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Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto was visibly upset with how his team’s season ended in the first round of the NFL Playoffs. That reaction quickly went viral due to comments made just days before.
Bonitto made fun of Texas Longhorns player Michael Taaffe for his response to a College Football Playoff loss to Ohio State. Taaffe was angry after coming to the realization that his season had come to an end. That emotion came out in the form of a scream as he made his way to the locker room.
After seeing the postgame moment go viral, Bonitto reposted the video of Taaffe to his X timeline with a caption consisting simply of emojis.
😂😂😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/b1quytRoOk
— Nik Bonitto (@nikkkkbonitto) January 11, 2025
Bonitto spent four seasons at Oklahoma, the Texas Longhorns’ biggest rival. The petty response angered the UT faithful whose hopes of a national title were now crushed.
They didn’t forget about Bonitto’s jab a few days later. When the linebacker broke down following Denver’s playoff loss to Buffalo on Sunday, they took the moment to troll.
Nik Bonitto 48 hours after he made fun of Michael Taaffe for getting emotional after the season ended pic.twitter.com/nOfSEUJRvw
— HornSports (@HornSports) January 13, 2025
Nik Bonitto jumped at the opportunity to poke a rival. The ‘Horns gave it right back to him 48 hours later.
Playoffs wins:
Michael Taaffe – 2
Nik Bonitto – 0-X: @Chok3lahoma
With all of that being said, the linebacker just put a bow on an extremely successful season. He ranked third on the Denver defense with 71 tackles while leading the unit in sacks. He also scored a touchdown on a 71-yard interception return.
The Broncos weren’t expected to make the postseason with rookie signal caller Bo Nix at the helm. They won 10 games despite those doubts to secure the final postseason bid.
Unfortunately, the Cinderella run came to an end on Sunday. Nik Bonitto, like many in Denver, was upset with the final outcome after exceeding expectations.