Rex Ryan thinks Sean Payton facing possible NFL punishment

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton. Imagn Images

Rex Ryan thinks Broncos coach Sean Payton facing possible NFL punishment

Originally posted on Viral Sports News | By Jake Rogers | Last updated Oct 22, 2025 1:28 AM ET

The Denver Broncos’ thrilling 33-32 victory against the New York Giants in Week 7 stood out for several reasons. The team staged a remarkable comeback, erasing a 19-point deficit in the fourth quarter by scoring 25 points in the final 5:13, securing first place in the AFC West.

However, the game might also linger in head coach Sean Payton’s mind due to a costly sideline incident that could result in a fine from the NFL.

With just 40 seconds remaining, Payton stormed onto the field to dispute a pass-interference call on cornerback Riley Moss, engaging with an official. His actions drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, which paved the way for the Giants’ go-ahead 1-yard touchdown.

“That was silly,” Payton said. “I just felt like — I’m close with a number of people on that crew. It just so happens that the last three times (they’ve had a Broncos game), the numbers haven’t been good. … I just wanted them to hear me. You can’t do that.”

Officiating was already a topic Sunday after the Riley Moss DPI and Sean Payton's subsequent personal foul for running onto the field.

Here's Payton last night explaining his own penalty right near the end of regulation: pic.twitter.com/1mSMm05vtv
— Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) October 20, 2025

Despite the penalty, the Broncos rallied, driving down the field to set up a game-winning 39-yard field goal by Will Lutz.

Payton’s outburst, however, caught the attention of analysts, who predict he may face repercussions when the NFL announces its weekly game-day accountability fines on Saturday.

“Payton is probably going to be staring down an NFL fine for that one,” former NFL head coach Rex Ryan said on ESPN’s “Get Up.”

Should the NFL impose a fine, it would be minor compared to the severe penalties Payton faced in 2012 for his involvement in the “Bountygate” scandal as head coach of the New Orleans Saints. That incident led to a season-long suspension for Payton, a similar suspension for Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, an eight-game ban for general manager Mickey Loomis, a $500,000 fine for the organization, and the loss of second-round draft picks in 2012 and 2013.

It will be interesting to see if the NFL steps in and fines Payton for his actions against the Giants.

This article first appeared on Viral Sports News and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: