The NFL suspended Denver Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw for one game without pay after he chased and verbally threatened a referee following Sunday’s dramatic comeback victory over the New York Giants. This suspension will force him to miss the Broncos’ upcoming Week 8 game against the Dallas Cowboys, impacting the team’s defensive lineup.
The league announced the suspension on Monday, citing unsportsmanlike conduct after Greenlaw pursued referee Brad Allen and made threatening remarks as the official attempted to leave the field. According to the NFL’s statement, this behavior violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1(b), which prohibits abusive, threatening, or insulting language or gestures towards officials, emphasizing the league’s commitment to maintaining professionalism and respect in the game. Video evidence circulated online captured the incident, highlighting the emotional intensity that sometimes follows closely contested matches.
Sunday’s game was a remarkable turnaround for the Broncos, who rallied from a 19-0 fourth-quarter deficit to secure a 33-32 win over the Giants. Greenlaw, playing in his first game since joining Denver, contributed to the effort with six tackles and one quarterback hit over 21 snaps. His return marked the end of a six-week absence due to a thigh injury, making the suspension an unexpected setback just as he was reintegrating into the team’s defense.
The one-game suspension means Greenlaw will be ineligible for practices this week and will sit out the Cowboys game on Sunday. If the suspension is upheld after any appeal, he will forfeit a game check amounting to approximately $192,778, based on the three-year, $31.5 million contract he signed with the Broncos this past offseason. This financial penalty, coupled with the missed playing time, underscores the serious consequences of misconduct toward officials in the NFL.
Greenlaw has three days to appeal the suspension under the league’s collective bargaining agreement, a process that could potentially reduce or overturn the penalty. Prior to his move to Denver, he spent six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, where he established himself as a dependable linebacker with four 80-tackle seasons and 14 passes defensed in his career. His physicality and athleticism were key reasons the Broncos pursued him, with coach Sean Payton often praising his potential to strengthen the defense.
The suspension forces the Broncos to adjust their defensive strategies temporarily, likely relying on other linebackers to fill the void against a competitive Cowboys offense. For Greenlaw, this incident represents a minor disruption in his efforts to make an impact with his new team, though his track record suggests he can bounce back quickly once eligible to return. The NFL’s decision also serves as a reminder to all players about the importance of composure and respect in high-stakes situations.
Looking ahead, the Broncos will focus on preparing for the Cowboys without Greenlaw, while the league may use this case to reinforce its policies on player conduct. The outcome of any appeal could set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future, balancing accountability with the realities of competitive sports.