Let’s face it. Witnessing the Broncos’ 70–20 loss to the Miami Dolphins wasn’t just painful—it was a spectacle worthy of rubbernecking. A car crash of such proportions you can’t help but watch.
It wasn’t just bad; it was history-making bad for the Broncos. For Miami, it was glorious. Breaking or tying 13 franchise records, becoming the first team ever with 10 touchdowns from scrimmage, and the list goes on. The first to gain at least 350 yards through the air and on the ground. A record-tying two players with four touchdowns. And, as a sporty commentator at Mile High Huddle put it, “The Broncos’ defense couldn’t stop a runny nose.”
That brutal loss will forever be known as the metaphorical straw that broke the Broncos’ back…ing from even the most die-hard of the fans, who are sick of losing—something the team has been very good at doing for the last seven years. That’s how long it’s been since Denver had a winning season. They haven’t even made the playoffs since they clinched the Super Bowl 50 trophy (which I’m only mentioning in the Broncos’ defense because the team clearly can’t defend itself), but even that is a distant memory these days.
The pain from the recent record-setting loss, on the other hand, is still fresh as can be. And it’s causing the Denver Broncos to bleed fans clad in orange and blue. After the embarrassing loss to the Dolphins, one fan wearing orange and blue told Fox 31 that he “felt like getting a different shirt on” while another fan said it’s difficult to wear any gear associated with the team.
If you, too, get the “ick” when you think about donning your Broncos gear, perhaps it’s time for you and the team to take a break. Let them work on themselves while you play the field. If they liked your unwavering loyalty, they should have put a ring on it.
Until then, you’re free to enjoy your journey through NFL polyamory. To help you explore what’s out there, we put together a handy guide to some of the city’s best spots to (temporarily?) pledge your allegiance. Pop by on any given Sunday and raise a glass to your free-agent fandom.
Arizona Cardinals
Stoney’s Bar & Grill: 1111 Lincoln Street, Denver
Atlanta Falcons
Fainting Goat Pub: 846 Broadway, Denver
Baltimore Ravens
Chopper’s Sports Grill: 80 S. Madison Street, Denver
Buffalo Bills
Jackson’s LODO: 1520 20th Street, Denver
Carolina Panthers
Shelby’s Bar & Grill: 519 18th Street, Denver
Chicago Bears
Hayter’s & Co.: 1920 Blake Street, Denver
Cincinnati Bengals
Sportsbook Bar & Grill: 9660 E. Arapahoe Rd., Greenwood Village
Cleveland Browns
Stoney’s Uptown Joint: 1035 E. 17th Ave. Denver
Dallas Cowboys
Spot Bar & Grill: 98 S. Pennsylvania Street, Denver
Detroit Lions
Candlelight Tavern: 383 S. Pearl Street, Denver
Green Bay Packers
Wally’s Wisconsin Tavern: 1417 Market Street, Denver
Houston Texans
Society Sports and Spirits: 1434 Blake Street, Denver
Indianapolis Colts
Icehouse Tavern: 1801 Wynkoop Street, Denver
Jacksonville Jaguars
Chopper’s Sports Grill: 80 S. Madison Street, Denver
Kansas City Chiefs
Don’s Club Tavern: 723 E. 6th Ave. Denver
Las Vegas Raiders
52Eighty Sports Bar: 7575 Broadway, Denver
Los Angeles Chargers
Society Sports and Spirits: 1434 Blake Street, Denver
Miami Dolphins
Stoney’s Cantina: 30 S. Broadway, Denver
Minnesota Vikings
Cap City Tavern: 1247 Bannock Street, Denver
New England Patriots
Three Dogs Tavern: 3390 W. 32nd Ave. Denver
New Orleans Saints
Moe’s Orginal BBQ: 3295 S Broadway, Denver
New York Jets
Stoney’s Bar and Grill: 1111 Lincoln Street, Denver
Philadelphia Eagles
Larimer Beer Hall: 2012 Larimer Street, Denver
Pittsburgh Steelers
Jackson’s LODO: 1520 20th Street, Denver
Seattle Seahawks
Clock Tower Grill: 9360 Station St., Lone Tree
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With no official Mile High home base, Florida’s Gulf Coast fans sometimes organize meetups at the pirate-themed Dive Inn. Sorry, Denver!
Tennessee Titans
No dedicated bar for this under-represented team, but Tom’s Watch Bar is always a good bet for all things sports. Sorry Again!
Washington Commanders
Stoney’s Uptown Joint: 1035 E. 17th Ave. Denver
