Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton addressed the recent shooting incident involving wide receiver Josh Reynolds, stating that Reynolds was “pretty shaken up” following the event. Payton emphasized the seriousness of the situation, mentioning that Reynolds is fortunate to have survived.
He conveyed his support for Reynolds, indicating that the Broncos would provide ample resources, including counseling, to assist him during his recovery. This support is crucial as Reynolds navigates the aftermath of the traumatic experience while currently on injured reserve after undergoing finger surgery earlier in the month.
The incident occurred last Friday, where Reynolds was one of two individuals shot in Denver. Reports from police documents reveal that multiple 911 calls alerted authorities to the shooting near South Quebec Street and East Union Avenue. Upon arrival, law enforcement found Reynolds had sustained two gunshot wounds—one in his left arm and another in the back of his head. Fortunately, both he and the other victim were treated and released from a local hospital shortly after, with injuries deemed “non-life-threatening.”
Although Reynolds has been unable to participate in games due to his finger injury, he has remained present for team activities at the Broncos’ complex in Denver. The team had recently played against the New Orleans Saints, and Reynolds did not travel with the squad due to his injured reserve status. Payton reassured that the Broncos organization is committed to ensuring Reynolds has access to all necessary resources as he heals, acknowledging the emotional impact the incident may have had on him.
Following the shooting, details emerged indicating that Reynolds and two friends had been at Shotgun Willie’s, a strip club in Glendale, Colorado. After leaving the club around 2:45 a.m., they reported being followed by multiple vehicles, leading to a confrontation that resulted in the shooting. When their SUV could no longer continue on Interstate 25, Reynolds and his companion exited the vehicle. The SUV was later found riddled with bullet holes, highlighting the violence of the incident.
Denver police have since arrested two suspects, Burr Charlesworth, 42, and Luis Mendoza, 35, who are being held on charges of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault. Investigators believe Mendoza followed Reynolds and his friends out of the strip club, escalating the situation to a dangerous level. Reynolds, who signed a two-year, $9 million contract with the Broncos in April, has recorded 12 receptions for 183 yards and one touchdown this season before the injury that has sidelined him.
