Denver Broncos veteran safety T.J. Ward can tell already his team has a renewed sense of urgency this season.

“I definitely feel we came out with a better spark this year for sure. You can definitely tell that this team is on a mission. It’s the way we practice and it’s carried over from OTAs and minicamp,” the safety explained on the first day of training camp.

On a personal level, Ward said he doesn’t need any additional motivation in 2017.

“My fire is already fueled. I believe that for the whole team. Last year we didn’t make the playoffs, how much more motivation do you need? We need to try and win this division and what is said from here and throughout the season, it doesn’t matter because the results change automatically,” said Ward.

The eighth-year veteran feels like he in the prime of his career, even at an advanced age for football.

“I feel like I’m at my peak right now. I’m 30 years old, I feel the best shape of my life. I’m as smart as I’ve ever been. I feel great,” Ward explained to the media.

The Broncos defense has been an elite unit for the past few seasons, with the amount of motivation already seen from a leader like Ward, fans can expect that to continue into 2017.