NFL opens investigation into referee Alex Kemp’s crew amid growing outrage after controversial calls nearly altered the AFC Championship

On the afternoon of January 25, 2026, at Empower Field at Mile High, the New England Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos 10–7, but the AFC Championship victory was quickly overshadowed by officiating controversy. According to multiple sources, the NFL has officially launched an internal investigation into the officiating crew led by Alex Kemp.

The flashpoint of the outrage centered on a late second-quarter sequence that many believe could have completely shifted the game. With the Patriots in need of points, a defensive play that appeared to result in a touchdown was “erased” by an early whistle, leaving the entire stadium stunned.

Refs blow the whistle early and take a potential TD off the boardpic.twitter.com/j5m2aSWJC0

— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) January 25, 2026

Specifically, Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham lost the ball under pressure inside his own 15-yard area. The ball popped loose and was recovered by Patriots defender Elijah Ponder, who returned it straight into the end zone amid the excitement of thousands of New England fans.

However, officials blew the play dead at the moment Ponder gained possession. Initially, the play was ruled intentional grounding, before the officiating crew conferred and determined it was a backward pass (a fumble). Although the Patriots were awarded possession, the rules did not allow them to advance the ball because the whistle had already sounded.

The decision immediately ignited widespread criticism. “That’s a play that has to be allowed to continue and then corrected with replay,” a former NFL referee said on television. “When you blow the whistle early on a stage like this, you’re taking the outcome out of the players’ hands.”

While the Patriots did score on the following drive, many argue the impact of the sequence cannot be measured solely by the scoreboard. Had New England failed to capitalize afterward, the mistake could have become a season-defining moment—and placed the entire officiating operation under an even harsher spotlight.

Now, with the NFL stepping in to investigate, pressure on Alex Kemp’s officiating crew is at its highest point. For the Patriots, the final result stands. But for the league, the incident may serve as a stark warning: in an AFC Championship, a single whistle can be enough to shake confidence in the NFL’s competitive integrity.