Students of Eaglecrest High School at The Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC) worked with the Denver Broncos to design and create aspects of a cancer bell that patients all over the Denver metro area get the honor of ringing once they have been officially declared cancer free.
The Broncos plan on using this bell as a part of their ‘Fight Like a Bronco’ campaign for years to come.
“It gives me a sense of pride to know that I was a little factor in them succeeding into a bigger victory than me just welding a little project for them,” said senior Sam Johnson. “It looks like I helped a little bit even though it’s just a bell. It’s a bell with a meaning.”
It was a tremendous honor when the Broncos came to EHS for the opportunity to make their mark on the NFL’s Crucial Catch Initiative, which supports the American Cancer Society in raising awareness for all types of cancers through education, prevention, and screening.
The team ended up launching their cancer-inclusive ‘Fight like a Bronco’ campaign in 2015 when former assistant turf manager Luke Kellerman was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
He passed away in 2017 at age 34.
When the Broncos hosted their annual ‘Fight Like a Bronco’ game on September 29th, cancer survivors and caregivers were hosted and recognized at Empower Field at Mile High. They also received the privilege of holding the Colorado flag during the national anthem.
The team’s owner and foundation board chair Carrie Walton Penner unveiled the bell during the pregame reception.
“It’s a crazy opportunity to be able to make something that’ll hopefully be seen by hundreds to thousands to millions of people,” said Johnson.
Most recently, the Broncos poured their love into Coach Zack Grossi, who was Sean Payton’s passing game specialist. He was diagnosed with a yolk sac tumor in October 2024.
Although he missed most of last season, he eventually returned to his position on the sidelines cancer-free. His name was one of the many submitted by the Bronco’s staff to be displayed on the “Fight Like a Bronco” flag that Miles the Mascot ran out with during pregame.
