The recent AFC Divisional Round playoff game between the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos ended in a dramatic 33-30 overtime victory for Denver, but the outcome has sparked intense controversy surrounding the officiating, particularly a pivotal interception call in overtime. Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula, speaking out forcefully as club president, has publicly condemned the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell for what he describes as a failure to address alleged bias and misconduct by referee Carl Cheffers and his crew.
The contentious play occurred in overtime on a third-and-11 situation, with Bills quarterback Josh Allen connecting with wide receiver Brandin Cooks near the Denver 20-yard line—a completion that appeared to position Buffalo for a potential game-winning field goal attempt. According to multiple accounts and post-game analysis, Cooks secured the ball and went to the ground while in the process of establishing possession. As he fell, Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian reached in and pulled the ball away, with both players tumbling to the turf. Referee Carl Cheffers ruled it an interception by McMillian, awarding possession to Denver.
The Broncos capitalized on the turnover, driving down the field to seal the win and advance to the AFC Championship.
In the immediate aftermath, Bills head coach Sean McDermott expressed deep frustration, questioning the ruling and suggesting the call deprived his team of a fair opportunity. Players and fans echoed similar sentiments, with social media erupting in accusations that the game felt “rigged” or overly favorable to Denver. Referee Cheffers addressed the decision in a post-game pool report, stating: “The receiver has to complete the process of a catch. He was going to the ground as part of the process of the catch and he lost possession of the ball when he hit the ground.
The defender gained possession of it at that point. The defender is the one who completed the process of the catch, so the defender was awarded the ball.” He added that replay confirmation showed the ball did not touch the ground, upholding the on-field call.
Pegula, however, has taken the criticism to a new level. In a strongly worded statement, he accused the NFL of shielding Cheffers from accountability for what he called “biased and blatant ball-stealing behavior” by the Broncos. Pegula asserted that Cooks had clearly caught the ball and was kneeling—or at minimum grounded—with control before McMillian snatched it away during the fall. He described the sequence as a clear injustice that altered the game’s outcome and undermined the integrity of the league.
Pegula went further, labeling the incident a “mistake” that the NFL “should be ashamed of,” and implying that Commissioner Goodell and league officials were complicit in covering it up by not overturning the play or launching a thorough independent review.
The controversy has extended beyond the Bills organization. Pegula’s outspoken stance has garnered notable support from across the NFL community, including several prominent figures. Most strikingly, legendary quarterback Tom Brady issued a pointed statement in response, expressing shock at the handling of the situation. Brady, known for his measured commentary since retiring, reportedly called the sequence of events “troubling” and emphasized the need for greater transparency in officiating high-stakes playoff games.
His words added significant weight to the growing chorus of dissent, with many interpreting them as a rare and direct critique of the league’s processes from one of its most respected voices.
This is not the first time officiating has drawn scrutiny in recent seasons, but the intensity surrounding this call has amplified calls for reform. Critics point to the subjective nature of the “process of the catch” rule, which has led to inconsistent applications in the past. In this instance, the ruling hinged on whether Cooks maintained possession through contact with the ground—a judgment that divided analysts and former officials. Some, like ex-referee Gene Steratore, weighed in to support the call based on existing guidelines, while others argued the visual evidence suggested a completed catch before the strip.
Pegula’s decision to go public has fueled speculation about potential formal action. Discussions have referenced NFL Rule 17, which allows the commissioner to address “unfair acts” that impact game results, potentially leading to investigations, overturned outcomes, or even replays—though the league has never exercised such extreme measures. While no lawsuit has been formally confirmed in public records, Pegula’s comments have been framed in some circles as laying the groundwork for escalated challenges, possibly through league channels or broader advocacy for officiating accountability.
The fallout has rippled through the fanbase and media. Bills supporters, already reeling from the playoff exit, have voiced widespread anger, with hashtags and petitions circulating online demanding answers. Meanwhile, Broncos fans and neutral observers defend the call as consistent with the rulebook, crediting McMillian’s opportunistic playmaking. The incident underscores ongoing debates about officiating in the NFL, particularly in playoff scenarios where every decision carries monumental weight.
As the league moves forward with the conference championships and Super Bowl preparations, this controversy serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human judgment and game integrity. Pegula’s bold condemnation, bolstered by support from stars like Brady, has placed renewed pressure on Commissioner Goodell and the NFL to address perceptions of bias and ensure future calls withstand scrutiny. Whether this leads to tangible changes in officiating protocols or rule clarifications remains to be seen, but the episode has undeniably left a mark on the 2025-2026 postseason narrative.
