NFL News: Broncos’ Sean Payton penalized after clashing with official

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was the culprit of a penalty called on the team in the third quarter of their game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

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

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The referee didn’t seem 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 called after McMillian intercepted Mahomes’ pass. Kansas City accepted an illegal blindside block penalty that was also called on 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 Nov. 16, 2025. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)

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Kansas City tied the game on its ensuing 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 pivotal AFC West matchup.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton works on the sideline 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 keep their stranglehold on the division lead with the win. The Chiefs would stay in the playoff hunt with a win.