Ja'Quan McMillian further solidified himself as one of the best nickel defenders in the NFL on Sunday evening with a memorable performance in the Broncos' 22-19 victory over the Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
McMillian racked up six tackles, sacked Patrick Mahomes twice, and intercepted the multiple-time MVP quarterback in the Denver win. McMillian was awarded the game ball in the postgame locker room, per head coach Sean Payton in his postgame press conference.
The Broncos seized control of the AFC West with an NFL-best 9-2 record with the win. The Chiefs dropped to 5-5 with the setback.
McMillian's interception of Mahomes came at the end of an extended Chiefs' drive, as he snared a pass with Mahomes throwing on the run near the sideline after escaping the pocket. McMillian's long interception return was called back due to a penalty, but it still led to a lengthy Denver touchdown drive as the Broncos took a 13-6 lead at the time.
The 25-year-old defensive back also sacked Mahomes on the final play of the first half, and on the Chiefs' final offensive snap to get the ball back to the Broncos' offense. McMillian came unblocked on nickel blitzes on both occasions dialed up by defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
"We knew we needed to make a play and we knew it was going to be one of us," McMillian said. "VJ just so happened to call the right play for me. I kind of times it up well off Mahomes' hands, and I went in there and made a play on them."
McMillian is in his fourth year with the Broncos, first entering the league in 2022 as an undrafted free agent. He's steadily worked his way into prominence with Denver, emerging as a starting nickel in Payton's first year with the Broncos in 2023.
This past offseason, the Broncos surprised many when they took Texas nickel/corner Jahdae Barron in the first round. Many thought McMillian would take a backseat in Denver's secondary. Instead, he's only become a more consistent player as a result.
This season, McMillian has 35 combined tackles, including a career-best four sacks. He's forced two fumbles and intercepted a pass.
McMillian now has five sacks, five forced fumbles and five picks over his Denver career, racking up 168 total tackles as well.
"J-Mac is going to be J-Mac, no matter who they bring in," McMillian said. "I love Jahdae. He's been a great add to the team, and he's going to be a good player. But I just do me. Keep working hard, go out there, do what I'm told to do. I never worry about the outside noise. I just go out there and compete the best I can."
A product of West Forsyth High School, and a native of Winston-Salem, N.C., McMillian spent three years with ECU before going pro. He was a two-time all-conference selection over his three seasons with the Pirates (2019-2021).
McMillian is scheduled to become a restricted free agent at season's end. He's currently on a one-year, $1.03 million contract after signing an exclusive rights deal for the 2025 season.