ENGLEWOOD — Broncos rookie cornerback Jahdae Barron changed jersey numbers in training camp to the regular season from No. 12 to No. 23.

It carries a special meaning.

The University of Texas product, selected No. 20 overall in the NFL draft, formerly wore the jersey number in college to honor someone he called “a close family friend” who passed away.

Tardrick Fowler Jr. played football at Smithville High School (Texas), located southeast of Austin, and he wore the No. 23. He died in June 2020 from what police described as “playing Russian roulette” at a party, according to The Austin American Statesman . Fowler was 19.

“It was a friend that had passed away,” Barron told The Denver Gazette after practice on Wednesday. “So, it means something very special to me. I just felt the need to

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