Shane Ray impresses in Denver Broncos introductory press conference

John Elway and the Denver Broncos introduced their First round pick Shane Ray at team headquarters at Dover Valley this afternoon.

Elway is very excited about Shane Ray falling to #23 pic.twitter.com/hB30kZOT39

— BSNDenver.com (@BSNDenver) May 1, 2015

The Broncos traded for Ray last night, moving up five spots in the draft to get the pass rusher. 

Shane Ray being introduced to the Denver media right now pic.twitter.com/xfaFBATOQx — BSNDenver.com (@BSNDenver) May 1, 2015

Newest #Broncos linebacker Shane Ray pic.twitter.com/0U8qObUzbT

— Adam Kinney (@AdamRKinney) May 1, 2015

Ray said it was hard watching team after team pass on him but was thrilled when he got the call from the Broncos. 

Ray: When my phone rang and I saw the area code number, words can’t describe how happy I was to know I was coming to such a great org. — BSNDenver.com (@BSNDenver) May 1, 2015

Ray hasn’t heard from Manning himself yet but knows what to call the future Hall of Famer. Ray is also very eager to get to work with Von Miller. 

Shane Ray says he will call Peyton, “Mr. Manning.” Also says he modeled his game after Von Miller. pic.twitter.com/4PJcrrngQF

— BSNDenver.com (@BSNDenver) May 1, 2015

Ray spoke at length about the support he received from his mother and what it meant to him.

Shane Ray with his very supportive mother here today pic.twitter.com/8dra03oCuW — BSNDenver.com (@BSNDenver) May 1, 2015

Ray’s mom Sebrina Johnson might’ve been the bigger star with the media this afternoon.   

Very candid conversation with Shane Ray’s mom Sebrina Johnson about raising Shane as a single mom pic.twitter.com/BY57misgrK

— BSNDenver.com (@BSNDenver) May 1, 2015

Johnson talked about raising Shane as a single mother, the bond they have, and about his recent off the field issues. “I’ve been active in Shane’s life, he never had any issues before. To have an issue of this magnitude, it was devastating. But I had to support my son, I told him “you’re going to own up to your mistake and we’re going to face it.”

Shane made a deal with his Mom so that he could enter the draft early, told her he would get the sack record and become SEC defensive player of the year. Shane did those things so Johnson agreed to let him enter the draft early, but under one condition.

Shane Ray’s mother Sebrina Johnson told our @BrandonSpano that Shane still owes her a degree. Promises to finish school for her

— BSNDenver.com (@BSNDenver) May 1, 2015

Ray is an impressive young man that seems to accomplish whatever he sets his mind to. It should be fun to watch him grow and develop both as a player and a person over the next few seasons.

For more draft coverage check out the BSN Denver Draft Center!