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Broncos’ Dre Greenlaw suspended for threatening referee

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Oct 20, 2025 7:04 PM ET

Denver Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been suspended for one game after confronting referee Brad Allen following Denver’s 33-32 win on Sunday.

The NFL announced Monday that Greenlaw had been suspended after the league determined he “chased after referee Brad Allen and verbally threatened him as he tried to leave the field.” Video showed Greenlaw chasing after Allen while his teammates were celebrating kicker Wil Lutz’s game-winning field goal, and whatever Greenlaw said was enough to get Allen to throw a flag even though the game was already over. Greenlaw was ultimately escorted away from Allen by teammate Que Robinson.

Something caught my eye from Lutz's game-winning kick yesterday:

After the play, Dre Greenlaw runs after the ref, yelling at him, and the ref actually throws a flag.

It was after the play, and the game was over, so idk what happens.

Just a fine for Greenlaw? Something more? pic.twitter.com/LqFTfPV0vV
— Alex Wilcox (@AlexWilcoxTV) October 20, 2025

Greenlaw plans to appeal the suspension, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

It is not clear what Greenlaw was so upset about, especially since his team had won the game. However, on the previous drive, Broncos cornerback Riley Moss received a controversial flag for pass interference that set the Giants up for a go-ahead touchdown. Denver coach Sean Payton was so livid over the call that he went on the field to berate the officials, and received a flag of his own.

Broncos flagged for defensive pass interference near the goal line, and Sean Payton picks up a personal foul pic.twitter.com/dea5mYPQo8
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) October 19, 2025

Greenlaw is unquestionably an emotional player. He was memorably involved in a showdown with Philadelphia Eagles staffer Dom DiSandro in a 2023 game. It is possible he was still angry that what he saw as a bad call nearly cost Denver the game.

The Broncos scored 33 fourth quarter points to beat the Giants 33-32 in a shocking comeback win, so emotions were certainly running high.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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