ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Denver Broncos rookie Jonathon Cooper believed, really believed, he had the heart to succeed in football.
But there were moments in May, like every moment during three eight-hour medical procedures, when his heart wasn't a symbol of determination or a description of effort. It was the life-giving organ behind his ribs that might, or might not, allow him to play the game.
"And right now I don't take a second of it for granted," Cooper said. "... Really, I just think about everybody who supported me and just go."
The Broncos selected Cooper in the seventh round of this past April's draft -- 239th overall out of Ohio State -- with eyes wide open.