Nick Ferguson returns for his second season with the Broncos after making quite a name for himself last year. After joining the team as a free agent last offseason (4/2), he became the Broncos’ regular starter at safety by Week 4. In 15 games (10 starts), Ferguson ranked fourth on the team with a career-high 72 tackles (58 solo), added one sack for 13 yards, three passes defensed and two forced fumbles. Entering his fifth NFL season, Ferguson played his first three with the New York Jets (2000-02). Originally signed as a rookie free agent by Cincinnati in 1997, he played three seasons in the Canadian Football League with Saskatchewan and Winnipeg before spending 1999 in Chicago's training camp and 2000 in Buffalo's camp. He was acquired by New York off Buffalo's practice squad in 2000 and played the final seven games of that season with the Jets. Ferguson has played in 54 career games, picking up 113 total tackles (84 solo), one interception and six passes defensed.

• Ferguson, who led the Broncos with 19 special teams tackles, was voted special teams captain by his teammates.

2004: Ferguson played in 16 games (1 start) and was a key special teams player for the Broncos and recorded 16 tackles (15 solo) and a pass breakup on defense. Ferguson led the Broncos with 19 tackles on special teams and was selected special teams captain by his teammates. Ferguson tallied three special teams tackles for the second consecutive week in Denver’s regular-season finale vs. Ind. (1/2). He posted a team-high three tackles on special teams at Tenn. (12/25). Ferguson made a defensive stop while also tackling Chiefs returner Dante Hall at K.C. (12/19). He did not play defense but made a tackle on special teams vs. Mia. (12/12). Ferguson saw most of his playing time at S.D. (12/5) on special teams. In Denver’s game vs. Oak. (11/28), Ferguson continued his strong special teams play with a tackle on the unit. He played extensively at N.O. (11/21), rotating in for John Lynch who was slowed by a bruised sacrum, and totaled four tackles (all solo) and a pass breakup. With John Lynch out due to a bruised sacrum vs. Hou. (11/7), Ferguson recorded his first start of the year and posted 11 tackles (10 solo) on defense while adding a stop on special teams. He became Denver’s primary free safety vs. Atl. (10/31) when John Lynch suffered a bruised sacrum at 12:03 of the second quarter, and Ferguson took advantage of the opportunity by making four tackles (3 solo). He broke up an end around by Falcons receiver Michael Jenkins in the second quarter for only a 2-yard gain, and he leveled tight end Alge Crumpler on a 12-yard fourth-quarter reception. Ferguson also joined with Chris Young to bring down Falcons kick returner Allen Rossum on a first-quarter return. He made a tackle on special teams on Monday Night Football at Cin. (10/25). Ferguson totaled two tackles (all solo) at Oak. (10/17) as he saw time at safety in the fourth quarter with John Lynch resting, and he also made a tackle on special teams. He recorded two tackles on special teams coverage vs. Car. (10/10) in the Broncos’ comeback win against the Panthers. He saw time at safety at T.B. (10/3) in a game in which he made a tackle on special teams. He replaced John Lynch on defense for the final few plays of the first half vs. S.D. (9/26) and tackled LaDainian Tomlinson on a run. Ferguson also made a special teams tackle against the Chargers. At Jac. (9/19), he reco