<
        >

          Nik Bonitto extends Broncos' lead on 50-yard return

          • Jeff Legwold, ESPN Senior WriterDec 15, 2024, 07:22 PM ET
            Close
              Jeff Legwold is a senior writer who covers the Denver Broncos and the NFL at ESPN. Jeff has covered the Broncos for more than 20 years, joining ESPN in 2013. He also assists with NFL draft coverage, including his annual top 100 prospects. Jeff has been a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Selectors since 1999. He has attended every scouting combine since 1987.
            Follow on X

          DENVER -- It seems Denver Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto comes up with crucial, game-winning plays every week.

          He scored his second touchdown in as many games on a 50-yard fumble return as the Colts tried to unpack their trick play bag. On a second-and-7 from the Broncos' 40-yard line -- with the Broncos having just taken a 17-13 lead, their first of the game -- Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson tossed a backward pass out wide to rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.

          Mitchell, however, couldn't find the grip on the ball and looked down as he tried to find the laces. He then elected to try to throw it back to Richardson -- technically a lateral -- and Bonitto darted in front of the Colts quarterback, snatched the ball and returned it for the score.

          It gave the Broncos a 24-13 lead with 12:29 left in the game. Bonitto had an interception return for a touchdown in the Broncos' Week 13 win over the Cleveland Browns.