John Denney: Mormon Athlete

John Denney is a professional football player who has played with the Miami Dolphins since 2005, the first team he signed with (undrafted). He plays long snapper. He is the longest-tenured Dolphin player.

Denney was born on December 13, 1978, in Denver, Colorado. He lettered all three years of high school football. During his senior year, he earned first-team all-conference honors, second-team all-state honors, and was named Special Teams Player of the Year. He also excelled in academics and was a three-time academic all-conference selection and graduated with National Student-Athlete honors.

He played college football for Ricks College and earned All-Region 18 honors as a freshman. He was also recruited by Northern Colorado, Mesa State, and Chadron State. After one year at Ricks, he transferred to Brigham Young University. He was reshirted for the 2001 season, and suffered a neck injury during the 2002 season, but started in seven games at left defensive end and recorded 25 tackles that season. Denney also earned Academic All-Mountain West honors.

During his junior year, he earned Academic All-Mountain West honors for the second straight season, started 12 games, and finished the season with 42 tackles. He was named the team's Defensive Player of the Game twice. Following his senior year season, he was selected to play in the Hula Bowl. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business management in 2004.

Denney is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is an Eagle Scout and served as a full-time missionary to New Jersey. He and his wife, Christy, are the parents of five children.