J.K. Dobbins, Denver Broncos
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J.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos leaves the field after their win against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Denver Broncos made a bold decision to re-sign veteran running back J.K. Dobbins in free agency. Now, Dobbins wants Broncos country to know just how much he appreciates the opportunity presented to him.
Denver is Dobbins’ third NFL stop. Injuries have plagued him throughout his career.
Ever defiant about his durability, though, Dobbins is ready to prove the Broncos were correct in their decision.
J.K. Dobbins Makes Bold Claim After Broncos Return
J.K. Dobbins, Denver Broncos
GettyJ.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders.
Dobbins sent a lengthy post on Instagram, expressing gratitude to the Broncos for believing in him. He praised ownership, general manager George Paton, and head coach Sean Payton as the “best” in their respective roles and for their faith in him.
He said he would not let Paton down.
Dobbins doubled up on the sentiment when addressing Payton, citing his belief from the very beginning.
“From Day One I knew you were the coach for me,” Dobbins said in his post on March 13. “You’ve had my back the whole time, no matter what. I’m going to repay that trust by becoming one of the best backs in this league.”
Dobbins has been consistent in his praise for Payton.
He cited the coach among the various reasons his decision to sign with the Broncos the first time was a “no-brainer.”
Dobbins, 27, rushed for 772 yards and 4 touchdowns on 153 carries during the 2025 regular season before suffering a Lisfranc injury in Week 10 that ended his campaign prematurely. The Broncos ranked seventh in rushing yards per game before his injury, per Team Rankings.
Keeping Dobbins on the field has proven to be the only thing that slows him down.
Notably, an injury-marred campaign and career led to a one-and-done scenario for fellow 2025 offseason addition Dre Greenlaw, but the Broncos are giving it another go with Dobbins.
Dobbins is younger than Greenlaw, but he has just as extensive an injury history at a position that is almost analogous in the physicality it requires. It is a risk for the Broncos, but one Dobbins is embracing the challenge of cashing in on.
J.K. Dobbins Sees Big Things Coming
J.K. Dobbins, Denver Broncos
GettyJ.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos reacts after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles.
Dobbins also expressed gratitude to Brnocos fans for embracing him, adding that he sees continued good fortunes for the group.
“When I signed in 2024, you guys knew of me but you didn’t fully know me yet. Fast forward to now… we’re family,” Dobbins said. “Yeah, it’s a business. Yeah, some people say you’re not supposed to show emotion or love in this game. But that’s not how it is here. That’s not how it’s been for me in Denver.
“From the moment I stepped foot in Colorado, I knew I was a bronco. Signing here again is just the beginning of something special. With this team and with these fans, the sky is the limit.”
The Broncos won 14 games during the 2025 regular season. They narrowly lost the AFC Championship Game 10-7 to the New England Patriots despite not having Dobbins or starting quarterback Bo Nix.
This offseason has been a strong vote of confidence in that group’s ability to contend again in 2026.