Broncos' Paxton Prepares For Draft Party
DENVER (CBS4) - Denver Broncos long-snapper Lonie Paxton stopped by CBS4 studios on Sunday and announced he is the proud father of newborn twins.
"It was a little tough there in January after the Pittsburgh game. We had everyone in town and it was such an exciting game. After that she was sent to bed rest and it was for the best. Now they're out and healthy," Paxton said.
Paxton puts family first. He didn't play in the New England game because he had to stay home and take care of his wife.
"It was a tough decision, especially playing against my old teammates in such a high-level game. But there were some decisions that had to be made and I had to be there for her," he said. "It was the right thing to do. It was hard, but in the end it was right."
But Paxton also stopped in to talk football. He's coming back for his 13th year in the NFL. CBS4's Gary Miller asked him if he ever believed he'd still be in the NFL 13 years out of college at Sacramento State.
"I was actually just at a Sac State Hall of Fame induction for some old teammates of mine and it's a trip seeing all the old guys I used to play with," he said. "We were a state school and 1-10 a couple times and barely anyone comes out of our school ... I was lucky to get that opportunity."
Now he owns three Super Bowl rings -- all with the Patriots.
The offseason workout program started on Monday and Paxton explained what it means for the players.
"It's a chance to see some new faces. This year we've got a new strength coach and a couple new coordinators. Definitely get a chance to get in the weight room and shed some of that offseason lub you've put on," he said. "Just working out, running, meeting the guys."
Of course it wouldn't be an offseason interview of a Broncos player without bringing up the Peyton Manning topic.
"Winner ... I've had a chance to hang out with him in the past few years; we go to a couple of similar events; what a class ... he's already in there, coaching guys up on how he likes things done."
Paxton said he was shocked when he heard Tim Tebow got traded.
"Because of the year he had. Obviously he's a great player, great teammate; but Peyton Manning -- what are you going to say?"
He said everybody's job is vulnerable no matter how good they were the year before.
Every year Paxton holds an NFL Draft party that benefits the Active Force Foundation.
"It's a chance to come meet some Broncos and get up close and personal with your favorite Broncos and bowl for a good cause. All the money goes to programs we provide for injured military, injured athletes."
It will be held April 26 at 5 p.m. at Celebrity Lanes in Centennial. To find out more information call the Castle Rock Media Group at (303) 688-9412.
LINK: Active Force Foundation
