Just Eight Miles Apart, but a World Away

In 2002, Tyler Polumbus was toiling away on the practice fields of Cherry Creek High School. In August he was on another practice field eight miles away. 

However, this field might as well be on a different planet for the former CU lineman. For this field is home to the two-time Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos. And lining up across from him are not 180- pound high schoolers but 265-pound warriors whose job it is to work their way around Polumbus.  

But Polumbus always knew that he would one day make it to the big stage, right? Actually, no. 
“When I was high school, I wouldn’t have believed it that I would be here now,” said Polumbus after a mid-August training camp session.  

Really? A professional football player who didn’t always know he would one day end up in the pros?  

“In high school I never believed I would be able to play in college. In college I wasn’t sure if I would be able to play in the pros,” Polumbus said. 
Despite his modesty Polumbus is one of the best homegrown linemen Colorado has ever seen. After three years of dominating the competition at Cherry Creek High School, Polumbus was named to numerous all-state and all-region teams. 

Polumbus then decided to play for his hometown CU Buffaloes. He was named team captain at the beginning of his senior year and went on to play every offensive down last year.  

Despite his standout play in his senior season, Polumbus went undrafted in this year’s seven round affair. Almost immediately after the draft, however, Polumbus signed with his hometown Denver Broncos despite receiving calls from both the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans.  

But signing with a team is one thing, making that team is a whole different story. And Polumbus doesn’t care how it happens, his singular goal is to make the 2008 Broncos. 

“I don’t pay any attention to where I am on the depth chart,” Polumbus said. “As long as I am on the team, that’s all that matters to me.” 

His first professional camp has definitely been a transition for the 6’8” lineman. However, Polumbus has not been overwhelmed by the physical nature of the NFL. 

“We banged a lot more at CU,” Polumbus recalled. “It was probably more physical there.”

After hearing what he says, Polumbus takes a slight step back.
“But it is just as intense here.” 

And while Polumbus is certainly a giant compared to most men, he is very soft-spoken and has a sunny disposition even after two hours of NFL practice.  

Polumbus hasn’t seen any in-house rivalries between teammates fighting for the same roster spots.
“Everybody is here to do a job,” Polumbus said. “Everybody here treats everyone else the same.” 
Polumbus made his NFL debut in the third quarter of the Denver Broncos first preseason game against the Houston Texans. On his second play, he even recovered a fumble by fellow rookie Anthony Alridge. 
“It felt awesome to get out there and play. It felt good to see the field,” Polumbus said.  
Despite his concentration on the NFL, Polumbus still keeps an eye on his old stomping grounds in Boulder.  
CU finished last season with a trip to the Independence Bowl and Polumbus definitely foresees another trip to a bowl for his Buffs. 

“I think CU is definitely going to do well this year. Hawk’s got them playing.”   
And that CU should be good for a long time to come according to their former captain. 
“If (Hawkins) keeps getting recruiting classes like he does, they will be pretty good for awhile.”  
And if Polumbus gets his chance to play for the Denver Broncos, he may be pretty good for awhile too, just eight miles from where it all started.