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Show BY RYAN MCDONALD /sPoRrs EDITOR r.mcdonald@chronicle.utah.edu I REAM 7r n the first 45 seconds of his recent appearance on of Beadles' grandmothers and one of his grandfathers the most incredible things about him. At age 27, he "Ellen," former Utah and current Denver Broncos were stricken with the disease, and he became close with gets that. He understands the perspective of the bigger, offensive lineman Zane Beadles' best characteristics one young cancer patient during his time with the Utes. broader picture of issues in life:' are on full display. The dance the Pro Bowler breaks into as he ap- Though he is incredibly busy as an NFL player, Beadles Both Beadles' father and Daniels feel that stems partly visits Brent's Place a few times during the season to from the idea that Zane didn't view himself as a potential proaches the stage isn't one of cockiness. Rather, there's play Barbies and other games with the children. He goes NFL prospect until later in his college career. Baseball a sense Beadles is simply there to have a good time, more frequently during the offseason, but more than that, was his first love even through his prep years at Hillcrest reminiscent of his father Brad's description that the he aims to provide opportunities such as stadium tours High School in Midvale, and when he gave that up to join 6'4", 305-pound left guard who will play in this Sunday's for the children who are experiencing hardship. Addition- Whittingham's squad, he felt inadequate as a football Super Bowl is just "a big kid." ally, he has donated roughly $75,000 to Brent's Place player. During his first fall camp at Utah, he confided in over the past three years. his father that he didn't think he was good enough to Then there's the hug, as he reaches down to embrace the famous talk show host, who is nine inches shorter "I've had the pleasure of working with a lot of coaches make an impact for the Utes. than him. The scene calls to mind the ideas that Beadles and athletes in the sports world throughout my non- is "the kind you wish was your own kid" and "the type profit career, and I can sincerely say that I've never met guard to tackle — wore on, Beadles became more of a of kid that you'd want your daughter to marry," descrip- anybody like Zane," says Sean Meyerhoffer, the executive force. As a junior, he garnered first team All-Mountain West tions given by his high school offensive coordinator Gary director of Brent's Place. "He's not only in it when there's honors and helped Utah win the Sugar Bowl. It was at this Daniels and Utes' head coach Kyle Whittingham. a camera there or something publicity-wise. He's here point that he was firmly on the radar of NFL scouts. Finally, viewers get a sense of what makes Beadles one of the better offensive linemen in the NFL. As DeGeneres takes her best jab at the 27-year-old, he stands tall, unfazed by the impact. Sure, DeGeneres when no one knows he's here:' Beadles' father says spending time with the children at Brent's Place is something his son looks forward to. "It's a good day for him when he's able to go down to As his career on the hill — which included a move from "The guy is an extremely smart football player," Whittingham says. "He picks up things as quick as anybody we've ever had in our program. I think that's a reason why, first of all, he made an NFL team and, second of may be just half Beadles' size in weight, but his pres- Brent's Place," Brad Beadles says. "Not that the reason all, why he's doing so well, is because he doesn't make ence is imposing nonetheless. is good, but the ability to go down and play with five, six, mistakes. He's a quick learner and is able to process a seven-year-olds who have just gone through chemothera- lot of information. Extremely bright kid." The intersection of Zane Beadles the person first and Zane Beadles the football player second on such a py, that's what he enjoys, is that kind of thing:' Even though a future playing on Sundays was es- well-known stage as "Ellen" speaks to who he's become The second organization Beadles helps is Colorado As- sentially a sure bet, Beadles decided to stay in school both off and on the field. The opportunity came in large sociation of Black Professional Engineers and Scientists, his senior season. For the 2009 campaign, he earned part because he's a prominent piece of one of the best which helps underprivileged children gain access to first team All-American honors from the Football Writers offensive units in NFL history, but he was there represent- educational opportunities. This concept is important to Association of America, among many other awards. ing the Zane Beadles Parade Foundation to rally support Beadles, who stayed four years at Utah to earn a degree for two causes that have grown near to his heart. in mechanical engineering despite having the opportu- Denver Broncos with the 45th overall pick. He has nity before that to bolt for the NFL. started 62 of his 64 career games and was selected The first is Brent's Place, which provides "Safe-Clean" housing for families in Colorado who have children with compromised immune systems because of cancer. Both 8 Fl magazine "Football isn't his defining characteristic," Brad Beadles says. "For me as a father, that's by far one of In the 2010 NFL Draft, he was selected by the to play in the 2013 Pro Bowl. This season, he has helped Denver become a potent offense. With future |