upcoming. Just go out there and enjoy it. As long as you give your 100% you don’t need to be down on yourself or anything as long as you give your 100%. That’s what I’ve been preaching to the rookies.”
McLaughlin, 23, went on to total 570 yards from scrimmage and scored three touchdowns in the regular season last fall. He’s now looking to carve out a bigger role in 2024. Denver’s rookies can look to follow his lead.
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