Broncos honor long-time hero in surprise celebration.
The Broncos recently celebrated the remarkable contributions of a long-standing yet often overlooked member of their team, gear steward Matt Middleton, known affectionately as ‘Middo.’ Marking his 30th year with the club and his 50th birthday, Middleton was honored in a surprise celebration organized under the guise of a ‘Mid-Year Review’ for players and staff by CEO Dave Donaghy.
The surprise was orchestrated with the help of former Broncos captain and current board director Darren Lockyer, who revealed the celebration through a staged pre-recorded segment at Broncos HQ. Middleton, hailed as the late Cyril Connell’s best recruit, joined the Broncos in 1994 after spending years washing and pressing team jerseys while still in school. Since then, he has remained a steadfast presence at the club.
The celebration saw the attendance of numerous former players, including Lockyer, who joined current and former club members in paying tribute to Middleton. Personalized t-shirts and an event hosted by renowned sports journalist Pat Welsh added to the festivities. Kevin Walters, Andrew McCullough, and Josh McGuire shared humorous and heartfelt stories of their experiences with Middleton over the years.
Walters reminisced about Middleton’s first day at the club, praising his positive attitude and willingness to tackle any task with a smile. Messages from former CEOs Shane Edwards, Bruno Cullen, and Paul White highlighted Middleton’s impact and unique personality. Cullen humorously recounted Middleton’s habit of calling everyone ‘dog’ to avoid remembering names, which evolved to him respectfully addressing Cullen as ‘Top Dog’ upon his appointment as CEO.
Edwards recalled the shy, unassuming 20-year-old who arrived at Red Hill on Cyril Connell’s recommendation, growing into a valued colleague across both the football and administration departments. Paul White shared a personal anecdote about seeking Middleton’s company for calmness during matches, despite his own sometimes anxious behavior.
The celebration culminated with Middleton receiving a 30-year ‘Bell Trophy,’ a nod to his infamous and spontaneous ‘ringing of the bell’ in the Broncos front office, a tradition marking special club milestones. Overwhelmed by the recognition, Middleton expressed his astonishment and gratitude, acknowledging the significance of the club in his life and the profound impact of the milestone celebration.
In essence, the event underscored the deep respect and affection held for Middleton by the entire Broncos community. His dedication, humor, and unwavering support over three decades have left an indelible mark on the club, making him a true unsung hero whose contributions are cherished by all who have had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
