Vance Walker was supposed to have a career year. With Malik Jackson off to Jacksonville, it was his turn to start for the reigning champions, the best defense in the NFL.

And then it was over.

With one wrong step, Walker’s season ended with a season-ending ACL injury.

For fans, the news was disappointing, but with guys like Jared Crick and Adam Gotsis in the wings, Broncos Country was able to move on fairly quickly. For Walker, though, the disappointment is lasting.

Today, he expressed his emotions, and his appreciation for Broncos Country, in this heartfelt message on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJyCgUrDANi/

Walker was expected to be a big part of the Broncos defense this season, and if he can get healthy, he’ll be a big part of the Broncos defense next season.

With Broncos Country behind him, don’t count him out.