Gary Kubiak, a former head coach of the Denver Broncos, reflects on faith and its impact on his football career. With the Broncos, Kubiak achieved the pinnacle of success by winning the Super Bowl on February 7, 2016, alongside iconic quarterback Peyton Manning. His journey highlights the crucial role of faith in shaping both his personal and professional life.
Early Life and Faith
Kubiak was born and raised in Houston, Texas, in a family that deeply valued faith. His Catholic upbringing included attending Christ the King Catholic School, where his father instilled the importance of discipline by waking him up for early morning Mass.
He later attended St. Pius X High School before moving on to Texas A&M University, where he played as a quarterback from 1979 to 1982. During his time at college, Kubiak faced personal challenges that taught him valuable life lessons about maintaining balance and prioritizing faith.
Football Journey
- Drafted by the Broncos: Kubiak was selected in the eighth round of the 1983 NFL Draft.
- Backup Quarterback: He spent nine years in the NFL as a backup, facing uncertainty each training camp.
- Coaching Career: Kubiak began coaching at Texas A&M before moving to the San Francisco 49ers, where he won Super Bowl XXIX in 1994.
- Return to Denver: Kubiak served as an assistant coach in Denver from 1995 to 2005, contributing to the team’s back-to-back Super Bowl victories in the late ’90s.
The Role of Family and Faith
Kubiak emphasizes that strength in his career was rooted in faith and family support. His experience as a coach allowed him to engage with players of diverse backgrounds, enriching his understanding of life and spirituality. He regularly participated in team Mass, reinforcing his commitment to his faith.
His sons, Klay and Klint, have also found success in coaching, serving as offensive coordinators for NFL teams, the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks, respectively. The family’s connection to football remains strong, with Kubiak’s guidance shaping their paths.
A Legacy in Denver
In 2015, Kubiak was appointed head coach of the Denver Broncos, a role that culminated in a Super Bowl victory against the Carolina Panthers in February 2016. This achievement marked a significant milestone in Kubiak’s career, emphasizing the blend of faith and determination that drives him.
Reflecting on his long tenure in Denver, Kubiak expresses gratitude for the opportunities his career has afforded him and his family. “It’s amazing to me that the good Lord placed me and my family in Denver for all those years,” he stated, highlighting the unique blessings of his journey.
