“His ‘it’s cool’ response to most issues is part of a composed, detail-oriented, Zen-infused player who has already become one of the most important voices in the Denver locker room,” Legwold wrote.

While the Broncos have faltered in recent weeks, Bridgewater’s demeanor adds to a culture of accountability; when things have gone well, he’s spread the love around, and when things have not gone so well, he’s taken the blame.

“And that’s what you do,” former Broncos QB Jake Plummer said. “Everybody is going to tell you how great you are when you’re winning even though everybody else should probably get more of that recognition, too, so when it’s not going right, you stand up. You always fight for your guys, in games, during the week, whatever, man, that’s the job.”