ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — J.K. Dobbins was an NFL free agent for 93 days. The veteran running back’s time as a free agent came to an end on Tuesday when he agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $5.25 million with the Denver Broncos.
And the wait was well worth it.
“It felt amazing,” Dobbins said on Wednesday, when asked about his first day as a Bronco. “It’s a true blessing to me. I’m so happy to be here. We’re going to do great things this year.”
Dobbins is no stranger to doing great things in the NFL. On an individual level, he’s one of the most efficient backs in the NFL, averaging 5.2 yards per carry in his career. In the modern-day NFL, Jamaal Charles holds the record for the best career yards-per-carry mark at 5.4. Dobbins is less than 0.2 yards behind him.
But Dobbins individual success carries over to his teams too.
“I’ve been in the playoffs every year I’ve played, so I’m tired of losing in them,” he stated on Wednesday, following his first practice wearing Orange & Blue. “That’s my goal. Bring a Super Bowl to the city and just be a blessing to the community, as well.”
Dobbins believed the Broncos had six key traits to get him to his goal of hoisting a Lombardi Trophy.
“I felt like it was the best fit for me,” the 26-year-old running back said, explaining why he chose to sign with the Broncos.
“The defense is really good—like super good. The quarterback is amazing. I like the [running back] room. [The offensive] line is amazing as well,” he continued, identifying specific reasons why Denver stood out to him. “It was a no-brainer—and Coach Sean Payton and all the other coaches on staff, too. I know I’ll get coached well here. I also heard that it’s a good fan base. That’s why I’m here.”
As a member of the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024, Dobbins got to see these traits up close as the Broncos rival. In the one game he played against Denver, he was on the winning end, both individually and on the scoreboard.
“This defense was amazing. You could feel it. You could feel the pressure,” Dobbins said, talking about the Chargers’ 23-16 win over the Broncos in Week 6 when he ran for 96 yards. “When we were playing against them, we knew it was going to be tough game all game long.”
In the Chargers’ two wins over the Broncos last year, Dobbins did get to see the emergence of Bo Nix. In the two AFC West battles, Nix threw for four total touchdowns to only one interception.
In those two games, the Chargers had more rushing yards than Denver in each game. Dobbins not only wants to help the Broncos’ run game on the field, but he also wants to help the young running back room develop.
“I want to bring some leadership to them. [I want to] help them grow as NFL players, because it can be tough,” Dobbins said about Denver’s running back group. “Especially the young rookie, RJ [Harvey], he’s going to be really good. It’s my job as a six-year [veteran] now—going on six years—I’m still 26 though I’m young. It’s my job to help him grow and pass the game along to him. Hopefully he has a great career.”
After just one practice around the Broncos’ second-round back, Dobbins believes RJ Harvey will be special.
“He’s going to be really good. I see a special player in him,” Dobbins stated with confidence. “He’s going to help me out, and I’m going to help him out. He’s going to be great.”
Dobbins instantly becomes the most experienced and most accomplished running back on the Broncos’ roster. He’s hoping that helps contribute to his first Super Bowl.