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Just 3 Hours After Being Cut by the Ravens: A Former Super Bowl “Cornerstone” Publicly Expresses Desire to Join the Broncos — Willing to Take a Pay Cut to Help Bring Denver Back to the Top

Denver, Colorado – January 2, 2026

Just three hours after being officially released by the Baltimore Ravens, Ben Cleveland — long regarded as a quiet cornerstone during the Ravens’ Super Bowl run — sent a ripple through the NFL by publicly expressing his desire to join the Denver Broncos.

What caught the league’s attention wasn’t just the destination — it was the conviction behind it.

This wasn’t about money.
This was about legacy.

According to multiple league sources, Cleveland has made it clear that Denver sits at the top of his list, even if that means accepting a reduced salary, a smaller role, or life away from the spotlight. His objective is straightforward: help guide the Broncos back into Super Bowl contention.

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In Baltimore, Cleveland was never the loudest name on the stat sheet. But inside the building, he was respected as a stabilizing force along the offensive line — a player who helped fuel a punishing run game, protect the quarterback in high-pressure moments, and control games when the margins were razor thin. At nearly 6-foot-6 and over 350 pounds, Cleveland combined rare size with a relentless, no-frills approach — the kind of trench DNA championship teams are built on.

I’ve walked through the toughest roads this league has to offer to reach the Super Bowl, and I understand that the journey isn’t measured by highlights or numbers. If Denver needs someone willing to sacrifice money, role, or even attention to help this team get back to where it belongs, I’ll do that without hesitation.

For Cleveland, Denver represents more than a market. It reflects a football culture rooted in toughness, accountability, and dominance in the trenches. The Broncos’ history has long been defined by physical play and quiet leadership up front — values Cleveland believes still matter when championships are forged.

Inside the Broncos’ facility, there is growing belief that the roster is moving in the right direction. Still, league sources note that proven leadership along the offensive line remains a missing piece. Cleveland’s interest is viewed as an opportunity to inject Super Bowl-tested standards into a young locker room learning how to win consistently.

One NFC personnel executive summarized the appeal simply:

“Ben Cleveland brings credibility. He’s lived through a championship run. For a team like Denver, that experience changes the way conversations happen inside the building.”

For the Broncos, Cleveland’s willingness to sacrifice financially sends a clear message — this is about winning, not contracts.
For Cleveland, it’s not about quietly extending a career, but about defining its final chapter with purpose.

Three hours after being released, Ben Cleveland made his choice.
Now, Denver waits to see whether that choice becomes the foundation of something bigger.

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Will Shields just won a lawsuit that, if lost, could have tarnished the legacy he built through dominant play and selfless giving. But the Chiefs stepped in — defending their icon and the community he’s championed for years.
Posted January 8, 2026 In a stunning legal victory that has sent shockwaves across the sports world, Will Shields has triumphed in a lawsuit that threatened to overshadow the legendary career he built on the field and in the community. The case, which could have severely damaged Shields’ reputation, was fought fiercely and resolved in his favor — thanks to the steadfast support of the Kansas City Chiefs, an organization that has always stood by their beloved offensive lineman. The lawsuit alleged that Shields’ off-field charitable efforts, which have long been a defining aspect of his post-football life, were part of a deceptive persona. The accusers tried to paint his community involvement as nothing more than an attempt to cash in on his fame. However, this legal battle has not only been about defending his name, but also preserving the foundation of hope and opportunity that Shields has worked so hard to build for years. The victory ensures that his legacy remains untarnished, with his reputation as a philanthropist and role model still intact. "This was never just about me," Shields said in a powerful statement after the ruling. "They tried to damage my name and steal the opportunities from kids who believed in me. The Chiefs stood with me every step of the way. This organization gave me everything — and now they’re protecting what truly matters in a fight they never signed up for. That’s family." Shields’ legacy has always extended far beyond his play on the field. Known for his dominant, consistent style of play that made him one of the NFL’s most respected offensive linemen, Shields’ impact off the field has arguably been even more profound. His unwavering commitment to underprivileged youth, his extensive charitable work, and his quiet acts of kindness to the community have earned him the admiration of fans, fellow athletes, and even those outside the sports world. The Chiefs, recognizing the importance of protecting their star player, immediately rallied behind Shields when the lawsuit surfaced. The organization, led by Chairman Clark Hunt, has long been known for its family-oriented culture, and this episode has proven once again that the Chiefs will always have their players' backs. In a statement released in conjunction with Shields’, the Chiefs made it clear that their support for their former player was non-negotiable. "We’re not just a football team, we’re a family," said Hunt. "Will has always been an ambassador for this team and this city, and we will stand with him no matter what. His legacy is untouchable, both as a player and a community leader." For Shields, this victory is a symbol of more than just legal success. It is a victory for the kids who have benefited from his charitable work, a victory for the fans who have admired him both on and off the field, and a victory for the organization that has always supported him. Now that the lawsuit is behind him, Shields can turn his attention back to the things that matter most to him: his family and his ongoing charitable efforts. With his legacy firmly intact, Shields’ place as a true icon — both in the NFL and in the Kansas City community — is more secure than ever. The Chiefs’ defense of Shields during this trying time has only strengthened the bond between the legendary lineman and the franchise that has always been home to him. In a world where many professional athletes struggle to maintain their legacies post-career, Will Shields’ story stands as a testament to the power of family, community, and the unwavering support of an organization that never leaves its legends behind.