Broncos players have a great surprise for teammate Ben Garland

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Some of defensive end Ben Garland’s Denver Broncos teammates did something outstanding for the Air Force Academy graduate Tuesday.

Garland was re-awarded an Air Force sabre after practice at Dove Valley.

His teammates found out Garland lost his sabres along with other college valuable in the Waldo Canyon Fire. The items were stored at his grandparents’ home, which was destroyed in the fire.

The players took it upon themselves to collect some money and reach out to the Air Force to reacquire some of the sentimental items.

“This means so much to my family,” Garland says. “One of the things my parents were so sad to lose is the helmet I got them and the two sabres that they were given after graduation at the Academy. It just means the world to me.”

“We just wanted to do whatever we can to, you know, try to get some of those things back and try to put smiles on their faces even with the tragedy that happened,” says linebacker Joe Mays. “Ben is just a great guy, you know, he’s a great person. We can only imagine how great his family is so we just tried to do anything to help.”

Air Force Academy cadets are awarded two sabres upon graduation, and only two sabres, no exceptions.

Except in this very special case.