DENVER — When Javonte Williams takes the field this Sunday in a Dallas Cowboys uniform, there will be a strange mix of cheers and heartbreak echoing through Empower Field. Broncos fans know this isn’t just another player returning to town. It’s a homegrown favorite — a player who ran with grit, heart, and purpose, and who now wears different colors.

“Javonte was our guy,” said lifelong fan Matt Rogers, standing outside the team store Friday afternoon. “He ran like Denver — tough, blue-collar, never quit. Seeing him come back with the star on his helmet? It hurts, but I’ll still clap for him.”

Williams’ departure from Denver wasn’t born out of controversy or failure. It was timing, circumstance, and cap space — the business side of football that fans often struggle to reconcile with loyalty. When the Broncos began restructuring their roster last spring, Williams became an unexpected trade piece. Dallas jumped at the opportunity, and the deal quickly became official.

“He didn’t ask to leave,” said Broncos insider Mike Klis. “He loved Denver. But the organization was moving in a different direction. This is one of those cases where both sides needed a reset.”

Still, the emotional toll lingers. In his three seasons with Denver, Williams became a fan favorite for reasons beyond statistics. His hard-nosed style symbolized the kind of football Broncos Country admires — powerful, punishing, and selfless. Fans remember his 2021 breakout performance against the Chiefs, where he rushed for over 100 yards and carried multiple defenders on his back.

“That run told you everything you needed to know,” said former teammate Courtland Sutton. “He’s got the heart of a warrior.”

Now, as he returns with Dallas, many fans find themselves caught between nostalgia and competition. “I’ll be cheering for him,” said fan Ashley Delgado. “But the second he crosses midfield, it’s game on.”

The Broncos organization is planning a short pregame tribute to honor Williams’ contributions, including highlights from his early seasons and his inspiring rehab after the 2022 knee injury. It’s a rare gesture, reserved for players who leave a lasting impression both on and off the field.

Broncos coach Sean Payton, who never had the chance to coach Williams, acknowledged the respect the team still holds for him. “He’s a special player,” Payton said. “You could see from the tape — his effort was elite. He played with the kind of intensity every coach loves.”

In Denver, that intensity became part of the city’s football identity. “He ran through pain,” said fan blog writer Ryan Green. “Even when the team struggled, Javonte never mailed it in. That’s why we’ll never boo him.”

Social media has been flooded with messages of support. One tweet that’s gone viral simply reads: “Once a Bronco, always a Bronco. Run hard, JW33.” The replies are filled with orange heart emojis.

For Williams, that support hasn’t gone unnoticed. “The fans here… they showed me love from day one,” he said earlier this week. “Even through injuries, even when things got rough — they never gave up on me. That means a lot.”

His words resonated deeply with Denver’s faithful, many of whom still wear his No. 33 jersey on game days. “I kept mine,” said fan Leah Johnson. “I don’t care what team he plays for. He earned my respect.”

Some fans even admit they’ll secretly root for him to have a good game — as long as the Broncos win. “Give him 100 yards,” one commenter wrote. “Just not the W.”

It’s rare for a player to leave a franchise and maintain this kind of goodwill. But Williams’ authenticity makes him different. He didn’t leave Denver chasing money or attention. He left quietly, gratefully — the same way he played.

“He was one of us,” Rogers said, his voice softening. “And in some way, he still is.”

Sunday’s game won’t just be another matchup. It’ll be a reunion — one filled with mutual respect, bittersweet memories, and the unspoken bond between a city and the player who once carried it.

No matter which team wins, Denver fans will likely rise when his name is announced. Because in a league often driven by headlines and controversy, Javonte Williams represents something purer — the kind of player fans never forget.