Broncos Star Shares Cryptic Emoji After Patriots' Super Bowl Loss

Patrick Surtain's social media post suggests lingering bitterness over Broncos' AFC title game defeat.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 10:31pm

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Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain posted a curious "thinking" emoji on social media shortly after the New England Patriots' lopsided loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 60. The assumption is that Surtain's reaction is a reference to the Broncos' own heartbreaking defeat in the AFC Championship game earlier this season, which cost them a chance at the Super Bowl.

Why it matters

Surtain's reaction suggests the Broncos are still processing their disappointing end to the season, especially after coming so close to a Super Bowl appearance. As a star player, Surtain's lingering bitterness could provide motivation for the team, but also highlights the emotional toll of a season that fell short of expectations.

The details

The Broncos lost to the Patriots in the AFC title game in a Denver snowstorm, a defeat that was especially painful given the Broncos' strong regular season and the fact that they were denied a Super Bowl berth. Surtain, one of the Broncos' best players, appears to still be feeling the sting of that loss, as evidenced by his social media reaction to the Patriots' own Super Bowl defeat.

  • The Broncos lost to the Patriots in the AFC Championship game in January 2026.
  • The Patriots lost to the Seahawks in Super Bowl 60 on February 8, 2026.
  • Surtain posted the "thinking" emoji shortly after the Patriots' Super Bowl loss.

The players

Patrick Surtain

A star cornerback for the Denver Broncos who is still processing the team's disappointing end to the 2025 season.

Bo Nix

The Broncos' starting quarterback, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the AFC title game against the Patriots.

New England Patriots

The team that defeated the Broncos in the AFC Championship game, denying Denver a chance at the Super Bowl.

Seattle Seahawks

The team that handily defeated the Patriots in Super Bowl 60.

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What they’re saying

“Hmm.”

— Patrick Surtain, Broncos Cornerback (Twitter)

What’s next

The Broncos will likely use Surtain's lingering frustration as motivation heading into the 2026 season, as they look to return to the playoffs and make another run at the Super Bowl.

The takeaway

Surtain's social media reaction underscores the emotional toll of the Broncos' disappointing end to the 2025 season, and suggests the team still has unfinished business as they look to bounce back in the coming year.