Broncos report: Hall returns to Broncos after mother's death

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published September 11, 2008 at 4:02 p.m.
Updated September 12, 2008 at 8:53 a.m.

Text size  

• 6 Comments
• Email
• Print

Broncos quick links

Drew on the NFL

Scores and statistics

• Broncos statistics
• Broncos schedule
• Broncos roster
• Broncos depth chart
• NFL scoreboard
• AFC standings
• NFC standings

Broncos inbox

• Submit a question for Jeff Legwold's inbox and look for the answer each Wednesday morning in the Broncos 24/7 blog.

ENGLEWOOD — Andre Hall returned to work Thursday with a heavy workload and a heavier heart.

The Broncos running back flew back to Florida to spend time with his father and 10 siblings after his mother's death Monday from complications from diabetes. But Hall reported two hours early Thursday to give himself extra time to study his playbook.

He reported no missed assignments.

"It was OK," he said, adding, "I think it was better to get back in the swing of things."

Hall recalled his mom as a wonderful woman who lived long enough to raise 11 children until they were responsible enough to take care of themselves. Carol Berthel suffered from diabetes and has been sick this summer. She'd had her foot amputated, then the entire leg, then both legs. A heart attack ultimately killed her.

"My mom actually died six times Monday," Hall said. "She passed, came back, passed, came back. . . . I don't think she really wanted to go. But maybe it's best she went."

Hall was given the choice Monday to miss Denver's season opener after hearing the news in mid-afternoon. Instead, he led Denver with 10 carries for 61 yards.

"It was probably one of the hardest things I've ever done," he said.

Hall added that once he was on the field he was able to maintain his focus but after the game, his loss caught up to him. Teammates sent him "hundreds" of text messages to make sure he was OK after he flew home to spend a couple of days with family.

"It was good to be home and talk to my dad. He's kind of down right now," Hall said. "But he's holding up a lot stronger than I thought."

Hall will return to Florida for Monday's funeral. The wake is Sunday, when the running back will play against San Diego.

Clearing the path

Offensive guard Kory Lichtensteiger never had any aspirations to be a skill-position player.

Nevertheless, he welcomed the chance to play H-back in Denver's short-yardage package near the goal line against the Raiders. Lichtensteiger helped clear the way on both of Michael Pittman's short scoring runs.

"I was nervous on the sideline, just wondering, 'When are we going to get to the goal line? Are we going to score from far out?' " the rookie said. "I tried to not get myself worked up too much. But I was excited."

Lichtensteiger isn't sure if he's got a new part-time gig or whether it's a one-time experiment.

But he knows one thing for certain: "I'm definitely a better guard than an H-back."

Welcome back

After more than a month's rehabilitation, and an extra week's rest in the opener, strong-side linebacker Boss Bailey should make his Broncos debut in the starting lineup Sunday.

Bailey didn't even last a series in the preseason before suffering a high right ankle sprain in Houston. Jamie Winborn has been starting in his place but will likely return to his versatile backup and special teams role.

Bailey immediately could have coverage duties on San Diego's Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates.

"It's huge," defensive end Elvis Dumervil said. "He's a proven player. We brought him in here for a reason. He brings height and range to the defense. Hopefully, he's healed right and can do what he does."

Etc.

* Coach Mike Shanahan said that center Tom Nalen "is still a little bit sore" after left knee surgery and that the training staff believes Nalen should feel better in a few weeks. Nalen is a limited participant in practices this week.

* Linebacker Louis Green (hamstring) appears destined for another inactive weekend after missing his second straight practice.

* Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson did not practice Thursday and his status is up in the air for Sunday.

* The Broncos have won their past eight home openers and are 12-1 (.923) in home openers under Shanahan. That's second best to Red Miller (4-0, 1.000) in winning percentage among coaches who were at the helm of the Broncos for at least three games.

Numbers game

19 career wins in 29 games against the Chargers for Shanahan.

He said it

"It's going to tell a lot, clearly, going against them. They're the best in the AFC West and have been for a couple years. They dominated at their place and our place. It's a big test for us. They've got talent across the board and have been winning longer than we have. Some of the young guys here, including myself, are 0-4 against them."

Jay Cutler, Broncos quarterback, on Sunday's game being a true measuring stick for his team.

• September 11, 2008

  5:24 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  My prayers are with you Andre. You're a brave young man and a class act to play, upon the news of the loss of your mother. She is in a better place and out of pain. My thoughts are with you and your family.

• September 11, 2008

  6:15 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  incognitoboy writes:

  andre - dynamicdave said it all. my thoughts and prayers are with you as well.

  [[[[[[[incognitoboy]]]]]]]]]]]]

• September 11, 2008

  7:32 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Horvil_Tiki writes:

  I is pray for the Ader Hall... Ader Hall is the incredibal bowlig ball force he run the over enemy player all day guy. Is was awful devstat suffer, Ader Hall is warrior of the bronco.

• September 11, 2008

  7:38 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Cutlers_the_bomb writes:

  I agree, and not much else can be said about that performance. You were running your heart out, and I will admit that I would never have been able to handle it the way he has. I would just completely shut down. My prayers and thoughts also go with you, and I hope that you and your family have much happiness in the years to come. You deserve it, and even though ESPN and the NFL Network don't talk about this development, your courage is another example that you guys are human beings, too, and you have earned not just my respect, but my love and admiration as well. Good luck, and while your mother may be in another place, she is no longer suffering, and only waits for you and your entire family to join her in heaven, by her side.

• September 12, 2008

  10:37 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  bleedsorangenblue writes:

  Andre,

  May your mom R.I.P., just like you'll show the S.D.C's this Sunday when you tear em up.

• September 12, 2008

  2:15 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  JCut6JElway7 writes:

  Prayers and positve thoughts go out to Andre Hall and his family. Your a strong individual going back to work and playing hard. That alone is proof that you mom instilled good things in you. She's very proud right now.

Featured

• Rocky Multimedia

  

  The news comes alive in our videos and slide shows. Catch up on what's happening today.

• Holiday Lights

  

  Is your house the jolliest on the block? Submit your holiday lights display.

• Holiday Gift Guide

  

  Looking to get a jump-start on the holiday shopping season?

• Mount Crushmore

  

  Which four Broncos greats should be immortalized on Mount Crushmore? Vote here.

• Bronco Dean's rant

  

  Listen to Bronco Dean's midweek rant on the Chiefs.

• Broncos Video

  

  Get the latest from Dove Valley as the Broncos prepare for Sunday's matchup.

• Calendar wallpaper

  

  Download this month's desktop wallpaper calendar

• Sam Adams' Open Mic

  

  Open Mic: Stirrin' the Soup with Matt Iseman

• The Rocky @ 150 Years

  

  Read the Rocky's coverage of Colorado's cannibal, Alfred Packer, in 1886.