ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) -When Vonnie Holliday was shopping for a new team, the defensive lineman received all sorts of suggestions from family and friends, even random strangers.

The message was basically the same: Be sure to check out the New England Patriots, they're the front runners with Tom Brady back.

And stay clear of Denver!

Still, Holliday couldn't cross the Broncos off his list, even if they had a defense in disarray and a new coach who began his tenure by quarreling with his Pro Bowl quarterback and receiver.

Something just intrigued Holliday. So he signed on with Denver in early September, eschewing other potential suitors.

That decision has now left him feeling like he cashed in a winning lottery ticket.