Broncos RB RJ Harvey Gets Honest After Learning Valuable Lesson
The Denver Broncos made RJ Harvey the No. 60 overall selection and the fifth running back taken in the 2025 draft. Harvey turned heads upon arrival, but he also saw the Broncos add a veteran to an already-crowded group, all while learning a valuable lesson.
Harvey, who converted from quarterback to RB in college, brings a dual-threat presence to the Broncos’ backfield that head coach Sean Payton has raved about.
Putting it all together is easier said than done, though.
Broncos RB RJ Harvey Gets Honest About ‘Main Focus’
GettyRJ Harvey #37 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers.
According to Harvey, who turned 24 in February and has switched his jersey from No. 37 to No. 12, “you gotta know what to do” in a “production-based business” like the NFL is.
“You gotta put in the work, and study, and really know your stuff,” Harvey told Denver Sports’ Andrew Mason on September 5. “There’s a lot of time in college. You got classes and schoolwork to do while you’re in college. But you got a lot of free time after practice and after meetings [in the NFL]. During my free time right now, my main focus is just studying, trying to get all the plays right, so when I go out there on Sundays, I’m ready to go, and while I’m out on the field, I don’t gotta think where I’m making mistakes.”
Harvey struggled with efficiency during the preseason, rushing for 47 yards and 1 touchdown on 13 carries, or 3.6 yards per attempt, starting all three of the Broncos’ contests. Those numbers, especially against non-gameplan-specific defenses, are disappointing.
However, those games did not count, and they provided Harvey with invaluable experience all the same as he prepares for his regular-season debut against the Tennessee Titans.
That experience should help Harvey and his new Broncos backfield mate.
RJ Harvey Faces Strong Challenge From J.K. Dobbins
GettyFormer Los Angeles Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins reacts against the Cleveland Browns.
J.K. Dobbins signed with the Broncos in June, late in free agency this past offseason. He enters the season ahead of Harvey on the Broncos’ depth chart, but they are expected to split duties.
“JK Dobbins, the veteran running back who didn’t have a single carry in the preseason, ran away from the defense during one play with a burst that made coaches raise their eyebrows,” The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider wrote on September 3.
“Dobbins’ debut Sunday will be part of a double dose of intrigue in Denver’s backfield. He is likely to share the workload with RJ Harvey, and both running backs are stepping into a run scheme that has been tweaked this offseason to emphasize more outside zone concepts. Payton, of course, will continue to mix in inside zone and gaps schemes.”
Notably, Dobbins called Harvey a “special player.” He will be difficult to keep off the field.
“There has been enough significant change in the run game, scheme and personnel alike to make it one of the biggest questions as the Broncos enter Sunday’s opener,” Kosmider wrote.
How Payton mixes in Broncos backups Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin adds another wrinkle to an intriguingly remade ground attack that will still be working behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
Harvey must maximize whatever touches he does receive in the Broncos’ offense.
Harrison Smith is ready to lead the Vikings to victory—he’s built for this moment, no question.
The Minnesota Vikings are preparing for a critical showdown against the Chicago Bears, and the spotlight is on safety Harrison Smith. With the postseason in sight and the Bears looming large as their fiercest competition, Smith is facing a critical decision. Will he be ready to play through pain and lead his defense, or will the injury bug keep him sidelined?
For the Vikings, the stakes could not be higher. Every play counts as they strive to maintain their spot in the playoffs. The question of whether Smith will suit up remains a focal point for fans and analysts alike, but his words on Wednesday suggest one thing is certain: Harrison Smith is not backing down.
“I’m built for this moment—no way I’m letting my team down,” Smith said with determination in his voice. It's a sentiment that has echoed throughout his career, and as he heads into his 11th season with the Vikings, it’s clear that Smith has always viewed adversity as a challenge to overcome rather than a hurdle to avoid.
Smith, known for his fearless style of play, has been the backbone of the Vikings' secondary for over a decade. A former first-round pick, Smith has consistently demonstrated leadership, a high football IQ, and the ability to rise to the occasion in big moments. His presence on the field provides both physical and emotional stability for the defense.
However, Smith’s path to being fully ready for the Bears game hasn’t been without its challenges. The safety has dealt with lingering injuries in recent weeks, and many have questioned whether the toll of the season will hinder his performance. Despite these concerns, Smith remains adamant about his readiness to contribute.
“I’m not going to leave my guys hanging,” he added. “This team needs me, and if I can play, I will. We have one goal in mind, and that’s winning this game. Everything else can wait.”
The Impact of Harrison Smith’s Leadership
Smith's leadership transcends his play on the field. It’s his mentality, his willingness to push through pain, and his drive to be there for his teammates that have made him a cornerstone of the Vikings’ defense. His ability to rally the troops when the pressure is on has often made the difference in tight games.
Against the Bears, Smith’s presence could be the key to stopping the explosive offense led by quarterback Justin Fields. The Vikings' defense has struggled against dual-threat quarterbacks, and Smith's ability to read plays, communicate effectively, and take on challenging matchups is invaluable.
Vikings fans are no strangers to Harrison Smith’s heroics. Whether it's a timely interception or a bone-crushing tackle, Smith has always come through when the team has needed him most. His iconic performances, particularly in high-pressure moments, have solidified his place as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
As the game against the Bears approaches, the question remains: Will Harrison Smith take the field? And if he does, will he be able to return to full strength in time to provide the impact the Vikings desperately need?
A Legacy of Toughness
Harrison Smith’s legacy is defined not just by the statistics but by his sheer will to win. His grit and determination to never give up—no matter the obstacles—have made him one of the most respected players in the league. In a sport where injuries are part of the game, players like Smith are the ones who set themselves apart. His commitment to his team, his legacy, and his unrelenting desire to perform under pressure make him a player fans and teammates alike can count on.
So, as the Vikings prepare for one of their most important games of the season, they do so with the confidence that Harrison Smith will be there—ready to lead, ready to fight, and ready to prove that he’s built for this moment.
"This is my time, and I’m going to make it count," Smith concluded with unwavering conviction.
