Broncos and Patriots name honorary captains for AFC title game

January 24, 2026 - 03:32

The Denver Broncos and New England Patriots are bringing iconic figures back into the spotlight for Sunday's high-stakes AFC Championship game. Each team has selected honorary captains whose legacies are deeply woven into the fabric of the historic rivalry.

The Broncos will be represented by Hall of Fame running back Terrell Davis, the engine of Denver’s back-to-back Super Bowl championships in the late 1990s. Davis’s record-setting postseason performances, including a 1997 MVP award, make his presence a powerful symbol for the current squad.

For the Patriots, the honor goes to longtime offensive lineman Matt Light. A cornerstone of three Super Bowl-winning teams during his eleven-year career, Light protected quarterback Tom Brady’s blind side for a decade. His selection underscores the importance of the trenches in a game where physicality will be paramount.

These appointments add a layer of tradition and gravitas to the impending battle, connecting the franchises' proud pasts to their present pursuit of a Super Bowl berth. The presence of such celebrated alumni is sure to electrify the crowd and inspire the players on the field for this critical playoff contest.