Josh Allen wept openly in his post-game press conference after the Buffalo Bills saw their 2025-2026 season end in overtime against the Denver Broncos on January 17.
At a Glance
- Buffalo’s playoff run ended on a 24-yard Will Lutz field goal in overtime
- Allen, 29, apologized to teammates and blamed “missed opportunities”
- His wife, Hailee Steinfeld, is pregnant with their first child
- Why it matters: The top-seeded Broncos advance to face either New England or Houston for the AFC title
The quarterback, known for his competitive fire, struggled to speak as tears streamed down his face. “It’s extremely difficult,” Allen told reporters while describing the abrupt end to a long season.
Emotional Post-Game Reaction
Allen did not hide his disappointment. “I feel like I let my teammates down tonight,” he said, voice cracking. When asked why the moment hit him so hard, he cited “missed opportunities throughout the game” and added, “I hate how it ended, and that’s gonna stick with me for a long time.”
The Bills entered the AFC Divisional Round as hopeful contenders, but a back-and-forth battle concluded with Lutz’s decisive kick. Denver now moves on to the conference championship on January 25, while Buffalo begins an earlier-than-expected off-season.
Locker Room Message
Inside the locker room, Allen said he had “haven’t been doing a lot of talking,” choosing instead to offer a brief, direct apology. “I love my teammates, and I’m extremely sorry, and I’m extremely disappointed in how this ended,” he explained.
His raw emotion reflected both personal and team frustration. The quarterback had helped guide the Bills through a demanding schedule, only to fall one game short of the AFC title match.
Up Next for Denver
- The Broncos await the winner of Sunday’s January 18 clash between the New England Patriots and Houston Texans
- Kickoff for the AFC championship is set for January 25
- The victor earns a berth in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on February 8
According to News Of Los Angeles, the Bills’ exit marks another postseason heartbreak for a roster many picked to contend for the Lombardi Trophy. Allen’s tears underscored the weight of those expectations and the narrow margins that define playoff football.
Key Takeaways
- Allen accepted blame and apologized immediately after the loss
- Denver’s upset win sends them to the AFC championship
- The Bills must regroup following a season that ended in emotional fashion
- Super Bowl LX looms on February 8, closing the 2025-2026 NFL campaign
