Broncos Season Brings Colorado Together as Football Returns
Football season is officially underway in Colorado, and for many across the state, that means Sundays are once again centered around the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos picked up their first win of the regular season Sunday, rallying past the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-13 at Empower Field at Mile High. After trailing 13-3 early in the second half, Denver scored the final 17 points of the game to complete the comeback.
Rookie running back Jonah Coleman scored his first NFL touchdown in the fourth quarter to give Denver the lead, while quarterback Bo Nix finished with 288 passing yards. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle also had a breakout performance, catching eight passes for 138 yards, including a 49-yard reception that helped set up Denver's early scoring opportunity.
The win moved the Broncos to 1-1 on the young season, setting the stage for another home matchup Sunday, Sept. 27, against the Los Angeles Rams.
There are plenty of players Broncos fans will have their eyes on as the season continues. Nix enters his third NFL season as the team's starting quarterback and will look to build on Sunday's performance. Waddle, who joined Denver this offseason, showed the big-play ability the Broncos were hoping to add to their offense with his performance against Jacksonville.
Coleman is another name to watch after his first NFL touchdown and a strong fourth-quarter showing. With Denver's running back room dealing with early-season injuries, the rookie could see an increased role in the coming weeks.
On the defensive side of the ball, cornerback Pat Surtain II remains one of the team's biggest stars. The four-time Pro Bowler and 2024 Defensive Player of the Year leads a secondary that also features Riley Moss, Ja'Quan McMillian, Jahdae Barron and safety Talanoa Hufanga. Hufanga earned second-team All-Pro honors during his first season in Denver, giving Broncos fans plenty to watch for on defense as well.
Beyond the wins, losses and statistics, football season represents something familiar to many Coloradans, a chance to come together.
From Denver to Colorado Springs, Fountain and communities across the state, Broncos gear can be seen in workplaces, schools, restaurants, local businesses and homes. On game days, neighbors, families, friends and even strangers can find common ground in cheering for the same team.
Sports have a unique way of bringing people together. For a few hours on a Sunday, fans share the excitement of a big play, the frustration of a missed opportunity and the celebration of a hard-fought victory.
For Colorado, the Broncos have long been part of that tradition.
With the season now underway, fans across the state have plenty more football ahead, and plenty more players, games and moments to watch as the Broncos continue their 2026 campaign.
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