As wide receiver Brandon Marshall continues to make the media rounds in Los Angeles this week, the disgruntled Denver Broncos’ star answered several questions about his unresolved status during an NFL Network appearance.
Repeatedly asked if he still wants to be traded, Marshall emphasized that he does plan to show up for training camp on time, “Well, as of right now, I’m still under contract. I have a wedding to prepare for, so I’m definitely going to show up. I’m not going to let them take no money. There was a trade request. As of now, I’m still under contract.”
Marshall bolted out of the Broncos’ minicamp earlier this offseason after requesting a trade during a meeting with Broncos owner Pat Bowlen.
When asked if his unhappiness stems from his contract or the Broncos’ organization, Marshall was vague.
“It’s more to it,” he said.
Marshall never elaborated, though.
Marshall stuck with a politically correct script when asked about the departure of Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler via a trade to the Chicago Bears.
“That’s not good losing a Pro Bowl quarterback,” Marshall said. “At the same time, you can’t discredit the Denver Broncos or Pat Bowlen, one of the best owners in the NFL.
“It’s a great organization. I don’t think it would be fair for me to bash the organization or the things we’ve been trying to keep behind closed doors.”
Marshall characterized his pair of meetings with Bowlen as positive ones.
“Mr. B. understood where I was coming from and I understand where he’s coming from,” Marshall said. “I thought it was best that I move on. . . .
“I can honestly say I play the game for the love. Throughout this summer and offseason, it really showed me the business side, losing a quarterback like Jay Cutler and a coach like Mike Shanahan.
Although he claimed that he hasn’t received a letter from the team stating that he will be required to report with rookies and injured players, Marshall said that he plans to be one of the first players to report to camp.
And Marshall called new Broncos starter Kyle Orton “a great quarterback,” which amused Jamie Dukes during the interview.
After undergoing offseason hip surgery, which has been another point of contention with Marshall as he has claimed to distrust the Broncos’ medical staff, the Pro Bowl wideout reports good progress.
“Just the other day, I did a 360 dunk and followed up with a windmill,” Marshall said. “I’m good. I’m ready.”
