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Patriots owner Robert Kraft warns the entire NFL about security after Broncos fan arrested for violence targeting Patriots fans outside Empower Field

On the afternoon of January 25, 2026, the New England Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos 10–7 to win the AFC Championship and secure a berth in Super Bowl LX. However, that historic victory was quickly overshadowed by a serious security incident that occurred outside the stadium.

The AFC Championship was played under harsh conditions, with the Patriots prevailing thanks to a dominant defense and poise in the decisive moments. The 10–7 win over the Broncos was viewed as proof of New England’s playoff toughness. But before the celebration could settle, chaotic scenes outside the venue drew the NFL’s attention.

According to Denver police, a violent fan-related incident took place outside Empower Field at Mile High following the game. The suspect, Michael R. Thompson, 42, identified as a Broncos fan, caused a disturbance and threw hard objects toward a group of Patriots supporters in a crowded area.

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The incident triggered panic among the crowd. Several people, including families with children and elderly fans, suffered minor injuries while trying to flee the scene and were treated on site by medical personnel. Law enforcement officers quickly intervened and restrained Thompson before the situation escalated further.

Initial reports indicate Thompson may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. He is now facing multiple charges, including disorderly conduct, assault, and public endangerment. The investigation remains ongoing as public scrutiny continues to grow.

In the aftermath, Patriots owner Robert Kraft issued a warning to the entire NFL regarding stadium security. “Winning should never come at the cost of fan safety. We have to make sure that every family who comes to a game can leave safely,” Kraft emphasized, calling for stricter protective measures.

Both the Patriots and the Broncos released statements condemning the violence, stressing that such actions do not represent their fan bases or the values of the NFL. For New England, the AFC title remains a defining achievement. For the league, the incident serves as a clear reminder that during intense playoff games, fan safety must always remain the top priority.

After learning he is on the cut list, a Pro Bowl superstar with more than 6,000 career yards for the Vikings has sent shockwaves through the NFL by expressing his desire to join the Jacksonville Jaguars for the final chapter of his career.
The NFL offseason has just begun, yet a wave of buzz has already emerged as the Minnesota Vikings are rumored to be preparing roster cuts to restructure the team. With the salary cap tightening and a clear youth movement taking shape, a veteran running back has suddenly become the focal point of league-wide attention. The Vikings are believed to be ready to part ways with a running back who once played a significant role in the offense. Despite posting a debut season of more than 1,000 rushing yards and five touchdowns, he has struggled with injuries and a gradual decline in form in recent years. As Minnesota looks for financial flexibility and offensive renewal, the possibility of a release appears increasingly unavoidable. Aaron Jones is the name that has truly stunned the NFL. The Pro Bowler with more than 6,000 career rushing yards has not chosen to remain silent and wait for his future to be decided. Instead, Jones has unexpectedly expressed his desire to join the Jacksonville Jaguars for the final stage of his career — a statement that immediately sent ripples across the AFC landscape. On the surface, the move feels unconventional, given Jones’ long history in the NFC North. But for him, this is not about divisions or rivalries. The Jaguars are quietly building a physical, disciplined identity centered around balance and toughness — an approach Jones believes aligns perfectly with his downhill running style and veteran mindset. “I look at Jacksonville and see a team heading in the right direction,” Jones said. “They play with intent, they value physical football, and they’re serious about building something sustainable. The culture Coach  Liam Coen and that locker room are creating really resonates with me. Honestly, I feel like my game fits what they’re trying to do.” From a football perspective, the Jaguars offer an intriguing situation. With a franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence and a roster that no longer needs one player to carry the entire offense, Jones could step into a complementary veteran role — providing experience, pass protection, and stability while helping elevate a young team with playoff ambitions. For the Vikings, moving on from Aaron Jones may be a difficult but necessary step in reshaping their roster. For the Jaguars, it represents a low-risk, high-upside opportunity to add leadership and reliability. And for Jones, the interest in Jacksonville is not simply about finding a new team — it’s about choosing the right environment to close his NFL career playing the brand of football he has always believed in.