DENVER — Broncos receiver Jerry Jeudy talked publicly for the first time Tuesday about his dismissed criminal court case.
“Everything turned out good,” Jeudy said after the Broncos’ second minicamp practice. “Of course, that’s something where I didn’t want to put myself or the team in a position like that. I’m glad everything was handled how it needed to be.”
Jeudy, 23, was arrested May 12 on a misdemeanor second-degree criminal tampering charge that included a domestic violence sentence enhancer after a dispute with the mother of his 1-month-old child. Jeudy spent the night in jail. His biggest takeaway after an Arapahoe County judge dropped the charges at the prosecution’s request?
“Just know how to handle the situation from now on,” Jeudy said. “I learned from it. Now, I’m just ready to move forward.”
Jeudy did not participate in practice for a second consecutive day. He is recovering from what appeared to be a groin injury sustained during OTAs, although it doesn’t appear to be a long-term issue.
“I feel pretty good now about it,” Jeudy said. “Just getting better day-by-day and focusing on the little things that I need to do to stay better.”
The Broncos are counting on Jeudy to fulfill his first-round potential with the starting quarterback boost of Russell Wilson. Jeudy recorded 52 catches for 856 yards and three touchdowns playing in all 16 games as a rookie. But he also dropped a team-high 10 passes. Jeudy regressed in his second year with only 38 receptions and no touchdowns. His season plagued by a Week 1 high ankle sprain that limited his availability.
Not scoring a touchdown is a source of motivation for Jeudy this offseason.
“I can’t wait to touch that (end zone) paint,” he said. “That’s my first (season) ever playing the game of football and not being able to score a touchdown. I know this year, when I get into that end zone, y’all are going to feel me.”
Jeudy has earned the confidence of safety Justin Simmons.
“Jerry is going to be dangerous,” Simmons said. “The way that they’ve been using him and the way we’ve had to really key on him. … Jerry’s going to have a heck of a year. I can’t wait to watch him play and just be let go. Run free and do what he does best. He’s one of the best route runners that I’ve consistently gone up against over and over.
“You’ve got to lock in, know where your leverage is and know where your help is. If you don’t, he can make you look silly in practice.”
