T.J. Ward: Broncos Have Adopted A 'Ground Zero Mentality'

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CBS4) - Few NFL teams have returned to a Super Bowl a year after winning one, and the Broncos chances of a return trip may seem slimmer after an offseason that has included many big roster changes.

Safety T.J. Ward said the team knows the task in front of them is a tough one.

"It's a ground zero mentality. We've got to start from scratch," he said on Xfinity Monday Live. "We don't want to have that mindset that 'We're the champs' because next season is a whole other season. ... We've got to have that same mentality that we came in with last season -- that hunger."

While Ward and fellow starting safety Darian Stewart are back for the new season, two other safeties have moved on to other teams -- Omar Bolden and David Bruton. Ward says the team was smart to draft two safeties in this past weekend's NFL Draft.

"I watched some of their interviews and some of their tape. They seem eager and ready to work," Ward said of Will Parks (seventh round) out of Arizona and Justin Simmons (third round) out of Boston College. "I'm excited to meet them and lend them some lessons that I've learned in my few years in the league."

The biggest change on the Broncos roster is of course losing quarterback Peyton Manning to retirement. While his departure means the loss of a veteran leader on the team, Ward is glad the defense's most veteran leader will be back.

"It's definitely huge for us (to get) DeMarcus Ware back," Ward said. "He and Peyton were obviously the two biggest leaders on our team last year. Losing Peyton is going to be tough for the offensive side of the ball and the whole team in general, but we have D. Ware there for us defensively ... and I'm sure he's going to lend his (leadership) like he did last year to the offensive side as well."

Ward says his offseason has been great so far. He's had the chance to do some traveling and has found Broncos fans everywhere he goes.

"I've been getting a lot of love from people all over the place," he said.

Before the offseason officially comes to a close with the start of training camp, Ward will be hosting his annual golf tournament in Aurora. The T.J. Ward Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament takes place on July 18 at Blackstone Country Club and raises funds for youth development.

Get more information at tjward43.com.