Denver Broncos linebacker Dondrea Tillman has heard his name in the news and on social media quite a bit since the team lost to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2, and it hasn't been for good reasons.
Tillman, a reserve outside linebacker for the team, was the player called for the leverage penalty on the last play of the game, in which the Colts were attempting a 60-yard field goal. Spencer Shrader missed that kick to the right badly, but Tillman's penalty allowed him to try it again from 15 yards closer, and he didn't miss that one.
After the game, Tillman spoke with the media and took full responsibility for the penalty, which was originally called on Eyioma Uwazurike.
#Broncos LB Deondrea Tillman was ultimately called for leverage in missed field goal. He wanted to see film to see what he did wrong. pic.twitter.com/5ttx5t9qtr
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) September 14, 2025
After the game, Bleacher Report chose Tillman as the biggest loser from the game.
"Special teams miscues became a theme during Sunday's action. The Broncos had the game won. The clock expired and everything after Spencer Shrader missed a potential game-winning field goal attempt. However, officials called Tillman for a personal foul/leverage over the long-snapper.
As such, the Colts were moved 15 yards closer and Spencer converted the field goal for the victory even with no time remaining in regulation. The Broncos snatched defeat from the jaws of victory because of a mental error", wrote B/R.
That's a bit much. Broncos head coach Sean Payton took responsibility for the penalty following the game, as he should have. Perhaps the call was made against the young linebacker, but why are you even calling for such a block when a team is attempting a kick from that far out? The only chance the Colts had was the Broncos committing a penalty, and Payton and his staff need to be more aware of that.
READ: Where do Broncos sit in the power rankings after Week 2?
The Denver coaching staff, Payton specifically, were much bigger culprits in this loss than Tillman, who was just trying to make a play on the play his coaches called.
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