The NFL playoffs delivered their annual dose of drama, and this time, it came wrapped in a classic catch controversy. In the 2026 Divisional Round clash between the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos, a pivotal overtime play turned into the latest lightning rod for debate.
Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen appeared to connect with wide receiver Brandin Cooks for a huge gain-until Denver cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian came away with the ball. The officials ruled it an interception, and after a surprisingly brief video review, the call stood. That decision sent fans into a frenzy, with social media turning into a digital courtroom dissecting every frame of the play.
On one side, Bills fans and analysts argued Cooks had full control and was down before the ball was stripped. On the other, supporters of the ruling pointed to the lack of clear possession through the ground.
The play was pored over in slow motion, freeze frames, and even AI-assisted breakdowns with McMillian digitally removed to isolate Cooks' movement. It was the kind of moment that sparks endless debate-and this one might not die down anytime soon.
Former Bills head coach Sean McDermott added his voice to the conversation, but there was no official word from team owner Terry Pegula. That’s not unusual. What was unusual was the reaction from his daughter, Jessica Pegula-who just happens to be one of the top tennis players in the world and is currently competing at the 2026 Australian Open.
Jessica Pegula Sends a Message-Literally
In the wake of the Bills' gut-wrenching loss, Jessica Pegula found a creative way to show her frustration-and Bills fandom-on the other side of the globe. After her win over Anastasia Zakharova in Melbourne, Pegula approached the courtside camera for the traditional post-match autograph.
But instead of just signing her name, she added a very pointed message:
“That was a catch :(”
It was a moment that quickly made the rounds online, resonating with Bills fans still reeling from the overtime call.
Later, in her post-match press conference, Pegula didn’t hold back when asked about the game.
“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.”
Turns out, Pegula was practicing during the game-though that didn’t stop her from following along.
“I don't know why my coach booked practice at that time. That was his fault, but it was the only time we could get a court,” she said. “I practiced with an earbud in and had the stream on my phone so I could just at least hear what was going on.”
So, while she was working on her forehand, she was also living and breathing every second of the Bills’ playoff heartbreak-just like any die-hard fan would.
Who Is Jessica Pegula?
For those who only know Pegula as the tennis player with a sharp backhand and an even sharper sense of timing when it comes to post-match messages, here’s a quick rundown.
Jessica is the daughter of Terry and Kim Pegula, the owners of the Buffalo Bills. Born in 1994, she turned pro in 2009 and has carved out an impressive career on the WTA Tour. Coming into the 2026 Australian Open, she held a career singles record of 487-271 and once reached as high as No. 3 in the world rankings back in October 2022.
While she’s still hunting for her first Grand Slam singles title, Pegula came close in 2024, reaching the U.S. Open Final before falling to Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets. Her consistent presence in the later rounds of majors has made her one of the sport’s most respected competitors.
And as she showed this week, she’s just as passionate about football as she is about tennis. Pegula’s courtside camera message wasn’t just a lighthearted jab-it was a moment of solidarity with a fanbase that’s known heartbreak all too well.
The Bigger Picture
The Bills’ controversial overtime loss will be dissected for weeks, maybe months. But Pegula’s reaction served as a reminder that these games don’t just affect the players and coaches-they ripple out to fans, families, and even elite athletes halfway across the world.
Her candid comments and heartfelt message struck a chord not just because of what was said, but because of who said it. She’s not just a tennis star-she’s a Bills fan through and through. And in a moment when Buffalo needed a little emotional backup, she delivered.
As for the play itself? You can watch it a hundred times and still come away with questions.
But one thing’s for sure-Jessica Pegula’s verdict is in: *That was a catch. *