Damn, who knew referees could lay down hits like this?

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was so glued to the action during his team’s game Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs that he got absolutely flattened by a referee.

In the third quarter, with Payton camped out on the white sideline paint, down judge Derick Bowers came sprinting down the line and plowed right into him. Both men hit the turf hard, and in one of the strangest moments you’ll ever see, Bowers—still on the ground—reached for his flag and tossed it on Payton for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Payton had wandered onto the restricted white border, which is the buffer officials are supposed to keep clear. He strayed just far enough off the sideline to put himself square in Bowers’ lane. The down judge had his eyes locked on the play racing downfield and was not paying attention to Payton.

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I’m actually quite impressed with the hit from the referee—it’s a great way to cap off what’s been a great Sunday for me. It started off with my Miami Dolphins securing an international victory, which escalated into winning an incredible amount of bets. What a beautiful day.

It would have been perfect as a Florida Man if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had beaten the Buffalo Bills. But you can’t win ’em all—just ask Sean Payton.
https://dailycaller.com/2025/11/16/denver-broncos-sean-payton-referee-penalty-nfl/