Linebacker Dre Greenlaw’s brief stint with the Denver Broncos ended after nearly a year, leading to his return to the San Francisco 49ers, where he originally spent six years. Greenlaw signed a three-year deal worth $31.5 million with the Broncos but was released before the contract concluded. He now plays for the 49ers again on a one-year contract.
One of Greenlaw’s challenges in Denver was adjusting to the altitude of the Mile High City. He expressed discomfort, mentioning it affected his sleep and overall well-being. He spoke to The Athletic, noting, “My mouth’s dry, my nose is dry, I can’t sleep.” The difference in air quality was apparent when he returned to California, where he remarked, “This fresh air, bro, it makes a difference. You feel like you can run all day out here.”
Greenlaw’s time with the Broncos began with a significant setback. On the second day of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), he suffered a severe quadriceps strain, which kept him from playing until Week 7. This injury, along with others, caused tension with head coach Sean Payton, as Greenlaw mentioned feeling isolated and sensing the coach’s growing impatience.
Greenlaw’s unfamiliarity with the Broncos’ defensive scheme also contributed to his struggles. He played in eight games, starting seven, with accomplishments including 43 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception. He accepted responsibility for not performing at his best, acknowledging he was not in top physical condition post-injury.
Reflecting on his time in Denver, Greenlaw admitted, “I don’t blame anything on the Broncos.” He recognized his physical limitations and the impact they had on his performance, indicating he rushed his return from Achilles and calf injuries. Greenlaw noted, “I should have taken it slow…but naturally, they’d just paid me, so that’s all I wanted to do — go show them what I could do.”
Now back with the 49ers, Greenlaw expressed contentment in returning to familiar surroundings. “It just feels like home,” he said, eager to continue playing and proving his capabilities on the field.