Lost 20 Pounds in Silence — Now This Broncos Defender Is Ready to Win Back Denver

Denver, CO – July 25, 2025

There’s a different energy rumbling through Broncos camp this summer. Coaches and fans alike are noticing a leaner look up front, especially from one of Denver’s most vital pieces on the defensive interior.

Last year, the Broncos’ defense earned national respect, topping the league with 63 sacks and setting the tone for a return to playoff football. Yet late in the season, fatigue sometimes showed in the trenches, sparking debate about conditioning.

For defensive tackle D.J. Jones, the critiques felt personal. Despite being the anchor in run defense, advanced metrics showed his lateral movement occasionally lagged, especially in high-tempo matchups against mobile quarterbacks and quick-hitting run games.

When the season ended, Jones went off the grid. Instead of celebrating, he spent months away from the Denver spotlight, trading celebratory meals for vegetables, grains, and a brutal new workout routine.

By the first OTA in June, teammates and coaches were stunned. The powerful tackle, once hovering at 325 pounds, had quietly dropped 20 pounds, showing up at a solid 305 with noticeably improved quickness.

It was only after a strong performance in minicamp that D.J. Jones addressed the transformation. “I watched the film, and I saw the truth — I wasn’t who I said I’d be. And I couldn’t accept that — it was all because I was too slow from my weight. So I dropped 20 pounds and did the work in silence. This year, I’m earning back the name on my jersey — and the trust of Broncos Country.”

Coaches now say Jones is playing with a new level of speed and stamina. Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph believes the weight loss will allow Jones to stay on the field longer and make bigger plays in crucial moments.

Broncos Country is taking notice too. Social media is abuzz with clips of Jones bursting through drills, looking sharper and lighter than ever. Fans hope this new version will fuel another dominant season up front.

With the AFC West loaded with elite offenses, Denver needs every edge. If Jones’s transformation holds, the Broncos could have their most disruptive interior defender in years—just in time for another playoff push.