Denver Broncos safety Talanoa Hufagna earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance against the Los Angeles Rams. Hufagna had two interceptions, a game-changing pick-six on Matthew Stafford in the second half and a game-sealing pick on the final play of the game to help deliver a Broncos a much-needed victory in primetime. He also had five tackles, a sack, and 3 passes defended.
After the primetime matchup on Sunday Night Football, Head Coach Sean Payton had high praise for the veteran safety, who earned a game ball from him for his top-tier play.
“He obviously gets a game ball. The interception for the touchdown was the play, just what that does for you and the play at the very end, he’s been such a consistent performer for us and leader. I love him, I love coaching him and I went to give him the game ball in the locker room. I kind of felt that he already had the two prior, so it was more symbolic, but I was happy,” stated Payton.
A free agent acquisition by the Broncos during the 2025 offseason, Hufanga has been an impact player and important player for Vance Joseph’s defense since joining the franchise. According to advanced statistics, the sixth-year safety has been targeted ten times this season but has allowed just three receptions for only 19 yards.
Congratulations to Hufanga for this well-deserved accolade. Hopefully he is able to keep playing at a high level. If so, he certainly has the potential to reclaim his status as an All-Pro player in the NFL.
