Demands to Pay Player from the Denver Broncos Fans

In the stands of Empower Field at Mile High, on social media feeds, and in local sports bars across Colorado, a clear message has emerged from Broncos Country: “Pay Chris Jones.” The five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, signed by the Denver Broncos to a one-year, $23 million deal in mid-November, has quickly become the heart of the team’s resurgent defense—and fans are already demanding the front office lock him down with a long-term contract. Jones’ impact—7 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and a defensive touchdown in just six games—has reignited playoff hopes and turned him into an instant fan favorite. But with his contract set to expire after the 2024 season, fans are growing anxious, launching campaigns and using game days to pressure the Broncos to prioritize keeping Jones in Denver. Demands to Pay Player from the Denver Broncos Fans explores the passion behind this movement, why Jones is worth the investment, and how fans are making their voices heard.

Demands to Pay Player from the Denver Broncos Fans begins with the on-field impact that made Jones a fan favorite overnight. Before Jones’ arrival, the Broncos’ defense ranked 24th in sacks and struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks—a weakness that cost them close games against the Chiefs and Raiders. But Jones changed everything: in his Broncos debut against the Browns, he recorded 2 sacks and forced a fumble, helping the team secure a critical 24-17 win. In Week 12’s upset of the Chiefs, he harassed Patrick Mahomes all game, tallying 1.5 sacks and a pass deflection that led to an interception. For fans, Jones isn’t just a talented player—he’s a difference-maker who has turned a good defense into a great one. “Chris Jones is the reason we’re in the playoff race,” said Mike Torres, a lifelong Broncos fan who attends every home game. “Before he got here, we couldn’t stop anyone. Now, teams are scared to play us. If the Broncos let him walk, they’re letting our playoff hopes walk too. That’s why we’re screaming ‘Pay him!’ every week.” Fans point to Jones’ leadership, too: he’s taken young defensive linemen like Nik Bonitto under his wing, helping them refine their pass-rush moves and build confidence.

Another key driver of Demands to Pay Player from the Denver Broncos Fans is the fan-led campaigns that have turned the demand into a movement. In Week 13, fans organized a “Jones for the Long Haul” protest outside Empower Field before the Broncos’ game against the Patriots, holding signs that read “$25M/Year or Bust” and “Keep Jones in Blue.” Inside the stadium, sections of fans wore custom “Pay Jones” T-shirts, and the crowd chanted his name during key defensive plays. On social media, the hashtag #PayChrisJones has been used over 50,000 times in the last month, with fans tagging Broncos general manager George Paton and team president Damani Leech in posts urging action. Local radio stations have amplified the message, hosting call-in shows where fans debate the contract numbers and argue that Jones is worth every penny. “We’re not just yelling into the void—we’re making sure the front office hears us,” said Sarah Lopez, a fan who helped organize the Week 13 protest. “We’ve seen the Broncos let great players leave before—Von Miller, Demaryius Thomas—and we’re not going to let it happen again. Chris Jones is a franchise player, and he deserves a franchise contract.”

A critical aspect of Demands to Pay Player from the Denver Broncos Fans is the financial reality of Jones’ value—and why fans believe the investment is worth it. The top defensive tackles in the NFL—players like Aaron Donald and Quinnen Williams—earn \(25-30 million per year, and fans argue Jones belongs in that tier. While the Broncos currently have limited salary cap space (\)12 million projected for 2025), fans point out that the team could restructure existing contracts (like Russell Wilson’s $53 million cap hit) to free up money for Jones. “It’s about priorities,” said Jake Miller, a Broncos fan and sports finance analyst. “The Broncos can afford to pay Jones if they want to. They just need to make him a priority over other, less impactful players. Fans understand the cap isn’t infinite, but we also know that franchise players don’t come around often—and Jones is one of them.” For the Denver Broncos, the fan pressure comes at a time when the team is trying to balance short-term playoff success with long-term financial stability. But fans argue that keeping Jones is the best way to do both: he’ll keep the defense competitive for years, making the Broncos a destination for other free agents and keeping ticket sales strong.

Another important element of Demands to Pay Player from the Denver Broncos Fans is the fear of history repeating itself. Broncos Country still remembers the pain of losing star players like Miller (traded to the Rams in 2022) and safety Justin Simmons (who nearly left in free agency in 2023) due to contract disputes. Those losses contributed to the team’s two-year playoff drought, and fans don’t want to see the same mistake made with Jones. “We watched the defense fall apart after Von left,” said Torres. “We can’t let that happen again. Chris Jones is the new face of our defense, and if we lose him, we’re back to square one.” Fans also worry that letting Jones return to the Chiefs (his former team) or sign with another AFC West rival would give those teams a competitive edge—something the Broncos can’t afford in a division as tough as the AFC West. “Imagine Jones playing for the Chiefs again, sacking Russell Wilson twice a year,” Lopez said. “That’s a nightmare scenario for every Broncos fan. Paying him now is cheaper than dealing with that heartbreak later.” For the Denver Broncos, this fan fear is valid: losing Jones would not only weaken the defense but also damage the trust between the team and its supporters—a trust that has only recently been rebuilt.

Wrapping up Demands to Pay Player from the Denver Broncos Fans is the message fans want to send to the front office: this is about more than money—it’s about commitment. Fans don’t just want the Broncos to pay Jones; they want the team to show they’re serious about winning. After years of mediocrity, Jones’ arrival has given Broncos Country hope, and fans are asking the front office to match that hope with action. “We’ve stuck with this team through thick and thin,” Miller said. “We bought tickets when we were 5-12, we wore the jersey when we lost to the Chiefs, and now we’re cheering louder than ever because we finally have a chance to win. Paying Chris Jones is how the Broncos show us they care about that too.” As the Broncos head into the final weeks of the season, the pressure to negotiate a long-term deal with Jones will only grow. For fans, the demand is simple: keep the player who has reignited their love for the team. Demands to Pay Player from the Denver Broncos Fans isn’t just about a contract—it’s about keeping a promise to the fans who have supported the team through everything. And if the Broncos deliver, they’ll not only keep a star player—they’ll keep their fan base for life.