HUNTERSVILLE http://www.jaguarsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-gardner-minshew-ii-jersey , N.C. (AP) — J.D. Gibbs, eldest son of Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs, was remembered as the visionary behind the stellar career of several NASCAR stars following his death from complications a long battle with a degenerative neurological disease. He was 49.Joe Gibbs Racing announced Gibbs’ death Saturday. He died Friday.Gibbs was co-founder of the NASCAR team that bears his fathers’ name and he largely ran the day-to-day operations of what is now an elite organization. He stepped away from JGR in 2015 when it was announced he was suffering from “conditions related to brain function.” He was president of JGR at the time and is credited with launching the career of Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin and spearheading the team’s pivotal move to Toyota.who won championships for the organization despite numerous skirmishes on and off the track. Stewart, a two-time champion driving for Gibbs, posted a photo from his 2002 title celebration in New York City alongside Gibbs and then-crew chief Greg Zipadelli.“Heartbroken for the entire Gibbs family,” Stewart wrote on social media. “J.D. was a great person — a family man who loved sports & racing in particular. He played a big part in my career, both as a driver & as a team owner. When he asked how you were doing, he genuinely cared. I’ll miss that the most.”Hamlin, who was found by Gibbs racing short tracks in Virginia, posted a photo sitting next to Gibbs before his 2006 Cup debut. Lurking just over Gibbs’ shoulder is Hamlin’s father, who told Gibbs that day ‘He’s all yours now.’“I will always be grateful for what his family did for mine and the opportunity he gave me 14 years ago,” Hamlin wrote.Gibbs played defensive back and quarterback at William & Mary from 1987-90 while his father coached the Washington Redskins, a team he led to three Super Bowl titles. He transitioned into NASCAR and the family business when the elder Gibbs launched his NASCAR team in 1992.Gibbs was eventually co-chairman of JGR, but began with the organization as a part-time driver and over-the-wall crew member. He made 13 NASCAR national series starts between 1998 and 2002.“We were privileged to watch J.D. Gibbs grow within the sport, displaying an endearing personality, a keen eye for talent and the strong business acumen that helped grow Joe Gibbs Racing into a preeminent NASCAR team,” said NASCAR Chairman Jim France. “The NASCAR family has lost a truly special member.”Washington owner Dan Snyder and wife Tanya say they are “heartbroken for the J.D. Gibbs family” and “for anyone who had the honor and privilege to know J.D., he was instantly recognized as a champion in life and sports.”Gibbs is survived by wife Melissa and four sons. ENGLEWOOD Christian Wilkins Jersey , Colo. (AP) ��� Jackhammers and buzz saws nearly drowned out the coaches hollering during OTAs this week at Denver Broncos headquarters, which is undergoing a makeover this spring.Upgrades include a massive new theater for team meetings and an expansion of the training room.Another thing the Broncos are remodeling is their backfield.It’s hardly recognizable following the departures of veterans C.J. Anderson and Jamaal Charles along with longtime position coach Eric Studesville, one of six assistants fired after last season.Curtis Modkins, who tutored 1,000-yard rusher Jordan Howard in Chicago last season, replaced Studesville, Miami’s new run game coordinator who served four head coaches in his eight years in Denver.Charles wasn’t re-signed after one season in Denver, and the Broncos released sixth-year pro Anderson , their leading rusher, to save $9 million. He signed with the Carolina Panthers.That leaves not a single running back in Denver who has ever posted a 100-yard game in the NFL.It’s a backfield bursting with energy, if not enthusiasm.“We’re all young,” third-year pro Devontae Booker said. “We can go out there and take it to the house at any time.”Booker didn’t start a single game last year, and second-year pro De’Angelo “Hop” Henderson carried seven times as a rookie. But with fullback Andy Janovich known more for busting helmets than tackles, they’re the ones getting peppered with questions from a trio of rookies.“It’s crazy,” said Booker, who turns 26 Sunday. “I think Hop’s the same age as me, but I’ve been here longer.”The Broncos selected Royce Freeman from Oregon in the second round of the NFL draft and Arkansas’ David Williams in the seventh before adding Colorado’s Phillip Lindsay, who went undrafted.Booker isn’t acting like he’s suddenly ascended to the top of the depth chart, either.“We’ve got four or five backs competing to be the guy http://www.dolphinsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-michael-deiter-jersey , so he’s got to come out and work and earn the right to be the guy,” coach Vance Joseph said. “Obviously, he understands that with C.J. gone, it’s a wide-open race. He’s excited about that and he should take a step forward.”No matter who emerges as the Broncos’ lead back, there will be plenty of carries to go around.“Someone’s got to be the starter, but I think to have a great running game, you have to have two or three guys,” Joseph said. “I think also (important is) having a third-down back, a guy who can be great in protections, catch the ball out of the backfield and beat linebackers one on one.”Booker, for one, wouldn’t mind sharing snaps.“Running back by committee,” Booker said. “If it happens like that, I’m all for it.”Here’s a look at the running backs jockeying for carries in 2018:DEVONTAE BOOKER : Coming off an injury-marred season, he was expecting to share snaps this season – with Anderson.“It was crazy, because the first day we got back, that’s when everything happened. I had just seen him. We were doing physicals and the next thing I know” he’s been released, Booker said. “It was shocking to me, but at the end of the day it’s a business. Best of luck to C.J.”DE’ANGELO HENDERSON : The speedster from Coastal Carolina escaped serious injury when a drunken driver totaled his Jeep last week.“It definitely makes you appreciate everything more Garrett Bradbury Jersey ,” Henderson said. “After I stopped, I was like, I’m lucky. I’ve got a newborn son, I got a fiancee. I’ve got a family that really cares about me and teammates that are counting on me this year.”ROYCE FREEMAN : Freeman’s high football odometer – 947 rushes, 79 catches in college – didn’t scare off the Broncos: “What it shows to us is he’s durable,” general manager John Elway said.Freeman agrees his college workload shouldn’t be a concern.“It is not often you get backs playing as many games or taking as many carries,” Freeman said. “I feel like the fact that I was able to do so proves I am a durable running back.”DAVID WILLIAMS : He’s embracing the crowded running back room, saying he enjoys competing for carries.“It’s actually a great situation,” Williams said. “If it was me in college, I would go to this school, if this was a school, because the situation is good. I’m just blessed to be able to have the opportunity to be in this situation.”PHILLIP LINDSAY : In all but one of the last 14 seasons, an undrafted college free agent has made the Broncos’ 53-man roster, and this Denver native is a good bet to continue that trend.He’s out to wow the coaching staff as a rusher, receiver and returner.“I’m just going to showcase everything,” said the former Buffaloes standout known as the “Tasmanian Devil” for his relentless motor.—
