RJ Harvey, the explosive and determined running back out of UCF who signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent, has had one of the more compelling offseason journeys in the NFL. After working his way into the Broncos’ plans through pure effort, performance, and versatility, the former Knight found himself at the center of a new storyline when Denver officially brought in former Ravens standout J.K. Dobbins. The move, unsurprisingly, turned heads across the league, but no one was more focused than Harvey himself.
Harvey’s reaction to the Dobbins signing has been emblematic of his entire football career—one built on perseverance, quiet confidence, and an unrelenting work ethic. Instead of shrinking in the face of new competition, Harvey saw it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and solidify his role within Sean Payton’s retooled offense. Those who’ve followed Harvey’s story from high school through his breakout college season knew exactly how he would respond: not with fear, but with fire.
When asked about the addition of Dobbins during a media scrum following minicamp workouts, Harvey didn’t hesitate. “Iron sharpens iron,” he said. “I’ve watched J.K. play for years. He’s a baller, no doubt. But I’m not here to back down from anybody. I’m here to make the team better, to compete, and to earn my keep. That hasn’t changed.”
Harvey’s mature, team-first response is telling. While many young players in his position might see a veteran signing as a signal to start looking over their shoulder—or worse, an impending roster cut—Harvey views the situation as just another chapter in his football journey. He understands that NFL backfields are crowded and volatile, and that what separates those who stick from those who don’t isn’t talent alone—it’s consistency, special teams value, mental toughness, and versatility.
All of those traits have been on full display since Harvey arrived in Denver. During OTAs and mandatory minicamp, the coaching staff took notice of his ability to run with power, finish through contact, and contribute as a pass-catcher. Perhaps more importantly, special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica praised Harvey for his eagerness to learn the nuances of kick and punt coverage—an area that could ultimately secure his roster spot.
“He’s got that dog in him,” one Broncos coach said anonymously after practice. “You see some rookies come in and they’re still trying to figure out how to be pros. RJ came in like he’s already been here. That’s rare.”
Now, with Dobbins entering the fold on a low-risk, high-upside one-year deal, the dynamics of the running back room shift. Javonte Williams remains the presumed starter, though health concerns have hovered since his 2022 knee injury. Samaje Perine offers reliability and pass-blocking prowess, while rookie Audric Estimé (another hard-nosed back with plenty of buzz) is working to earn snaps. That makes Harvey’s climb steep—but not impossible.
Harvey knows that nothing will be handed to him. And that’s exactly how he likes it.
“I’ve always been the underdog,” he said. “I was told I was too small, too slow, too injured, too late. And yet, here I am in Denver with a shot to prove I belong. I don’t care how many guys they bring in—I’m going to control what I can control and go to work every day.”
That mindset is what makes Harvey such an easy player to root for. After suffering a torn ACL early in his college career, he rehabbed with relentless dedication. After switching from quarterback to running back, he transformed his body and skill set. And after being passed over in the NFL Draft, he used the snub as fuel. The Broncos noticed, and now he’s one of the more intriguing undrafted rookies in the AFC.
The addition of Dobbins could very well be a net positive for Harvey, not just from a competition standpoint but as a developmental resource. Dobbins, when healthy, is one of the league’s most explosive backs, with great vision and elite short-area quickness. For Harvey, having a front-row seat to that kind of talent provides a valuable learning opportunity.
“You can always learn from someone who’s done what you’re trying to do,” Harvey said. “J.K. has been through battles, had big games, played in the playoffs. I want to pick his brain and see what makes him tick. That’s how you grow.”
While that may sound like deference, make no mistake—Harvey is still firmly focused on carving out his own path. The NFL is a production business, and training camp will be the ultimate proving ground. If he continues to shine in drills, pre-season games, and special teams reps, he’ll force Denver to make a difficult decision when trimming the roster.
What helps Harvey is that he offers something a little different from the rest of the backs. His agility in tight spaces, combined with an ability to make defenders miss in the open field, gives him upside as a change-of-pace option. He also has a natural feel for the passing game, something Sean Payton has long valued in his backs dating back to his days coaching Alvin Kamara in New Orleans.
There’s also the very real possibility that the Broncos keep five running backs, particularly if Estimé’s development takes time or if Dobbins needs more rehab reps before he’s fully up to speed. Injuries are inevitable in the NFL, and depth matters more than ever in a 17-game season.
In the meantime, Harvey continues to show up early, leave late, and keep his head down. He’s building relationships with teammates, impressing veterans with his professionalism, and gradually earning the trust of the coaching staff.
“RJ has been a pro since Day 1,” said Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. “He doesn’t make the same mistake twice, he studies like a vet, and he doesn’t blink when the lights come on. You want guys like that in your locker room.”
That kind of praise isn’t handed out lightly, especially not in a league where jobs are constantly on the line. For Harvey, it’s validation that his approach is working—but also a reminder that the job’s not done. He’s well aware that the next few weeks will determine whether he starts the season in orange and blue or continues his pursuit elsewhere.
But no matter what happens, one thing is clear: RJ Harvey isn’t going to let a new name on the depth chart shake him. He’s too focused, too resilient, and too driven to let outside noise alter his mindset.
“I’ve bet on myself before,” he said. “This is just another opportunity to prove people right—the people who believed in me. And prove a lot of others wrong.”
The Broncos are in the middle of a crucial transition, with Payton looking to reshape the culture and restore the team’s competitiveness. That starts with finding the right kind of players—guys who care more about the team than the spotlight, who know how to grind, and who aren’t afraid of adversity. Harvey fits that mold to perfection.
J.K. Dobbins may have been the headline-grabbing addition, but don’t sleep on RJ Harvey. The Broncos have a hidden gem in their building. And if Harvey gets his shot, he won’t let it slip away—not after everything he’s overcome to get here.
