Broncos rookie Jonah Coleman eyes first NFL attendance against Chiefs

Denver Broncos running back Jonah Coleman has confirmed that his first attendance at an NFL match will coincide with the team’s season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. The rookie, who was selected in the fourth round (108th overall) of the 2026 NFL draft in April, revealed during an appearance on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football that he had never attended a professional game prior to being drafted.

Coleman, who hails from Stockton, California, located just over an hour outside of Santa Clara, home of the San Francisco 49ers, stated he deliberately avoided attending games until securing his place in the league. "I'm not gonna go to an NFL game until I make it to the NFL," Coleman said, noting that the upcoming Week 1 clash would mark his first time watching the sport live as a participant.

The running back expressed significant enthusiasm about joining the Broncos under head coach Sean Payton. Coleman cited stylistic and philosophical parallels between Payton and his former Washington Huskies coach, Jedd Fisch, suggesting these shared values would facilitate a smooth adaptation to the professional level. He noted that Fisch had previously worked with Payton, creating a familiar coaching environment both on and off the field.

While Coleman’s professional debut is imminent, fans will have their first opportunity to observe him in offensive drills when the Broncos commence training camp later this summer. The 2026 NFL draft took place in April, with Coleman’s selection marking his entry into the league after a collegiate career at Washington.

Social media activity surrounding Coleman’s draft selection and upcoming season has been active, with posts from late April and May 2026 highlighting his excitement for the Chiefs matchup. The Broncos’ preparation for the regular season begins with this critical opening fixture, setting the stage for Coleman’s initial contributions to the team’s backfield.