Tag: Brandon Jones

Jones breaks 98-race Xfinity winless streak at Darlington

After diligently working through a 98-race winless streak over the last three NASCAR Xfinity Series seasons, Joe Gibbs Racing’s Brandon Jones reminded his competitors – and his fans – Saturday that he’s still a race winner and a title contender. The …

After diligently working through a 98-race winless streak over the last three NASCAR Xfinity Series seasons, Joe Gibbs Racing’s Brandon Jones reminded his competitors — and his fans — Saturday that he’s still a race winner and a title contender.

The well-liked 28-year-old Atlanta native took the lead on a re-start with 12 laps remaining in Saturday’s Sports Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 at the historic Darlington (S.C.) Raceway – beating 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott to the finish line by a healthy 1.105s to hoist his first trophy since April, 2022 — a span of 98 races.

The 1.366-mile Darlington track may be nicknamed Too Tough To Tame, but it certainly presented a tamer race than the series produced a week ago on the typically wild and wooly Martinsville half-miler. This weekend featured 14 lead changes among nine drivers – none of the changes up front a result of overly aggressive driving.

Instead, strategy, a fast car and unwavering belief in himself and his team made the difference for Jones.

 

“It’s nice for my confidence … but it’s also to prove to the haters, and people that said I was incapable of doing it, wrong again,’’ said Jones, whose No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota led 24 of the races 137 laps.

“This place is freaking awesome; I love coming to Darlington, ‘’ he added, “Second win and just huge momentum. I knew we were on a high, just didn’t know when it was going to happen.’’

Justin Allgaier, who led the most laps (56) on the afternoon and won Stage 2, finished third in the No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, followed by teammates Ross Chastain and rookie Carson Kvapil. The team, co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his sister Kelley Earnhardt Miller, had all five of its Chevys in the top 10 with rookie Connor Zilisch finishing sixth and Sammy Smith ninth.

Rookies punctuated the top 10 despite it being the first time most of them had ever raced at the famously challenging venue. In addition to Kvapil and Zilisch, rookies Christian Eckes and Nick Sanchez claimed seventh and eighth place with Smith and veteran Sheldon Creed rounding out the top 10.

Harrison Burton’s AM Racing team won the opening stage and JGR’s Taylor Gray was credited with the Xfinity Fastest Lap (160.706mph) of the day.

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“I am proud of Brandon Jones, I know how hard the kid has worked. He’s done a good job and I’m happy to see him get to victory lane’’ said the reigning series champion Allgaier, who has now tied NASCAR Hall-of-Famer Mark Martin with nine-consecutive top 10s in Xfinity Series races at Darlington.

Allgaier has finished top 10 in six of the last seven races of 2025, including back-to-back victories at Las Vegas and Homestead-Miami in March and a runner-up finish at Atlanta in February.

“Disappointed,’’ Allgaier conceded of his Darlington day, however, noting his Chevy’s speed was good and the team overcame an early race pit road miscue.

“We were able to get the track position back, at least for the most part, but clean air was too important today. When we were up front, we had it. I really needed the long runs and just didn’t have that at the end of the race today. Proud of everybody on our BRANDT Chemical Chevrolet. We’re on a heckuva run with top fives right now.’’

The series’ popular Dash 4 Cash incentive program returns with next week’s SciApps 300 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway (5 p.m. ET, The CW Network, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

The highest finisher among Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill, Haas Factory Team’s Creed, Allgaier and Alpha Prime Racing’s Brennan Poole will win the Dash 4 Cash $100,000 bonus check from Xfinity, having earned eligibility based on their results in the Martinsville (Va.) Speedway race last week.

Next week marks the first spring race at Bristol since 2019. Christopher Bell was the race winner.

Justin Simmons sounds noncommittal on re-signing with Falcons in 2025

Justin Simmons sounds noncommittal on re-signing with the Falcons in 2025. Should the Broncos bring him back?

After signing a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons last August, veteran safety Justin Simmons is now scheduled to become a free agent in March.

Simmons, 31, was asked after Atlanta’s season wrapped up if he wants to re-sign with the Falcons in 2025. There was no immediate “I’d like to.” Rather, the safety sounded noncommittal on his status in Atlanta.

“That’s a really good question,” Simmons said, via Terrin Waack of the Falcons’ official website. “It’s hard. Honestly, I haven’t even thought about it. The mindset coming into [Week 18] was, we’re going to take care of business … [and make the playoffs]. So, I honestly haven’t given that a thought.”

Simmons did go on to say that he loved Atlanta and he said the team is in good hands, but he did not specifically say that he wants to return. Make of that what you will.

Meanwhile, former Denver Broncos safety and ex-Simmons teammate Su’a Cravens has hinted on social media that Simmons is open to returning to the Broncos. Brandon Jones had an excellent season in 2024 but P.J. Locke struggled, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see Denver add a safety in 2025.

Perhaps a reunion with the Broncos could be in play for Simmons. NFL free agency will begin on March 12.

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Twitter did not like the Brandon Jones penalty vs. Bills

Do you think Broncos DB Brandon Jones deserved a 15-yard penalty for his hit on Bills RB Ray Davis on Sunday?

Denver Broncos fans were not pleased with the officiating during Sunday’s playoff game against the Buffalo Bills.

Broncos returner Marvin Mims was surprisingly penalized for pushing a player who stood over him after a play, and Ty Johnson’s touchdown catch was disputed by fans. NFL referee Bill Vinovich also went to the sideline during a break and he appeared to apologize to Bills quarterback Josh Allen for a missed call.

Those incidents were not well-received by fans in Denver, and safety Brandon Jones’ unnecessary roughness penalty also seemed harsh.

Buffalo was leading 13-7 when Allen threw a pass to running back Ray Davis in the third quarter. Just after Davis failed to catch the ball, he was hit hard by Jones. Here’s the play:

Jones appeared to attempt turn his body to avoid a head-to-head collision, but he still received a 15-yard penalty. It appeared that Jones intended for a shoulder-to-shoulder hit, but his helmet did make contact with Davis’ helmet.

Fans did not appreciate the penalty.

“Legitimate question. What should Brandon Jones had done differently?” one fan asked on Twitter/X.

Another fan chimed in: “Basically the only way Jones doesn’t get a penalty here is going at the receiver straight up with his arms stretched out and tackling him with his chest. And even then I’m not 100% sure they don’t call a defenseless receiver penalty. Basically you have to avoid hitting him smh.”

Some fans suggested that it was a makeup call after Vinovich had previously apologized to Allen. Other fans noted that Allen shouldn’t have put Davis in that situation with that throw.

Davis left the game with an injury but was said to be OK afterward.

Instead of facing 3rd-and-13 at their own 38-yard line following an incompletion, the Bills were given a first down at Denver’s 47-yard after the penalty. Buffalo went on to score a touchdown on that drive and eventually won 31-7.

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5 other Broncos players received 2024 All-Pro votes

The Broncos had five players named 2024 All-Pros, and five other Denver players also received votes.

The Denver Broncos had five players named to 2024 Associated Press All-Pro teams on Friday, their most in a single season since 1996.

Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain, right guard Quinn Meinerz and punt returner Marvin Mims were named first-team All-Pros while edge defender Nik Bonitto and interior defensive lineman Zach Allen received second-team All-Pro recognition.

Additionally, five other Denver players also received All-Pro votes.

Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles (nine votes), fullback Michael Burton (six), safety Brandon Jones (five), long snapper Mitchell Fraboni (four) and wide receiver Courtland Sutton (one) were also recognized in the process.

Surtain, Bonitto and Mims were also named Pro Bowl starters and eight Denver players were named alternates for the Pro Bowl. Surtain and Mims were also named to the 2024 NFLPA’s All-Pro team.

The Broncos just wrapped up their best regular season since 2015, so it’s no surprise that accolades are pouring in. Up next is a likely Defensive Player of the Year nod for Surtain during “NFL Honors” in February.

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Ex-teammate hints that Justin Simmons would like to return to Broncos

Su’a Cravens has hinted on social media that Justin Simmons is open to returning to the Broncos in 2025.

A former Denver Broncos defensive back has hinted that safety Justin Simmons would like to return to his old team.

After spending the first eight years of his career with the Broncos and missing the playoffs in all eight seasons, Simmons was cut this spring and later signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

Denver went on to make the NFL playoffs in 2024 while Atlanta failed to qualify for the postseason. Following that unfortunate turn of events for Simmons, an ex-teammate has hinted that the safety would like to return to the Broncos.

“Been speaking to J the last few weeks… Broncos Country, wouldn’t yal love to see Justin finish his career in Orange & Blue?! 🫣👀 I know that door ain’t closed if Sean wanted to make that call next season … I’m just sayin 🤷🏽‍♂️ #BroncosCountry,” Su’a Cravens tweeted earlier this week.

Simmons, 31, is scheduled to become a free agent in March. Denver replaced him with Brandon Jones, who had an excellent season in 2024. If Simmons did return in 2025, there would be no guarantee he would have a starting role with the Broncos.

Cravens’ social media posts have not always been accurate over the years, but he is clearly still friends with Simmons. Cravens also correctly reported last summer that Simmons was finalizing a contract with the Falcons. That, of course, proved to be true.

Whether or not Simmons eventually returns to Denver remains to be seen.

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8 Broncos (including Bo Nix) named alternates for 2025 Pro Bowl

Bo Nix is among eight Broncos players who were named alternates for the 2025 Pro Bowl.

The Denver Broncos had three players elected to the 2025 Pro Bowl, the NFL announced Thursday.

In addition to those players, eight other Broncos players were named alternates for the all-star game.

Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz (first alternate), long snapper Mitch Fraboni (first), kicker Wil Lutz (third), tackle Garett Bolles (third), fullback Mike Burton (fourth), defensive lineman Zach Allen (fourth), quarterback Bo Nix (fourth) and safety Brandon Jones (fifth) were named Pro Bowl alternates. They will be candidates to join the Pro Bowl roster if other players drop out.

1. Quinn Meinerz delivers big pancake blocks on a near-weekly basis and his 86.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus ranks fifth among NFL guards.

2. Mitchell Fraboni was named a PFF second-team All-Pro last season and he had another impressive campaign in 2024. He totaled five tackles on punt coverage after snapping to Dixon.

3. Wil Lutz converted 30 field goals this season, which ranked sixth in the AFC and seventh overall. His 90.9% field goal rate ranked fifth among qualified kickers in the AFC and he was one of nine full-time kickers to go 100% on extra point attempts this fall. Lutz was a perfect 11-of-11 on field goal attempts between 40-49 yards, the best mark at that range this season.

4. Garett Bolles was credited with allowing two sacks this season and his 88.8 pass-blocking grade on PFF ranks fifth in the NFL among offensive tackles.

5. Michael Burton is the No. 1-ranked fullback on PFF this season with an overall grade of 66.8 and a pass-blocking grade of 75.8. Burton is used primarily as a blocker, but he has also picked up six first downs and scored two touchdowns with six carries and 10 receptions this season.

6. Zach Allen has recorded 73 pressures, 8.5 sacks (tied for second among AFC interior defensive linemen), 39 QB hits, 34 hurries, 15 tackles behind the line, one safety and one pass breakup this season.

7. Bo Nix‘s 30 total touchdowns rank fourth in the AFC this season, only trailing Joe Burrow (44), Lamar Jackson (43) and Josh Allen (41). His long of 93 yards ranks third in the NFL and his 24 sacks are eighth-fewest among the league’s 32 quarterbacks.

8. Brandon Jones has totaled three interceptions this fall, tied for fourth-most in the AFC. His 114 tackles are a team-high in Denver. Jones also broke up 10 passes, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble in 2024.

The 2025 Pro Bowl Games will be held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Feb. 2. The NFC defeated the AFC 64-59 last season.

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Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto fined $8,791 for obscene gesture vs. Colts

Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto was fined $8,791 for an obscene gesture against the Colts in Week 15.

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto was fined $8,791 for an obscene gesture against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15, according to multiple reports. Bonitto made the gesture after a fumble-six.

In addition to Bonitto’s fine, Broncos safety Brandon Jones also received two fines from Week 15 — a $16,883 fine for a hip-drop tackle and a $11,255 fine for a late late hit, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis.

Any potential Denver fines from their Thursday Night Football showdown with the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16 will be announced next week.

Jones ($28,138) has been the team’s most-fined player this season, followed by safety P.J. Locke ($27,944), defensive lineman Malcolm Roach ($25,324), Bonitto ($17,582), cornerback Pat Surtain ($11,255), fullback Mike Burton ($7,653), center Luke Wattenberg ($5,872), tight end Lucas Krull ($5,083) and safety Devon Key ($4,417).

The money the league receives from fines is “donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation to support Legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels,” per the NFL.

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Broncos players laugh about Jonathan Taylor’s ‘early Christmas present’

Jonathan Taylor’s fumble was “an early Christmas present,” leaving Broncos players all in smiles in the locker room after the win.

Early in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor ripped off a 41-yard touchdown run to give his team a 13-point lead. Well, almost.

After review, officials determined that Taylor dropped the ball just before crossing the goal line. Taylor’s fumble rolled out of the end zone for a touchback. So instead of scoring a touchdown, Taylor gave the ball back to Denver.

Following that game-altering play, the Broncos went on to score 24 unanswered points in an eventual 31-13 victory. Denver coach Sean Payton was flabbergasted when asked about the play after the game.

“That was significant,” Payton said. “I don’t get it, but I’m not going to try to. That was a significant play that you go from breaking a long run for a touchdown for your team to us having the ball.”

Payton was asked if the play could be a teachable moment for his own players.

“Fair question,” Payton said. “I cannot recall covering that. It would not be a teaching point. I think that will be difficult for the coaches and every one of his teammates. It’ll just be difficult, I don’t get it. I’ll leave it at that. I don’t want to say something.”

At the risk of putting words in the coach’s mouth, it seemed that Payton might have been suggesting such a scenario shouldn’t even need to be taught because it’s common sense to not drop the ball before you score. Those are Broncos Wire’s words, though, as Payton was careful to not say too much.

Denver’s players, on the other hand, weren’t quite as diplomatic.

Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper gave Taylor a shoutout in the locker room, Nik Bonitto said he was happy the running back bailed out the defense and safety P.J. Locke thanked the “football Gods.” Everyone had big smiles when asked about the play.

The best reaction of the night came from defensive back Brandon Jones.

“I think it was kind of fitting for the kind of season it is,” Jones said, via Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette. “It’s an early Christmas present, which we are super grateful for it and we appreciated it so much.”

Denver defensive lineman John-Franklin Myers also had a great reaction:

Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton said any Denver players who made such a blunder would have to answer to the wrath of Payton.

As for Taylor himself, the running back took responsibility for the blunder.

“It just can’t happen,” Taylor said. “No matter the game, no matter the scenario, you could be up 50, down by 50, in a playoff game, the first game of the season. That should never happen.”

Taylor said he apologized to his teammates and vowed never to let it happen again.

“I told them, I apologized, and I just know that it will never happen again,” the running back said. “That has never happened to me before, and it will never happen again.”

The Broncos are now just one more win away from clinching a spot in the NFL playoffs. Indy’s postseason hopes are now all but dead.

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WATCH: Brandon Jones intercepts Anthony Richardson pass

Brandon Jones gets the ball back for the Broncos!

Denver Broncos safety Brandon Jones intercepted a pass from Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson in the second quarter of Sunday’s game.

Here’s video of the play, courtesy of the team’s official Twitter/X page:

At the time of publication, the Broncos trail the Colts 10-7.

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Broncos injury report: Riley Moss ruled out for Week 15

Broncos CB Riley Moss (knee) did not practice on Friday. Should the team start Kris Abrams-Draine against the Colts?

After missing all three days of practice this week, Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (knee) has been ruled out for a Week 15 showdown with the Indianapolis Colts.

Now the Broncos will have to determine who will start in Moss’ place against the Colts. In his own words, Levi Wallace had the worst game of his life filling in for Moss against the Cleveland Browns before Denver’s bye.

The Broncos will undoubtedly consider starting a different cornerback across from Pat Surtain this week, with rookie Kris Abrams-Draine a potential candidate.

As for the Colts, wide receiver Ashton Dulin (ankle) and offensive tackle Braden Smith (personal) have been ruled out for Week 15.

Denver’s complete injury report can be seen below. DNP = did not participate.

Player Wed Thur Fri Game Status
DB Brandon Jones (abdomen) Limited Limited Full
CB Tremon Smith (personal) Not listed Not listed Limited
CB Riley Moss (knee) DNP DNP DNP Out

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (view the TV map). Playing at home, the Broncos are considered favorites against the Colts.

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