Broncos' "Virginia connection" has grown thin

Last fall I spent a couple days in Denver to do a story on the Broncos' "Virginia" connection, i.e. the half-dozen players on that roster who were from the Norfolk area or who played college football in Virginia. Well, typical of the Not For Long nature of the NFL, that Virginia connection is down to one active player -- wide receiver Eddie Royal, the second-year speedster out of Virginia Tech.

Chesapeake's Carlton Powell, a defensive tackle from Virginia Tech, was released this season but recently returned to Denver's practice squad.

Norfolk's Jack Williams, a defensive back from Booker T. Washington, was waived last week when the Broncos signed graybeard Ty Law. He was quickly signed by the Detroit Lions.

Defensive end John Enbelberger from Virginia Tech was released.

Long-snapper Mike Leach from William and Mary was released and is now snapping for the Arizona Cardinals.

Cornerback Dre' Bly from Chesapeake was released and is now with the San Francisco 49ers.

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