Denver Broncos waive two rookie minicamp participants

The NFL can be a ruthless business. One day, you’re saved as a team signs you. The next, you’re waived and again only a football fan, not an NFL player.

For two young players, that reality is just now setting in.

On Monday morning, the Denver Broncos waived offensive lineman Jon Halapio and wide receiver Matt Miller.

Halapio, a guard, was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Florida. After being part of New England’s final roster cuts last August, Halapio played for the Boston Brawlers of the Fall Experimental Football League and then was signed to the Broncos’ practice squad in December of last year. He played with Denver’s fourth round pick, center Max Garcia at Florida, but the two won’t suit up in orange and blue together again, it seems.

Miller, from Boise State, was one of the Broncos’ nine college free agents who were picked up post-draft. With the Boise State Broncos, Miller performed well. His junior season saw career highs with 88 receptions for 1,140 yards and 12 touchdowns. But injuries hampered his success as a senior, falling to 28 catches for 461 yards and three scores.