Brock Osweiler has opted to stay in Houston for the Denver Broncos celebratory White House visit this weekend, the last time a Super Bowl winner will visit during President Barack Obama’s time in office.
Osweiler told USA Today said it would be more beneficial to the Houston Texans and himself if he attended Monday’s organized team activities workout. Osweiler left the Broncos this offseason for the Texans, who signed him to a four-year, $72 million deal. The 25-year-old released a statement saying he needed to start building a rapport with his new team and that’s why he declined the invitation to Washington.
“The Broncos graciously extended an invitation for me to join them at The White House on Monday, but due to a scheduled OTA in Houston, I feel it is important to be at practice with my new teammates,” Osweiler said in a statement. “It’s a new offensive system for me and every practice and rep is extremely important. I am very appreciative of the Broncos wanting to include me on this special day.”
Denver General Manager John Elway said that Osweiler’s absence will not cultivate any bad blood, telling the Denver Post’s Nicki Jhabvala, “It’s his decision.”
In seven games as the starting quarterback while Peyton Manning battled plantar fasciitis, Osweiler threw for 1,967 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions while going 5-2 in those games. He was replaced by Manning in the final game of the season against the San Diego Chargers, a change that stuck through the playoff run and Super Bowl victory over the Carolina Panthers. After the dust settled and Manning made his retirement official, the team seemed to be Osweiler’s for the taking, but the Texans swooped in to sign the 6-foot-7 gunslinger.
The Broncos replaced the void left by Osweiler’s departure and Manning’s retirement with free agent Mark Sanchez and first-round pick Paxton Lynch.
Mike Klis of 9News reported on Twitter four former Broncos who have since signed elsewhere – Danny Trevathan, Aaron Brewer, Omar Bolden and Malik Jackson – will make the trip to D.C. with the team. Manning will also attend the ceremony.
(c) 2016, The Washington Post – Nick Martin
