Je Gaylord’s death shines light on life of strength and selflessness Land-use bill authors stand by plan

BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

According to authors of the land use bill making its way through the Colorado Legislature, the primary goal is stopping communities from exclusionary zoning that prohibits the construction of multifamily housing.

Known as SB23-213, the land use bill was unveiled in March by Gov. Jared Polis and Democrats as a solution to the growing housing crisis.

From pro sports to the streets

BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

On March 15, a deceased man was found at the north bus stop at Englewood Parkway and South Acoma Street in Englewood. O cials said the man was “likely a transient” and that his death did not seem criminal in nature.

Little did they know, the man was Je Gaylord, a prominent football player, professional wrestler, brother and friend.

At his memorial service at Southeast Christian Church in Parker, dozens gathered to share stories of with him.

“As I’m looking around this room today, I see many familiar faces, as well as new ones,” said Angelia Anderson, executive director of a program called Treasure House of Hope that Je participated in. “ is isn’t surprising to me because Je never met a stranger ... He always was so generous and outgoing.”

Athletic history

Je , who was born in 1958, grew up in the suburbs of Kansas City as the middle child of ve. From a young age, he was an impressive athlete, showing speci c strengths as a discus thrower and football player during his high school years.

“During his senior year, he was able to bench press 610 pounds,” his brother, Tim Gaylord, said at the ing him a full-ride scholarship (for football) … Je chose Missouri.”

In college, Je became a four-year letterman and was named All-Big Eight and All-American in the early 1980s.

Je ’s success as a college athlete drew attention to him, inspiring the Los Angeles Rams to draft him in 1982. Released prior to the start of their season, he was picked up by the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. With this team, he competed in the league’s championship game called the Grey Cup.

He later played for the Boston Breakers and the San Antonio Gunslingers of the United States Football League and was named First Team

While municipalities statewide are voicing opposition to the bill, authors are saying the 105-page document is vital to the state’s future in providing an adequate supply of a ordable housing.

In this case, a ordable housing does not mean more single-family homes, but instead duplexes, triplexes, other multiplexes, townhomes, condos and apartments.

According to the authors of SB23-213, some Colorado cities and counties have implemented zoning policies that decrease or completely bar the construction of multifamily housing.

Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, co-authored SB23-213 with Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Arapahoe County, and Majority Leader Sen. Dominick Moreno, a District 21 Democrat covering Adams County, Commerce City, Federal Heights and Westminster.