Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Denver Broncos fell to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship over the weekend, scoring just a single touchdown in the 10-7 loss. The Broncos could’ve taken a 10-0 lead in the first half, but head coach Sean Payton opted for a failed fourth-down conversion instead.
Given that former New Orleans Saints Super Bowl-winning head coach Sean Payton has cultivated quite an arrogant persona over the years, NFL fans were quick to relish the fact that his decision making likely cost the Broncos a trip to the Super Bowl.
After the game, Payton also expressed regret over his decision, leading to further criticism.
“There are always regrets. Yes. I mean, look, I felt like here we are, fourth-and-1. We felt close enough that, and it is also a call you make based on the team you’re playing and what you’re watching on the other side of the ball. So yes, there’ll always be second thoughts,” Payton told reporters after the game.
NFL fans have been mocking Sean Payton over his decision making costing the Denver Broncos a shot at playing in the Super Bowl
Sean Payton didn’t take the points with a backup QB and a blizzard on the way. Couldn’t happen to a worse guy tbh https://t.co/vrzFnFLTvr
— Kenjac (@JackKennedy) January 25, 2026
Sean Payton spent all week yapping to put up 7 points in a home game…
— Price Carter (@priceacarter) January 25, 2026
Sean Payton talked down to this reporter. Bad karma. Bye bye Payton. He’s Smug at best., A bully at worst. Offensive genius? Not today, Payton. Go home! Ha ha https://t.co/NI2eU2iSMJ
— Larry Krueger (@sportslarryk) January 25, 2026
On 4th and 1 Sean Payton ran play action with his QB that hadn’t played in 12 years knowing snow was on the way pic.twitter.com/IsycTxl9W5
— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) January 25, 2026
The win over the Denver Broncos sent the New England Patriots to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, against the Seattle Seahawks, with the NFC champions currently being favored by -3.5 points.