With the Broncos riding an 11-game win streak and Super Bowl talk heating up, After the Horn welcomes longtime Denver sports voice Vic Lombardi for a wide-ranging, deeply reflective conversation that goes far beyond the standings. Tom Green, Ron Zappolo, and Woody Paige discuss why this Broncos team feels different, how expectations change when a team truly matters again, and whether Denver is in the midst of a rare, city-wide golden era with the Broncos, Nuggets, and Avalanche all operating at elite levels.
The conversation expands into the chaos surrounding college football, including the College Football Playoff debate, Notre Dame’s place in the sport, NIL, the transfer portal, and Vic’s recent one-on-one time with Deion Sanders. Lombardi offers thoughtful perspective on Prime’s leadership, the challenges of winning at Colorado, and why authenticity — in coaching and in media — ultimately matters more than public opinion.
The episode takes a powerful turn as Vic opens up about his ongoing battle with aggressive prostate cancer, sharing how it has reshaped his outlook on life, fear, honesty, and purpose. It’s an emotional, honest discussion about mortality, legacy, and helping the next generation find their voice — a classic After the Horn episode that blends sports, history, humor, and humanity.