NFL news: Broncos’ Sean Payton penalized after colliding with official
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Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was at fault for the team’s penalty call in the third quarter of their game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Broncos bench received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty when Payton was in the white stripe of the sideline when an NFL official bumped into him. The collision occurred after Broncos linebacker Ja’Quan McMillian intercepted Patrick Mahomes.
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Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Denver. (Jack Dempsey/AP Photo)
The referee did not appear to see Payton when the two collided. He stood up again and threw the flag at Payton. Neither man appeared to be injured during the game.
The unsportsmanlike conduct penalty was one of two penalties issued after McMillian intercepted Mahomes’ pass. Kansas City accepted the illegal blind-spot block penalty that was also called against Denver.
The Broncos didn’t seem bothered by the flag. Quarterback Bo Nix led the Broncos on an 11-play, 89-yard touchdown drive following the turnover. Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin kicked a 4-yard field goal to take the lead.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is on the sideline during the first quarter of a game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 16, 2025, at Empower Field at Mile High. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)
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Kansas City tied the game on its next drive. Running back Kareem Hunt was pushed into the end zone for a 2-yard score.
The Broncos eventually won the game 22-19.
Both teams were looking for victory in the important AFC West matchup.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton practices on the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Denver. (Jack Dempsey/AP Photo)
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The Broncos’ win tightened their lead in the league. The Chiefs fell out of the playoff hunt with the loss.
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