The Kansas City Chiefs appeared to secure a dramatic, last-second victory over the Denver Broncos on Sunday when Patrick Mahomes connected with Emmett Johnson for a game-winning touchdown.
Instead, a false start penalty on right tackle Jaylon Moore wiped out the score. On the next play, Malcolm Roach sacked Mahomes to seal a 28-24 win for Denver, giving the Broncos the lead in the AFC West.
Afterward, furious Chiefs fans blamed the referees on social media. But former Broncos safety Justin Simmons fired back with a harsh response.
Justin Simmons blasts Chiefs fans defending Patrick Mahomes
Simmons, who played eight years in Denver, dismissed fans’ complaints regarding the late-game penalty, stating that Kansas City fans had no grounds to be upset and accusing them of benefiting from officiating.
Oct 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) stands on the field after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images
Oct 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) stands on the field after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images
“I seen it all on social media and I already got beef with Chiefs fans anyway,” Simmons said while speaking on the DNVR Sports podcast. “That wasn’t a false start. They call that on us… Y’all been cheating y’all whole time y’all had Patrick Mahomes. Refs been cheating for y’all.”
He pushed back against the fanbase’s complaints, adding, “My rant is at the Chiefs fans that are delusional enough to think that that was not a false start. It was. Y’all lost at the one-yard line. Ha!”
The controversial moment took place after Kansas City held a 24-13 lead late in the third quarter following a 4-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes to tight end Noah Gray. However, Denver scored twice in the fourth quarter to take the lead.
Mahomes, who finished the day throwing for 321 yards and three touchdowns, led a frantic seven-play drive to reach the Broncos’ 1-yard line before the game-ending penalty occurred.
The narrow defeat handed the Chiefs their second consecutive loss, dropping their record to 5-2 after opening the season with a perfect 5-0 run. After the game, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid admitted he didn’t see a penalty, stating, “I saw him move his head, but I didn’t see [a false start]. One man’s opinion.”
Pat echoed his coach’s frustration but took a more resigned approach to the decision. “I have not seen it, but it didn’t catch me,” Mahomes said. “At the end of the day, you have to go with whatever’s called. But a lot of times in those big moments, the little stuff doesn’t get called like that.”
However, seeking to bounce back from their sudden slide to 5-2, the Chiefs will return to Arrowhead Stadium this Sunday to face the New York Jets.
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