J.K. Dobbins Sends Strong Message on Broncos Future
Broncos RB J.K. Dobbins says that the thought of a contract extension hasn’t crossed his mind, but he wants to stay regardless. “I hope to end my career here and be here for the rest of my time in the NFL. Far as extension and all that, though, I don’t think about that. … But,
“I hope to end my career here … I want to be in Denver. I love it. I love the fan base … I love Sean Payton. I love the owners … but I don’t think about the extension part,” Dobbins told Mason.
Why the Message Matters to Denver’s Timeline
GettyJ.K. Dobbins has been one of the most productive running backs in the league in 2025. How Denver values him going forward remains to be seen.
For the Broncos, the running back’s stance checks two important boxes at once. First, it cools down the short-term noise. When a player is asked about a new deal and answers with “I’m focused on ball,” it signals to the locker room that the priority is wins, not press conferences. Second, it frames the long-term conversation in the most team-friendly way possible: Dobbins is saying he wants to be here without putting the front office on the clock.
The 26-year-old Dobbins is also one of the leading rushers in the NFL right now. Through eight games, he has the third most rushing yards with 634 and an average of 5.3 yards per carry. He’s also added four touchdowns into that equation. He and
Fit With Sean Payton & the Backfield Plan
GettyJ.K. Dobbins has been a meaningful part of Denver’s early season rise to the top of the AFC.
Payton’s offenses — from New Orleans to Denver — prioritize backs who are decisive between the tackles, dependable in blitz pickup and useful on angle routes and screens. Dobbins checks those boxes, which is why his words carry extra weight. He isn’t merely saying nice things; he’s describing a place where his skill set makes sense.
That fit shows up on situational downs. On early downs, Dobbins’ patience and one-cut style marry well with the Broncos’ run concepts. On third down, trust matters more than anything, and his comments hint at a strong player-coach relationship with Payton — a prerequisite for staying on the field in pass-heavy moments. Inside the red zone, where every yard is a fight, a veteran who embraces the scheme is an edge you feel on Sundays.
Depth is a reality at running back, and Denver will keep rotating to stay fresh. Rookie running back CJ Harvey finally showcased his breakout ability against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, ripping off a 40-yard run and two touchdowns.
When Extension Talk Actually Makes Sense
GettyJ.K. Dobbins has shown he’s the No. 1 running back in Denver so far this season, but will that continue?
Dobbins said he isn’t thinking about an extension, and that’s the smart play for both sides. League-wide, most meaningful talks for veterans on short-term deals happen after a season or late in the year once durability, usage and team needs are settled. That timing reduces risk and sharpens comps.
From the team side, there are obvious levers: structure over splash. Clubs often prefer short guarantees, incentives tied to games played and production, and flexibility year to year. From the player side, momentum matters. If Dobbins keeps stacking strong outings in Payton’s system, he strengthens his case without ever having to posture in public. If the year turns bumpy, his message today — team-first, Denver-first — still plays with the fan base and the room.
It makes a reasonable amount of sense for Denver to take a wait-and-see-approach, too. Dobbins has been a productive running back when healthy in previous seasons for Baltimore and Los Angeles. He has, however, suffered major injuries that could lead any team to be hesitant with locking him up long term.
Dobbins, according to DraftSharks, has worked through a broken fibula in 2016 prior to entering the NFL, and then had a gruesome injury in 2021, tearing his hamstring, ACL and LCL, and damaging his meniscus. In 2023, he suffered a torn Achilles. Despite the major injuries, he holds a career average of 5.3 yards per carry, which is still an elite number in the NFL.
What It Means for Fans — & What’s Next
Fans heard two things in Dobbins’ remarks: commitment and confidence. Commitment, in that he openly tied his future to Denver; confidence, in that he doesn’t need contract headlines to validate his role. That combination is rare — and welcome — for a team trying to stack wins and build an identity around toughness and detail.
What’s next is simple: keep the main thing the main thing. If Dobbins keeps delivering the things Payton values — efficient early-down runs, secure pass protection, ball security and late-game finishing — the business conversation will find him when it’s supposed to. Until then, his message stands on its own.
Celtics’ Derrick White praises Jaylen Brown’s ‘unbelievable’ play to start season
Derrick White had high praises to share about Jaylen Brown's start to the 2025-26 season following the Boston Celtics
Going into the game, Brown has channeled his top traits as the team's first option with Jayson Tatum out. Five games in, he was averaging 26.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. He was shooting 52.2% from the field, including 46.9% from beyond the arc, and 75.8% from the free-throw line.
Brown didn't miss a step in the rivalry matchup during the NBA Cup opener. In 32 minutes of action, he finished with a stat line of 32 points, six assists, three rebounds, a steal, and a block. He shot 13-of-19 overall, including 4-of-7 from downtown, and 2-of-3 from the charity stripe.
White reacted to Brown's performance after the game. He described his co-star as an unbelievable player, understanding Boston needs that from him a game-by-game basis.
“He’s unbelievable, that’s what we need from him. Every night he’s came out and done what we need him to do. Big time player and he makes big time plays,” White said.
How Jaylen Brown, Celtics played against 76ers
Jaylen Brown's efforts helped the Celtics win their third straight game after beating the 76ers 109-108 on the road.
Boston had a lot of the momentum throughout the game, leading by as much as 24 points. Even though Philadelphia fought back to have the game go down to the wire, the visitors made enough defensive plays to give the hosts their first loss of the season.
Rebounding and turnovers made the difference in this matchup. The Celtics prevailed in both categories with 45 rebounds while limiting their turnovers to 10. It wasn't the case for the 76ers, grabbing 40 rebounds but gave the ball away 18 times.
Four players scored in double-digits for Boston, including Brown. Anfernee Simons delivered a solid performance off the bench, putting up 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, and a block. He shot 7-of-21 from the field, including 3-of-9 from deep. Derrick White came next with 15 points and four rebounds, Payton Pritchard had 15 points and five assists, while Luka Garza provided nine points and five rebounds.
The Celtics will look forward to their next matchup, being at home. They host the Houston Rockets on Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. ET.
