On the evening of August 23, 2023, former Denver Broncos linebacker Glenn Cadrez performed a life-saving act after witnessing a severe accident on Interstate 15 in California. As he was driving home from a pizza party celebrating his son Kannon’s Pop Warner game, Cadrez found himself just two miles from his exit when he saw a black BMW M4 collide with another vehicle. This incident unfolded around 21:30 local time and would alter the lives of several individuals involved.
Cadrez noticed a cloud of dust as the BMW veered through a concrete divider and crashed into an oncoming car. He described the moment: “It happened so quick. I was like, ‘What the (heck) was that?’ Then it slammed into the car, maybe two seconds in front of me. Just boom!” Thankfully, he was driving slower than usual, which likely prevented him from being directly involved.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Cadrez swerved to avoid the wreck and quickly exited his vehicle to assist. He saw a man outside a Nissan Sentra that had been struck, but his immediate focus shifted to the burning BMW. Upon opening the door, he was engulfed in smoke and flames. “I couldn’t see really anything in the car, not even the passenger seat, just the silhouette of the driver,” Cadrez recounted. Despite the danger, he managed to pull the driver from the wreck, who was suffering from significant injuries, including a suspected compound fracture in his leg.
Tragically, while Cadrez’s actions saved the 25-year-old driver, the accident claimed the lives of three others in the BMW—a 23-year-old woman and two teenagers, a 14-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl. The news weighed heavily on Cadrez, especially as he reflected on the ages of the deceased, which mirrored those of his own children. “It was really hard to hear that. Those are the ages of my sons. It’s so sad,” he said, noting that the driver of the other vehicle also succumbed to injuries.
Cadrez’s mind raced in the days following the accident, filled with thoughts of what he might have done differently. He expressed a deep desire to have been able to save more lives: “I never heard anything. No voices. Maybe I couldn’t have saved them. But I wish I could have done more to help. It hurts.”
Despite the traumatic experience, Cadrez emphasized that his instincts drove him to act. “I have got kids. Everything I do is with them in mind. I would like to think if they were in trouble, someone would help them,” he stated. He expressed a sense of urgency in his response, wishing he could have arrived at the scene moments earlier.
Cadrez, who was part of the Broncos’ Super Bowl-winning teams in 1997 and 1998, is revered as a dedicated team player. His former teammates, including Howard Griffith and Hall of Famer Steve Atwater, praised his character and bravery in the face of danger. “Glenn was an absolute rock star teammate. He showed us what it means to be tough and committed,” Griffith remarked. Atwater added, “He saved a young man’s life! Glenn was an awesome teammate, a great player.”
Reflecting on his actions, Cadrez maintained a humble perspective. “I am not a hero. It happened so quick. I just wanted to help. That is what it is really all about,” he said. Despite the gravity of the situation, he remains focused on the importance of community and support, especially for families in need.
As Cadrez continues to process the events of that night, he remains committed to his family and the values he holds dear. He proudly displays a Broncos flag at his home on game days and looks forward to attending alumni events in the future. His experience serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have in an emergency, showcasing the spirit of compassion and selflessness that transcends the world of sports.
