A Few Holdouts to Broncomania Can Be Found

Naturally, there was bound to be a backlash resulting from the resurgent dose of Broncomania. But Rulon Jones, Denver’s All-Pro defensive end, didn’t expect it so soon after the Broncos defeated the Cleveland Browns last Sunday.

When Jones returned to his home in suburban Brighton, there was a sign with an obscene message regarding the Broncos planted in his front yard. Jones, who had just come from a 20,000-fan pep rally at Stapleton Airport, said he wasn’t surprised.

“It wasn’t burning like a cross or anything,” he said. “But there are people here who don’t like the Broncos.”

Not many, though, Jones said.

“The mania is at its peak now,” he said. “Not only are our fans vocal and everything, but they have class, which some in Cleveland don’t. You want fans to be supportive, but when they get abusive, it’s gone too far.”

Jones was referring to the Cleveland Browns’ “Dawg Pound,” a group that sits in the east end zone bleachers in Cleveland Stadium and barks and slobbers and throws dog biscuits--and, apparently, other things--on the field.

“One of our assistant coaches was hit by a whiskey bottle after the game and had a cut on his head,” Jones said. “That goes beyond what I want sports to be.”

There is a silent minority of Brown fans in Denver. In fact, they met in a bar to watch last week’s game and later commiserate.

And yes, there are people here who couldn’t care less about football.

Said a waitress at Fenway Park, a popular sports bar: “I’m not much of a fan. I think they should give everyone the ball so they all could score.”