Dre Greenlaw's decision to stay with the San Francisco 49ers or join the Denver Broncos was heavily influenced by his past and the bonds he formed. Growing up in a foster home, he learned to cherish loyalty, which he maintained with his teammates, including Fred Warner and Talanoa Hufanga. The Broncos pursued Greenlaw during free agency, but the 49ers made a compelling offer, ultimately winning him back. Despite a severe injury that limited his playtime, his performance in a two-game return showed he still has much to give, making his three-year, $31.5 million deal a calculated risk for Denver.

Greenlaw's journey from a troubled youth to a key NFL player saw him overcome the odds, proving doubters wrong throughout his career. His former high school coach and adoptive father, Brian Early, urged him to embrace an opportunity in Denver, suggesting it was a chance to be a leader rather than a supporting player, likening him to Michael Jordan. This perspective drove Greenlaw to accept his new role in a stacked Broncos defense, where both Greenlaw and his former teammates believe he can achieve greatness.