Practice departure a learning experience for Broncos' DeMarcus Walker

ENGLEWOOD — The last thing you ever want to see on the first day of training camp—or any day for that matter— is a player leaving the field with the training staff.

Unfortunately, that sight was seen on Thursday, as Broncos second-round pick DeMarcus Walker left practice in the early stages. Fortunately, though, there was no injury involved and, in fact, nothing serious at all.

“He’s doing fine. He had a heat issue,” head coach Vance Joseph said after practice. “Young guys come out, first day of camp, he’s nervous and anxious, probably. Just revved up and he lost his fuse too quick. I’m not worried about him, but it’s sad he couldn’t finish practice.”

Walker returned to activities with the team for their afternoon walkthrough, and afterward, we caught up with him.

“I guess I just wasn’t hydrated enough,” he said, clearly disappointed that he wasn’t able to participate in the full practice. “I’m used to the altitude, but I just wasn’t hydrated enough.”

“The training staff did a great job of getting me back hydrated and cooling my body down,” he added. “I’m just excited to get back to playing football.”

While unfortunate, you can be sure that Walker won’t have the same issue again anytime soon.

“Yes sir,” he confirmed. “Learning experience.”