Broncos ILB Dre Greenlaw suspended one game after he 'verbally threatened' referee postgame

Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post on Oct 20, 2025

Published in Football

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DENVER — Dre Greenlaw played one game for the Denver Broncos. Now he’s been suspended for a game by the NFL.

The league announced Monday that Greenlaw has been suspended for Denver’s Sunday home game against Dallas. According to the league, “After the conclusion of the Giants-Broncos game, Greenlaw chased after referee Brad Allen and verbally threatened him as he tried to leave the field.”

The incident happens immediately after Broncos pile on kicker Wil Lutz makes the game-winning, 39-yard field goal at the end of regulation, according to a video video posted by CBS Colorado.

Referee Brad Allen is trying to get out of the pile and appears to throw his hands back as he moves through the commotion. It’s difficult to tell if he makes contact with inside linebacker Justin Strnad, but Strnad turns and looks at Allen while Greenlaw starts yelling at Allen.

Greenlaw follows him away from the pile, yelling and pointing.

Rookie outside linebacker Que Robinson appeared to turn and run behind Greenlaw as he chased after Allen, eventually pulling the inside linebacker away. But the damage appeared done, as Allen took out a yellow flag and tossed it even after regulation had expired.

Greenlaw is appealing the suspension, multiple sources confirmed to The Denver Post, which is his right according to the league and NFLPA’s collective bargaining agreement. The appeal is likely to be heard in the next two days before Denver’s practice week ramps into gear.

If Greenlaw wins the appeal, he could still face a fine. If the suspension stands, Greenlaw can return Monday, Oct. 27, and will be out $192,778, one week’s worth of his $3.47 million base salary.

The 230-pound linebacker had a ferocious debut in Denver, racking up six tackles in just 21 snaps while being held to limited usage in his first game back. He was particularly verbal throughout the game, seen on multiple occasions barking at Giants players from the sideline and crunching New York’s duo of Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo on several plays.

“That’s how I play the game, man,” Greenlaw said. “I love hitting people. I love my job. I love what I do.

“Football is the only place where you can go out there and hit people and not go to jail for it,” he joked. “So yeah, I’m going to take advantage of my time.”

Multiple members of the Broncos’ defense have expressed excitement at Greenlaw being fully unleashed from a limited snap count, as defensive tackle Malcolm Roach said Sunday he “gave us a good spark.”

That spark may have to wait, though, if Greenlaw’s appeal is denied.

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