NFL news: Broncos’ Sean Payton penalized after collision with official

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was responsible for a penalty given to the team in the third quarter of their game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Broncos bench was hit with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after Payton was on the sideline white tape when an NFL official collided with him. The collision occurred after Broncos defensive back Ja’Quan McMillian intercepted Patrick Mahomes.

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Judge Down did not appear to see Payton when the two collided. He got up and threw the flag at Payton. It does not appear that either man was injured during the play.

The unsportsmanlike conduct penalty was one of two penalties assessed after McMillian intercepted Mahomes’ pass. Kansas City accepted an illegal blindside blocking penalty that was also assessed 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 after the turnover. Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin ran for a 4-yard touchdown to take the lead.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton on the sideline during the first quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High on November 16, 2025. (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 on a 2-yard score.

Both teams were looking for a win in their crucial AFC West matchup.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton works on the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

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The Broncos would maintain their stranglehold on the division lead with this victory. The Chiefs would stay in the playoff race with a win.