RJ Harvey Keeps Rolling: Rookie Back Shines Again in Breakout Season for Broncos
RJ Harvey is making this whole “rookie transition” thing look easy. The former UCF star continues to carve up NFL defenses, and on Sunday, he added another highlight to an already eye-opening debut season - his 11th touchdown of the year, the most among all rookies.
Against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Harvey showcased exactly why he’s become such a key piece in Denver’s offense. He needed just seven carries to rack up 50 rushing yards, and he added four catches for 71 more through the air. That kind of efficiency isn’t just impressive - it’s becoming routine for Harvey.
Let’s talk about that 32-yard reception. On paper, it was a simple checkdown to the flat.
But Harvey turned it into something more. He hit the sideline with a burst, leaving defenders grasping at air.
It’s the kind of play that doesn’t show up in the playbook - it’s instinct, speed, and vision all working in sync.
And then came the moment of the night: a 38-yard touchdown run that had the Broncos’ sideline - and social media - buzzing. Lined up next to quarterback Bo Nix in the shotgun, Harvey took the handoff up the middle and exploded through the first level.
Two Jaguars defenders closed in, but Harvey spun off both, kept his balance, and veered left toward the sideline. One more defender tried to bring him down - no luck.
Harvey powered through and dove into the end zone, punctuating a run that had everything: burst, balance, strength, and a little bit of swagger.
Former Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden summed it up on X: “RJ Harvey growing up fast! What a RUN!”
That score was Harvey’s longest rushing touchdown of his young career, and it extended his touchdown streak to four straight games. Since stepping into the lead-back role in Week 11, he’s been a top-10 running back in fantasy football - a stat that only begins to capture his real-world impact.
What’s made Harvey so effective isn’t just the raw athleticism (though that’s certainly there). It’s his feel for the game - his patience between the tackles, the way he sets up blocks, and how he accelerates through creases.
And when he gets into space? Good luck catching him.
Sean Payton’s offense has found a new gear with Harvey in the backfield. He’s not just a runner - he’s a true dual threat who gives Bo Nix a reliable safety valve in the passing game and a red-zone hammer when it counts. That’s a rare combo for any back, let alone a rookie.
For those who followed Harvey at UCF, this rise isn’t exactly shocking. He was a touchdown machine in college, and now he’s proving that his game translates - and then some - at the next level.
With the Broncos sitting at 12-3 and holding a one-game edge over the Chargers in the AFC West, Harvey’s role becomes even more critical down the stretch. The division could come down to the final game of the season - a showdown with the Chargers - and Denver’s rookie back will no doubt be a focal point.
RJ Harvey isn’t just part of the Broncos’ future. He’s already a big part of their present - and he’s only getting started.