Jonah Coleman got his first taste of regular-season NFL football in Week 2, and the Denver Broncos rookie made an immediate impact. Coleman rushed for 39 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars and scored the first touchdown of his professional career.

However, it was what happened after the touchdown that caught the attention of Broncos fans. Coleman celebrated by performing the iconic Mile High Salute, a celebration famously associated with Denver legend Terrell Davis.

The moment carried plenty of meaning for Coleman. When asked why he chose Davis’ signature celebration for his first NFL touchdown, the rookie revealed that he already has a personal connection with the Hall of Fame running back.

“I mean you just got to pay respect to the guys that come before you. Terrell, me and him have the same marketing rep so we've talked before and talked a couple times and he's one of the best to ever do it and I feel like I have to pay my dues and pay my respect because at the end of the day you're playing for something bigger than yourself.”

That relationship made the celebration even more special. Coleman could have chosen any celebration for his first touchdown, but instead, he honored one of the greatest players in Broncos history.

Jonah Coleman Could Become Pivotal to the Broncos’ Run Game

Coleman could become increasingly important to Denver’s rushing attack after the Broncos struggled to run the football in Week 1. Denver managed only 61 rushing yards against Kansas City, leaving the offense far too reliant on Bo Nix.

Things looked much better against Jacksonville. Coleman combined with J.K. Dobbins to help Denver establish its ground game, while the Broncos finished with 104 rushing yards and a touchdown.

That improvement gives Denver another weapon to work with moving forward. If Coleman and Dobbins can consistently produce on the ground, they could take significant pressure off Nix and the passing game.

The Broncos will need that balance every week if they hope to turn their season into something meaningful. Coleman’s first touchdown was memorable, but his biggest contribution could come from helping Denver build a reliable rushing attack.

Written by

Joseph Nithin