The NFL dropped hammer on Denver Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw — one game without pay. The veteran backer made his season debut Sunday against the Giants and immediately found himself in hot water for confronting game referee Brad Allen following the incredible 33-32 comeback victory.
It is quite surprising that his return lasted just one game. The 28-year-old had missed the first six weeks with a quad injury and will now also miss Denver’s Week 8 matchup against Dallas.
Broncos Star Dre Greenlaw Suspended for Verbal Threat Toward Referee
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport first reported the news. Video shows Greenlaw confronting referee Brad Allen right after kicker Wil Lutz’s game-winning field goal. Greenlaw shouted and pointed at Allen as he tried to leave the field, and Allen threw a flag even though the game was over.
Rapoport tweeted, “#Broncos LB Dre Greenlaw, just back from an injury, was suspended without pay for one game for unsportsmanlike conduct following Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”
He added, “From then NFL: 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.”
#Broncos LB Dre Greenlaw, just back from an injury, was suspended without pay for one game for unsportsmanlike conduct following Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.
From then NFL: After the conclusion of the Giants-Broncos game, Greenlaw chased after referee Brad Allen… pic.twitter.com/KWKAS8FawR
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 20, 2025
Greenlaw signed a three-year, $31.5 million deal with Denver in March after six seasons with the 49ers. In his Broncos debut, he recorded six tackles and a quarterback hit over 21 snaps.
He will miss the upcoming game against the Cowboys, forcing the defense to adjust. If things go wrong next week, then you can blame the timing.
Right now, their front seven has been rolling with a four-game winning streak. But they’ll need to patch the linebacker rotation since Greenlaw is out.
Broncos Nation Rallies Behind Greenlaw as Fans Blast Officiating Crew
Broncos fans aren’t buying the suspension. Many on social media exploded with support for Greenlaw and outrage directed at Brad Allen
Video evidence shows Allen shoving Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad as players rushed the field to celebrate. That contact appeared to trigger Greenlaw’s protective response for his teammate.
A random X user claimed, “NFL Never Slaps Real Criminals!”
One frustrated fan fired back, penning, “This referee literally shoved Justin Strnad after they made the kick and were celebrating. That was when Greenlaw took exception. You can’t dislike the refs enough.”
Another supporter broke down the sequence, adding, “Ref pushed Strnad #40 and Greenlaw #57 then chased down the ref in defense of his teammate. Obviously it’s pure chaos all around him and Dre probably took this too serious.. unless there’s something said? But a suspension is crazy.”
A fourth demanded accountability, noting, “The ref pushed Strnad, so Greenlaw called him out. Can we get some accountability for this embarrassing ref unit?”
The frustration ran deeper than one play. “Whatever he said to the refs couldn’t be worse than what the refs did during that game,” another fan argued.
ALSO READ: “I Told Shane To Be Aggressive”: New York Giants HC Brian Daboll Calls Out DC Shane Bowen
The suspension will remain unless Greenlaw’s appeal succeeds. If it does not, he will miss Sunday’s home game and return for the Week 9 road trip to Houston.
