Young Patients Are All Smiles As Broncos Partner With Children's Hospital

AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - Denver Broncos players were on hand and visited young patients as the team announced a new partnership with Children's Hospital Colorado on Wednesday.

Cheerleaders and Miles the Mascot also paid visits to the young patients.

"The Denver Broncos are proud to partner with Children's Hospital Colorado," Broncos President and CEO Joe Ellis said in a statement. "This relationship is built on courage and inspiration, and we look forward to having a positive impact on many people at Children's Colorado and throughout this community."

PHOTO GALLERY: Broncos Players Visit Children's Hospital

According to the Broncos, players will continue to visit with patients but the team will also join Children's Hospital on "several year-round community initiatives."

"Children's Colorado will become a founding partner of the Broncos' Health and Wellness initiative, engage with the Broncos High School Football programs and receive significant exposure at Sports Authority Field at Mile High," the team said. "Additionally, the partnership will provide many unique experiences to Children's Colorado patients and their families."

"Children's Hospital Colorado is one of the most recognized brands and community assets within Colorado, and we're partnering with the Broncos to really make a difference in kids' lives," Chief Strategy Officer at Children's Colorado Gil Peri told CBS4. "Our kids love the Broncos, our staff loves the Broncos, so it was a natural partnership."

Broncos linebackers Corey Nelson and Brandon Marshall spent the morning dropping in on young patients at the hospital with gifts from the team. Marshall told CBS4 he just gets joy in helping other people, and that's why he volunteers to visit with patients.

"I definitely enjoy giving back, and to come here and talk to these kids, to give them a boost and put some smiles on their faces, it means a lot to me," Marshall said.

Marshall said it also has a positive effect on him as well.

"Just to be able to help somebody out … I get joy in helping somebody else, even if it's as small as a smile or whatever, I get joy in that," he said.

At the same time, Marshall said it's hard to see young children in a hospital.

"It's definitely hard because it humbles you as well because it lets you know that you're blessed to be able to just walk around and be healthy. So to see them it's kind of hard. I just like to help anyway I can."

Children's Hospital Colorado was founded in 1908 and is acknowledged as one of the Top 10 children's hospitals in the U.S.