That’s what Denver Broncos backup quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt reminded himself.

During the offseason, the Broncos were reportedly interested in one glamour free agent quarterback after another. Denver was allegedly interested in Anthony Wright, Joey Harrington Gus Frerotte ...the names went on and on all winter.

Friends would even point out the speculations to Van Pelt.

“Hey, did you see who might be coming into town for a visit?” they’d asked.

Van Pelt would just shrug his shoulders. He doesn’t much care who’s brought in. It doesn’t bother him the Broncos might be courting other quarterbacks.

“You’re going to see somebody else in here,” Van Pelt said. “I guarantee you that. Someone else will be here to push me. Maybe Joey Harrington. I don’t mind competition; I thrive on it. It doesn’t matter who it is.

“I’ve just got to worry about myself. Ultimately, the competition is within myself.”

The Van Pelt you thought you knew is vanishing. A maturer one is rising to the surface. Remember the Van Pelt who’d show up on the sidelines during the CU-CSU game, proudly waving the Rams banner? Or the one who used to skateboard to class in Fort Collins?

He’s not that person anymore. He can’t afford to be and lead this team, should anything happen to quarterback Jake Plummer.

“I’ve let go a little more of my personal life, and dedicated myself to football,” Van Pelt said. “I know what I need to do. I’m growing up, and realizing the importance of my situation.”

Hold on a second, though. Don’t misconstrue what he’s saying. The fun hasn’t been zapped out of Van Pelt. He still found time to do some deep-water diving in Hawaii and the Cayman Islands, and lounge on the beach in Florida during the offseason.

However, he’s hitting the play book harder than ever. He’s dedicated himself to learning the art of being an NFL quarterback. When he was in Hawaii for the Pro Bowl, he hung around the elite quarterbacks hoping their knowledge would rub off on him.

“I never said I was going to be a superstar overnight,” Van Pelt said. “I feel like I have a huge upside.

“But I have to keep chipping away.”

Van Pelt got his feet wet last season when he played significant time against San Diego in the season finale. In that game, he finished with more yards on the ground (48) than through the air (7). That experience opened his eyes. The Chargers defense was a lot quicker than on film.

“I think I made improvements last season, but I wasn’t excited about it,” said Van Pelt, who scored his first career touchdown on a QB sneak against Kansas City. “Obviously, the one opportunity I got wasn’t ideal for me. I hadn’t played for so long. I felt like a sophomore in college out there, and it took a while to calm my nerves.

“But I’m growing up. I’m starting to turn the other way where football is No. 1 in my life. I’ve never given it my all. In college, I was living the college life. I’m going to the next phase now to see how good I can be.”

Since arriving in Denver in 2004, Van Pelt has impressed the coaching staff with his work ethic. He’s the first one on the field, and last to leave. The coaches can glance into his eyes and see how important this game is to him.

“You’ve got to love what you’re doing,” Van Pelt said. “You can’t go through the motions. Teams will cut you. Even if you’re making a couple million dollars, they don’t care. If they can see it in your eyes that you don’t love it, you’re going to be on the outside looking in.”

He’s vowed to not let that happen to him. The rumors, though, can be unsettling. Van Pelt will turn on the radio and hear the rumor.

“Harrington and Denver are talking about a deal,” the announcer will say.

Van Pelt takes the news in stride. Bring Harrington in is Van Pelt’s feeling.

“I’m not competing against someone — I’m competing against myself,” Van Pelt said. “Not a minute goes by where I’m thinking, ‘Wow, I’ve got the second-string job.’ They’re going to find ways to push me. The best man plays.

“I think they believe in me, but they want to see if I’m going to put it all together. I know what I need to do. That’s why I’m letting go of my personal life and pouring everything into football.”

Van Pelt flashed his mischievous smiled as he thought about his diving expeditions. He’s not totally all work and no play.

“You still need a little goof-off time,” he said.