The NFL never strays too far from controversy, and the latest chapter unfolded in the 2026 Divisional Round clash between the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos. In a game that already had fans on edge, overtime delivered a moment that’s now fueling heated debates across the football world.
Josh Allen appeared to connect with Brandin Cooks for a massive gain-until he didn’t. Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian came away with the ball, and after a surprisingly brief review, the officials ruled it an interception. The ruling stood, and just like that, what looked like a clutch Bills completion turned into a game-changing turnover.
The reaction? Instant and explosive.
Bills fans-and plenty of neutrals-argued that Cooks had secured the ball and was down before McMillian ripped it away. Others pointed to the replay, saying Cooks never had full control while on the ground.
Social media lit up with slow-motion breakdowns, freeze frames, and even AI-generated edits trying to isolate the moment of possession. It was the kind of play that reminds everyone just how murky the NFL’s catch rule can be, even after all these years of trying to clarify it.
Former Bills head coach Sean McDermott didn’t hold back in his reaction, but team owner Terry Pegula remained silent, which isn’t unusual. Still, the Bills got a high-profile defender from an unexpected corner of the sports world-his daughter, world-class tennis star Jessica Pegula.
Jessica Pegula Sends a Message-Literally
While competing at the 2026 Australian Open, Jessica Pegula found a creative way to voice her frustration with the controversial call. After a straight-sets win over Anastasia Zakharova, Pegula walked over to the on-court camera-part of a now-traditional post-match celebration where tennis players sign their names for the fans. But Pegula didn’t stop at just signing her name.
She added a message that every Bills fan could relate to:
“That was a catch :(”
It was a simple, emotional nod to the moment that may have cost Buffalo a shot at the AFC Championship-and it quickly made waves across both the tennis and football worlds.
Pegula elaborated on her reaction during her post-match press conference.
“Yeah, yesterday sucked, not going to lie. I was not happy.
Not a happy camper,” she said. “Tough game.
Tough loss. How we lost was also-you know, it was like a stab in the heart kind of situation.
It just wasn’t fun, yeah.”
Even while preparing for one of the biggest tournaments in tennis, Pegula was locked in on the Bills. She revealed that she had to practice during the game and joked about her coach’s timing.
“I don’t know why my coach booked practice at that time. That was his fault,” she said with a smile.
“But it was the only time we could get a court. I practiced with an earbud in and had the stream on my phone so I could at least hear what was going on.”
That’s dedication. And it’s clear her heart was back in Buffalo, even while her body was 10,000 miles away in Melbourne.
A Star Athlete and a Die-Hard Bills Fan
Jessica Pegula isn’t just a casual supporter of the team her family owns-she’s a lifelong fan who rides the emotional rollercoaster with the rest of Bills Mafia. Born February 24, 1994, she’s now 31 and has carved out her own elite career in tennis. Since turning pro in 2009, she’s compiled a 487-271 singles record and reached a career-high ranking of No. 3 in the world in October 2022.
She’s still chasing her first Grand Slam singles title, coming closest at the 2024 U.S. Open, where she lost a tight final to Aryna Sabalenka, 7-5, 7-5.
But even in the middle of a major tournament, she’s not shy about showing her Bills pride. That “That was a catch” message wasn’t just a clever camera moment-it was a heartfelt reaction from someone who lives and breathes the team’s highs and lows.
Some fans online have floated the idea of Jessica one day taking over ownership of the Bills. While there’s no indication she’s pursuing that path, moments like this show just how deeply connected she is to the franchise. She’s not just watching from the sidelines-she’s feeling every moment with the same intensity as the fans back home.
The Play That Sparked It All
As for the play itself, it’s going to be replayed and rehashed for a long time. Was it a catch?
Was it a fumble? Did McMillian have possession before Cooks was down?
You can watch it a dozen times and still come away unsure. That’s the kind of moment that defines playoff football-one call, one play, and suddenly the season is over.
And for the Bills, it ended not just in heartbreak, but in controversy.
Jessica Pegula’s reaction captured what so many fans were feeling. Whether you’re on a tennis court in Melbourne or a couch in Buffalo, sometimes sports just hit you in the gut.
And this one? This one left a mark.